A Piece of My Mind - December
What I’m cooking, reading, and practicing to reflect on the year and welcome 2025!
Welcome to the Michelle Seguin MD newsletter. I’m Dr. Michelle—thank you for being a part of this growing community! As the year draws to a close, I’ll reflect on the lessons and joys of 2024 and share some inspiration to help you step into the new year with clarity and intention.
Hello friends (old & new),
As the year winds down, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the lessons, joys, and challenges of 2024. There’s something grounding about pausing to honor the growth that’s taken place, while also planting seeds of intention for the year ahead. I hope this letter inspires you to do the same.
Here’s a collection of what’s resonating with me as I look back on this year and prepare for the next.
With gratitude,
Dr. Michelle
A Piece of My Mind
Welcome to this space, where I share quick updates on what I’m learning, doing, and loving as we close out each month together. As the newsletter has evolved, this section has become a reader favorite—a playful nod to the beloved JAMA series, which explores the joys, challenges, and hidden truths of practicing medicine. While inspired by those stories, my version leans into the lighter side, celebrating the small, meaningful moments and practices that shape our everyday lives.
What I’m Reading:
📖 You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh
This book has been a gentle yet profound companion this month. It reminds me to embrace the present moment fully, with mindfulness and compassion. As I reflect on the past year, this practice of presence feels especially grounding.
📖 The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
This book has been a guiding light as I plan for more intentional connections in 2025. It explores creating meaningful experiences and building community—a vision that deeply resonates with Savor the Seasons, my new cookbook club. I’m eager to incorporate Parker’s insights into fostering a warm and welcoming space for all at the table.
📖 The Luminous Self by
This transformative book explores the practices and tools to help you reconnect with your inner light and sense of purpose. It’s a beautiful guide for stepping into a new year with clarity and presence. This book inspired my word for 2025: Illuminate.
What I’m Practicing:
Intentional mornings. My winter mornings now include journaling, a steaming cup of coffee (or tea), and quiet reflection. Starting the day with gratitude has been transformative as I navigate this season of stillness and growth.
What I’m Excited About:
My new seasonal cookbook club, Savor the Seasons, is launching in January! The feedback and enthusiasm I’ve already received have been so heartwarming, and I’m thrilled to welcome all the new subscribers who’ve joined us for this journey. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their input—your ideas helped us find the perfect name for this special project.
This club is a space to explore food as medicine, celebrate the seasons, and connect over shared meals and stories. I encourage you to invite friends or family who might enjoy this experience—the more, the merrier! Together, we can inspire each other to live and eat well with the seasons.
What I’m Cooking:
This colorful, savory Carrot Galette from
’s latest book, The Yearlong Pantry, has been a delicious and visually stunning addition to my table this winter. The recipe highlights vibrant carrots, layered with warming spices, whipped feta, and baked to perfection in a flaky crust. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate seasonal produce while bringing something special to the table.
Would you like to see The Yearlong Pantry featured in the 2025 cookbook club? Let me know—I’d love your input!
What I’m Happy to Share
I was gifted a bottle of Amy Chaplin’s Holiday Wellness Syrup for Christmas, and I’ve loved using it to make seasonal mocktails. The vibrant crimson hue from hibiscus adds a festive touch, while its nourishing ingredients bring warmth and cheer. If you’re looking for a wellness-focused addition to your celebrations, I highly recommend it!
Words to Carry into the New Year
As we step into the new year, I want to leave you with a poem that has been a source of inspiration and reflection for me this season. Mary Oliver’s words always remind me of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of living with intention. Here’s an excerpt from her poem The Journey:
"One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice…
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice,
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do—
determined to save
the only life you could save."
May these words inspire you to listen to your inner voice and embrace the year ahead with clarity and purpose.
As always, I’m so grateful to share this space with you. Wishing you moments of reflection, joy, and peace as you close out 2024 and step into 2025 with clarity and intention.
With love and care,
Dr. Michelle
Physician, Gardener, Home Cook, and Forever Curious
P.S. Spread the word! If you know someone who would love to cook along with us, please share this newsletter so they can join in the fun. Let’s make this a year of flavorful, seasonal living together. Thank you!
I'm excited for your new cookbook club and discussing all things nutrient-dense food!!!
I so enjoyed your collection as we close out the year. I, too, have the Art of Gathering sitting next to me with the intention of cultivating community throughout this coming year. I can't wait to hear more about the cookbook club.