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Happy Sunday friends,
There are some places in the world that simply feel different.
We just arrived back at our mountain home in North Georgia, and I can’t even begin to tell you how happy this place makes me. The moment we pull into the driveway, something inside me shifts. My shoulders drop. My breath slows. My heart feels lighter.
Sometimes I find myself wondering…
Is it possible that one place can bring you this much joy?
This house doesn’t feel like just a location on a map. It feels more like destiny. A place where memories are being written in real time. A place where laughter echoes a little louder and the simple moments somehow feel bigger.
It’s where I feel peaceful.
It’s where I feel grounded.
It’s where I feel most like myself.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to live a good life.
For many years, I think most of us believed there were two paths to that: happiness or meaning. Happiness through comfort, joy, and the little pleasures of life… and meaning through purpose, connection, and trying to leave the world a little better than we found it.
Both beautiful pursuits.
But recently I read something that really made me pause. Researchers are now talking about a third path to a fulfilling life - what they call a “psychologically rich life.”
A life filled with curiosity.
With exploration.
With experiences that shift your perspective.
Not always easy. Not always comfortable. Sometimes even challenging. But deeply enriching.
That idea really resonated with me.
At this stage of life, I find myself asking bigger questions.
Does my life have true meaning?
Am I giving more than I’m taking?
Am I living as joyfully and fully as I can?
But maybe those questions miss something important.
A rich life isn’t always the easiest life.
Growth often shows up wearing the clothes of discomfort. Change can feel messy. The most meaningful chapters of our lives often come with challenges attached.
And that’s okay.
Life doesn’t ask us to pick only one path.
Some days are deeply meaningful.
Some nights are simply joyful.
And other moments... the ones that stretch us, surprise us, or make us curious again - are what make life psychologically rich.
If I’m being honest, my life lately has probably leaned more toward that third path.
Healing, slowing down, rethinking things, exploring new interests… even wandering through thrift stores searching for treasures and imagining the stories behind them.
Yes - apparently, researchers even recommend thrifting as a way to embrace play and curiosity in life!
And you know what? I think they might be onto something.
Because whether it’s discovering a vintage tablecloth that inspires a whole new tablescape, trying a new recipe for Sunday dinner, or simply sitting quietly on the porch here in the mountains watching the clouds roll over the lake…
Those small moments of curiosity and discovery add up.
They make life feel fuller.
More textured.
More alive.
And when we gather around the table together - sharing stories, laughter, and food - that richness multiplies.
So this week I’m leaning into all three paths.
Joy.
Meaning.
And a little curiosity along the way.
Because sometimes the richest life is simply the one where we keep exploring.
And of course… we do it together around the table.
From my kitchen to yours,
Isabel 🫶
This Week’s Sunday Supper Menu
Being back in the mountains always makes me crave something cozy and comforting. There’s something about the cool mountain air that calls for a meal that slowly fills the house with incredible aromas.
One of my absolute favorites for nights like this is my Beef Chuck Roast - the recipe so many of you have made and loved over the years. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for gathering everyone around the table.
Serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible gravy
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- And of course… a good glass of red wine
It’s the kind of meal that encourages everyone to linger just a little longer at the table - and those are always my favorite nights.
If you’re looking for something comforting to make this weekend, this is the one!
Because sometimes the best moments in life are the simplest ones…
And if you're in the mood for more cozy comfort food, here are a few of our favorite Sunday Supper roasts to try next.
- Eye of Round Roast
- Chuck Roast Stew
- Pork Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
- Mississippi Pot Roast
- Sirloin Tip Pot Roast
- Barbacoa
Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!
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