Tag: mental-health

step outside this summer

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There is something about summer that makes me want to spend every free minute outside.

Maybe it’s the longer days, the warm evenings, or simply the feeling that there is no reason to rush inside. Summer has a way of making the everyday things feel a little more special, and lately, I’ve been trying to soak up as much of it as I can. Summers can be busy, but I love forcing myself to sit down and relax.

Before work, I’ll spend a few quiet minutes watering everything in the garden while enjoying my morning coffee. It’s such a simple part of my routine, but there is something about being outside first thing in the morning that puts me in the best mood. The birds are usually singing, everything feels fresh, and for a few minutes, I can forget about the emails waiting for me and just enjoy the start of a new day.

After work, you’ll usually find me outside again.

There is nothing better than sitting in the backyard with my book, a glass of wine, and nowhere I need to be. I love those long summer evenings when dinner can wait and the light seems to linger just a little bit longer. Sometimes I’ll read for an hour, sometimes I’ll just sit and enjoy the quiet. Either way, it feels like the perfect way to end the day.

One of my favorite things about summer is being able to step outside and pick what I need for dinner. A handful of basil, some fresh herbs, maybe a few tomatoes—it doesn’t get much better than using something you’ve just picked from your own garden. Even the simplest meal feels a little more special when you can walk outside and gather a few ingredients yourself.

I think that’s what I love most about summer. It doesn’t take much to make an ordinary day feel like something worth remembering.

A cup of coffee outside.

Bare feet in the grass.

Fresh herbs for dinner.

An hour with a good book.

A glass of wine as the sun goes down.

We spend so much of the year moving from one thing to the next, and summer feels like a little reminder to slow down and enjoy where we are.

So this summer, I’m making a point to step outside a little more. To take my coffee with me. To read outside instead of on the couch. To linger over dinner. To pick flowers and herbs from the garden. To notice the sunset.

Nothing complicated. Nothing that needs to be planned.

Just more time outside, enjoying the little things that make this season so good.

Friday Favorites 4.24

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This week felt long yet also went by quickly. Anyone else? I’ve also tried to be more intentional about doing housework during the week to free up my weekends, and now I have too much time on my hands. For the first time, I don’t know what to do with all of this free time! I’ve been reading before bed and spending time building my ShopMy account. Also, a sign that I am an adult is that I’m excited to go to the gym and grocery store on Saturday. Don’t judge! I just love waking up early and being productive on a Saturday and then having a lazy Sunday. Nothing better!

Stopped at the grocery store on my way from home on Tuesday and got a container of strawberries. It might be the highlight of my week to have fresh fruit to snack on again.

Grabbing an Aperol Spritz on a Friday after work. Bonus points that we were able to sit outside and enjoy that it was still sunny after 7pm.

Choosing to make simple and easy dinners this week with a glass of wine this week.

My step count has been very high this week. I can start to feel my body getting stronger, and my legs are also hating me and begging for a break after two days of 12k steps in a row.

Repurchased this face moisturizer to use under my makeup daily.

Still loving this face wash, especially now that my face is starting to get sweaty with the warmer temperatures.

Speaking of warmer temperatures, hello humidity! Picked up this spray for my hair to prevent frizz and keep my hair smooth.

Started Euphoria this week, and I have a lot of thoughts…..

Not technically a show, but I have been listening to the Call Her Daddy podcast during my commute to work. I used to listen to a lot of news and current event podcasts; however, the pivot has been refreshing.

The Noah Kahan album came out, and I can already tell it’s going to be a sad summer….

Still loving and reading the Plated Prisoner series this week!

entering my anti-hustle era

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“I think I’m done,” I said one morning when I woke up. I was still in bed, and my eyes were half open. My alarm is going off, and I’m hitting the snooze button without looking. This was a few weeks ago, when I had the internal conversation that I was ready to leave my job. I didn’t want to quit, but I also knew I wanted to quit my job. My job had a lot more positives than negatives. I loved my team, my students, and what I had accomplished over the last four years. But my body told me that morning that I was done.

Now, finding a job in this economy? Challenging. But I also gave myself time to be picky. Looking at job listings that I knew I could do, but did I really want to do that? In our twenties, we hustle constantly. Work hard to learn new skills, get better roles, and use our free time to socialize as much as we can. My thirties have been all about how I can do the least: weekends that are relaxing, jobs that have boundaries, and extra money goes into savings.

After a few months of looking and, more importantly, being picky, I found a job. One that allows me to use my skillset and also have a life outside of work. After I put in my three-week notice, I started to doubt myself. Should I really leave? I hate change. So why am I changing things? I’ll admit I’m a little scared – but more importantly, looking forward to being challenged. When we have a job where we are not challenged and feel limited, it’s time to go. I had done everything I could in my previous role, and it was time for someone else to take it to the next level.

I’m also excited to have a job that allows me to do more during the day than just work. I love going to the gym or going on a long walk after work. Make time for laundry during the week so my weekends are free for relaxing or activities. I did the hustle thing in my twenties – working multiple jobs to make ends meet and chase promotions. Now in my thirties, I want hobbies, time with my husband, and not to feel tired all the time!

I’m also excited to have more time for this little corner of the internet!

Soft Life – My Word of the Year for 2026

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I wasn’t planning on writing a resolutions post this year like I usually do. I have so many intentions for this season of life, but none of them felt like they could be wrapped up neatly into one word. Last year, I chose peace, and when I reread that post recently, it stopped me in my tracks.

One of my favorite things about a new year is the perspective it gives you. In the moment, it’s easy to feel stuck or like nothing is really changing—but a year later, you can see just how much growth was happening quietly in the background. At the beginning of last year, if I’m being honest, I felt a little scared. I knew I needed change, but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like.

Looking back now, it’s wild to realize how much unfolded. Almost everything I hoped for in 2025 actually happened. I fell back in love with reading. I gave myself permission to spend time alone and truly rest. I said yes to plans with friends—and we traveled a lot. When I sat down to make a year-in-review TikTok, I couldn’t even fit everything into one short video.

“New year, new me” is such a cliché, but the truth is—I really like who I am right now. Slowing down, letting go of pressure, and choosing to actually enjoy my life changed more than I expected. And as I step into this new year, that feeling is something I want to hold onto.

Choosing a word for the year sets the tone and direction of where I want to go. Last year when I chose the word peace, it honestly helped shape so much of my year: slowing down, boundaries, saying “no”, choosing to invest time in what really matters, and leaning into calm when I could find it. So what word for this year?

Soft Life

Okay, so like technically it’s two words, but hear me out! For me, soft life isn’t about being fragile or avoiding responsibility. It’s about choosing ease, intention, comfort, and joy over pressure and noise. It’s about building a life that feels good while you’re living it, not just feels good when you pause to look back. Last year, my nighttime routine became my favorite part of the day. At a certain time each night, I showered, did my skincare, put on comfy pajamas and got into bed with a book. I read a lot last year. More than 50 books and it became my favorite part of the day – to forget about the world and live in a fantasy one.

I’ve always believed that home, routines, and little rituals shape how we feel — like choosing warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights, keeping cozy blankets within reach, or making sure your space feels restful instead of cluttered. Those intentional choices rippled into how I lived last year and how I want to live this year, too. I kept our home cozy and clean, so when we were home, we really could enjoy it. I also have been on a deep cleaning and purging journey this past year, and we got rid of so much clutter.

This year, I am looking forward to:

  • Slow mornings with coffee and a book or coffee
  • Using candles for lighting instead of overhead lighting
  • A home that feels cozy
  • Prioritizing rest without feeling guilty
  • Move slower because we don’t need to rush
  • Use the good things now and not save for a special occasion
  • A social calendar that doesn’t feel overwhelming
  • Reading books to get lost in a fantasy world
  • Weekends with nothing to do
  • Move my body more
  • Continue eating only whole foods
  • Romanticise the ordinary moments
  • Say no more

Why This Word Now

Last year taught me that peace isn’t just a moment — it’s a practice. And this year, I want that practice to stretch into how I organize my space, spend my time, care for my body, and show up for the people I love.

I want to romanticize the ordinary — making simple things feel meaningful. I want to turn down the noise and enjoy the small, quiet wins: afternoon coffee in a sunny spot, evenings lighting a scented candle after a long day, and showing up fully for the people who matter.

Here’s to a Soft 2026

Choosing Soft Life isn’t a one-and-done intention — it’s a gentle invitation to live life with more grace, more ease, and more presence. It’s about giving ourselves the permission to enjoy the moment we’re in — not just the moments we’re waiting for.

So here’s to a soft year —
soft mornings
soft routines
and soft hearts.

I can’t wait to share it with you. 💛