Work, Rest, and Gratitude

When we practice all three

The holiday season is officially upon us.

Several weeks ago, as Molly and I (Emily) planned our upcoming letters, we discussed the end of the year and what message we wanted to leave you with for this holiday season. And the answer was two-fold: gratitude and rest.

One of my favorite newsletters, which is actually quite new, is Tish Harrison Warren’s with the New York Times. Her most recent edition is on how to “exercise your thankfulness muscles,” emphasizing that the best way to be grateful is to intentionally take note of “big and small graces in your day.”

This practice of intentional gratitude is perfect for the holiday season. As our year comes to a close, we reflect on what has impacted us the most. And sometimes, it is the small moments of joy that will jump out as what has become essential.

Via @MorganHarperNichols

As I write this week’s letter, my daughter is settling in for her afternoon nap and I have just put a batch of homemade apple cider on the stove in anticipation of a Friendsgiving get-together this evening. It sounds idyllic, and it is to some extent. I say it all the time, and I mean it: I love my quiet little life. And as I reflected on this year, I took note of my small joys.

Molly and I began this weekly newsletter in May, borne out of a really difficult year. And so many of you—our readers and our contributors alike—have expressed the same desire of a community that was processing all the collective hardships and changes from the previous year.

Here is our original intent for The Learning Curve from our first letter in May:

Molly and Emily created The Learning Curve as a place for women to share curiosities, joys, and learnings through story. In our weekly newsletter, you will hear from a collection of contributors about womanhood, passions, and awareness. We will also share our favorite things that get us through each day—the small joys in life, which buoy us along the way.

Emily and her daughter last fall on a walk in their neighborhood

We hope we have delivered on that initiative. One of Molly’s and my greatest joys from this past year has certainly been The Learning Curve. It has given us so much pleasure to seek out, read, and put together this collection of letters from women of so many different backgrounds. We’ve covered topics ranging from the difficulties of parenting during covid, recipes as a creative outlet, the importance of a positive body image, to recommendations for great books and other newsletters.

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

Thornton Wilder

Molly and I are signing off for the remainder of the year—to rest and recharge and fully enjoy the holidays with our families.

We are so grateful to you and for you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for every like, share, and comment. Thank you for contributing to this community.

We have so much more planned for The Learning Curve when we return in January. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Hannukah, and Christmas.

With gratitude,

Emily

P.S. Austin Kleon has a customizable gratitude zine, which might be a fun Thanksgiving activity for you and the fam this week.