13 simple ideas for a forthcoming Sunday

Finding joy and rest at home

These days I love Sundays extra hard. My strategic advisory work has been full throttle the past few months, so Saturday is often spent catching up on podcast production, writing, and various forms of adulting. On Sundays I lean into rest.

And while I’m typically meh about manufactured holidays, knowing that this past Sunday was Mother’s Day did bring about further awareness to cultivate my day — to not do anything that felt dreaded or obligatory. Today I’m sharing what felt lovely — it’s a classic Christine Koh blend of finding delight in relaxing and also getting a few satisfying things done. I hope this fuels some ideas for how to craft a day that’s aligned with your interests and delights!

Before I get started, it’s worth noting that I told my family I didn’t need any kind of fanfare or outing because that’s genuinely how I roll, and also because they give me plenty on the regular. I know I am tremendously lucky in this respect!

1. Jon made me a delicious coffee

I appreciate acts of service so much and I looooove having a warm beverage delivered to me. I started the day with a delicious coffee made by Jon, enjoyed on the couch while in my jammies under a blanket.

2. I started a new book

I have been on an incredible book run (I might do a midyear roundup of my favorites because wow, so many good ones!) and started a new book while sipping my coffee. The best.

3. I texted some moms

I took a few minutes to text some Mother’s Day well wishes. The women in my orbit are amazing.

4. I did a 30-minute stretch sequence

As I mentioned, work has been a bit intense (in good ways) lately and my body has been tired. I can’t remember the last time I did a deep stretch sequence and I was extra sore on Sunday since I went to a row/strength class on Saturday. I wanted to try something new so I searched on YouTube for a 30-minute full body stretch and this one was great. I actually started groaning loudly when I got to the adductor stretches! Added bonus: there are two dogs in the video.

5. Vi made me a killer tortilla omelet

Vi makes an incredible tortilla omelet that includes edges of crispy cheese and all of my favorite ingredients. I have intentionally not crept behind her at the stove because I never want to know how she puts it together! She made me one for brunch and it was spectacular.

6. I did some mom-related gift ideation

I recently needed to do something I haven’t done in a while: I bought a suite of gifts for a new mom. I have another new mom to gift and don’t want to replicate what I just did (because the gift recipients are sisters LOL), so I ideated on another lovely, useful trio of gifts. I also did some flower delivery research for another mom friend.

7. I exfoliated and lotioned myself head to toe

I only ever do this on Sundays (in tandem with my weekly hair washing) but occasionally I miss a week so it felt great to do it!

8. I started to assemble donation items

I have been wanting to assemble and donate clothing, books, etc., for some time now. I started the process in my closet with the ultimate gift to myself — getting rid of jeans that no longer fit me. Liberate yourself, people!

9. I called my Mom

What a bright spirit my Mom is. I thanked her for sticking with it to birth me (I am the 6th of 7 kids), and then we talked about all sorts of other things including the fact that for her church lunch, the men did all the cooking, serving, and cleanup. This is a significant Korean patriarchy reversal move, even if just for an afternoon. I was impressed!

10. I got dirty

Jon was working on something in our tiny backyard and when I poked my head outside, I was stunned by how gorgeous it was out. I immediately changed my clothes, tossed on gloves, and weeded two areas for native pollinator planting I’m planning on later this month. So satisfying.

11. I vacuumed my office

Not a sexy task, but Jon recently bought a new rug for my office and there’s been a lot of preliminary pilling. It took one minute to vacuum and it felt great!

12. I made potato soup for Vi (while having a “make it work” kitchen moment)

Earlier in the weekend Vi asked if I could make a potato soup recipe I developed (after trying a version at a restaurant that was outstanding). I didn’t have all of the specific ingredients (e.g., apple cider, bacon) in my recipe so it was a fun “make it work” exercise to make do with what I had. And I think the version I made on Sunday was an improvement on the original!

13. I took a brief walk down memory lane

I’m in a phase of awe watching my kids grow and be the awesome humans they are. Vi is having an amazing first year of high school — she just seems so comfortable and has lovely friends. Laurel is graduating from college this coming weekend. It’s hard not to think of them as tiny babies in these big moments and I was reminded of this collage I put together nearly 10 years ago. The impetus being that — in the face of continued “Are you the nanny?” questions — I wanted to view a side by side of me (left) with Laurel (top right) and Violet (bottom left).

I also love this picture, taken the day Vi was born.

Here’s to more days that feel like Sunday!