Happy New Year!
We made it.
Benji and I survived the holidays, and honestly? We did pretty much nothing. No packed schedules. No productivity marathons. No pressure to turn rest into a checklist. We had grand ideas about what this quiet stretch might look like, but what actually happened was slower and better.
Winter has a way of demanding that from us. The days are short, the light takes its sweet time showing up, and the cold settles in deep. We’re still very much in the thick of winter, no matter what the calendar says. And while January loves to shout new goals, new habits, new everything, Benji and I are still moving at the pace of bare trees and sleeping gardens.
Everything outside knows this truth: winter is for resting.
That doesn’t mean we give up on ourselves or spend the next three months living on cookies (although… no judgment). It means we honor the season we’re in. Rest comes first. Nourishment follows. Reflection happens naturally when we stop forcing momentum.
This time of year is about tending, not pushing.
We nourish our minds by letting them be quiet.
We nourish our bodies with warming, grounding food.
We nourish our souls by allowing ourselves to be exactly where we are.
Benji, my delicate little flower, is not a fan of the cold. He makes that very clear every single morning. Yet somehow, he always manages to convince me to go outside during the day. He’ll stand there, leash in mouth, giving me that look that says, You need fresh air. I’ll tolerate it if you will.
My brave little soldier.
We bundle up, take a short walk, breathe in the winter air, and rush back inside where warmth awaits. And yes, he gets a treat. Rewards are part of the journey, for both of us.
This slower rhythm has reminded me that nourishment isn’t just about what we eat, but how we live. Still, a warm meal doesn’t hurt, especially when it’s made with love and shared with your pup.
So to start this new year gently, here’s a dog-friendly winter stew that’s perfect for cold days, post-walk snuggles, and reminding your dog they are very loved.
Benji’s Cozy Winter Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium bone broth (no onion or garlic)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add carrots, green beans, sweet potato, brown rice, and liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until rice and vegetables are soft.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Serving Tip:
Scoop according to your dog’s size and dietary needs. This stew can be served alone or mixed with your dog’s regular food.
As this new year unfolds, Benji and I are choosing warmth over rushing, nourishment over pressure, and rest over expectation. There will be time for intentions and plans, but winter reminds us that slowing down is not falling behind.
Here’s to a gentle beginning, cozy bowls, muddy paws, and honoring the season exactly as it is.
Happy New Year from Joan & Benji 🤍
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