Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1541791
12 DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026 | DENVER CATHOLIC DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026 | DENVER CATHOLIC 12 A large (and growing) body of metadata across multiple sci- entific disciplines attests to the power of "mindfulness" or, more plainly, attention and openness to the present moment. I wasn't necessarily trying to be extra mindful in the winter of 2024; we simply had less rushing, planning, prepping and people-pleas- ing to do than before. And toddlers are so darn cute — especially during the holidays! Putting down my phone and really watching their expressions as they mixed cookie dough was a reward in itself. Marveling together at the huge, fluffy flakes as they gath- ered in the grass felt like waking up with a clear mind for the first time in years. What happened that week between Christmas and New Year's as I gradually became accustomed to looking up and out at my sweet young family, rather than bracing myself for the tension and dysfunction I so recently believed was a normal part of family gatherings? I found that things around me were free, easy, wholesome and rich. I found that I was living the life my younger self had only dreamed about. I discovered that God had been good — really good. There were two sets of big, blue eyes looking at me as they widened in wonder at our glittering tree. Two sets of plump, rosy cheeks to keep warm as we tumbled in delight through a snowy backyard. A husband with a goofy laugh whose strong arms I'm lucky to call home. Every moment I looked around me and truly soaked in the circumstances in which God placed me, I was even more amazed, more at peace, more energized and more joyful. I found myself wanting to share those exhausting toddler dance parties with my daughter as we played Jingle Bell Rock for the 15 th time that day. I was able to pour further attention and love into my family, and I experienced tenfold joy in return. Every moment I looked around me and truly soaked in the circumstances in which God placed me, I was even more amazed, more at peace, more energized and more joyful.