For some reason, when life gets busy, journaling and practicing gratitude goes in the back burner. It’s not intentional. I’m not purposefully saying I don’t want to prioritize this practice. But I think because it’s a practice that requires more time from me, not to mention a direct view into thoughts I may be avoiding, it’s something I let fall off the habit train.

However, there is a reason why gratitude practices are so popular. Being grateful for everything— from simply waking up (which, let’s face it, just being born is a miracle and something we should ALL be celebrating), to the people around us, to even the moments where things go “wrong” (reminder: rejection is redirection), practicing gratitude is the mental reframing that can benefit us all.

The moment you can shift your mindset from “why did this happen to me?” or “only bad things happen to me,” to “I’m grateful for the lessons this is teaching me” and “I’m grateful this is redirecting me to a different path” you become unstoppable.

And I don’t mean this in a toxic positivity way. Bad things can, and very likely will, still happen. We don’t have to pretend that isn’t the case or that things aren’t painful sometimes. But we can choose to focus on things to be grateful for.

Perhaps it’s a lesson learned, or a new opportunity you would’ve otherwise missed. Maybe it’s gratitude for the time we had with someone, or the person we became while we went through a journey. I have a feeling if you look for it, there will be something to be grateful for.

Now there’s the obvious: being grateful for our wins.

I’ll admit, I often get so caught up on moving onto the next thing and checking off the next box or accomplishing a new goal that I don’t stop and practice gratitude for what I already have. It’s easy to get wrapped up in wanting more, but it’s especially important to stop and acknowledge how far you’ve already come.

Energy flows where attention goes, and if we can focus more on gratitude, the things to be grateful for will inevitably multiply. So if you have a long list of goals you’re trying to accomplish, take some time to first acknowledge, celebrate, and be thankful for the ones you’ve already completed. This not only fuels momentum to keep going, it gets you in a positive mindset to attract even better things.

All of this to say, I think it’s time you add a gratitude practice to your routine (if you haven’t already done so).

And because I love homework (not the boring kind, the one that actually makes you feel better): write down three things you’re grateful for right now. You can do it in the comments section, your notes app, a post-it, a journal… you name it. Just take the time today to start practicing gratitude for all you have.

And in case I don’t say it enough:
I’m grateful for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with my content.
Thank you for being a part of this community.

Forever grateful to have an outlet to express my thoughts and desires, and for those joining me on this journey. 🤍

Not in the dramatic, reinvent-your-whole-life way.
But in the quieter, more honest way.

The kind where you sit with yourself and realize you’ve outgrown a version of who you were — and you’re not entirely sure who you’re becoming yet.

I’m in a season of redefining.

Redefining what success looks like.
Redefining what productivity means to me.
Redefining how visible I want to be — and why.

For a long time, I thought becoming more visible meant becoming louder. Posting more. Sharing more. Performing more.

But what if visibility isn’t about volume?
What if it’s about alignment?
What if becoming more visible is actually about becoming more honest?

That’s what this season feels like for me — expanding, yes. But expanding inward first. Letting myself take up space in a way that feels intentional instead of reactive.

And that’s why I wanted to write this here.

Because Cultivating Mindful Moments isn’t meant to be another stream of content. It’s meant to be a place where we practice living on purpose. Where we notice the small shifts. Where we allow ourselves to evolve — gently.

I don’t have everything figured out. In fact, that’s part of what I’m learning to be okay with.

I’m learning that identity isn’t something we lock in. It’s something we cultivate.

Through rituals.
Through small choices.
Through the way we start our mornings.
Through the way we speak to ourselves when no one else is listening.

If you’re here, maybe you’re redefining something too.

Maybe you’re:

• Outgrowing an old version of yourself.

• Craving more intention.

• Wanting to feel inspired again.

• Ready to show up differently — but in a way that feels true.

If that’s you, I’m really glad you’re here.

This space is going to become more intentional. More rooted in ritual. More centered around building a life that feels meaningful, not just productive.

We’ll talk about routines.
About slowing down without losing momentum.
About creating small, steady practices that support who we’re becoming.

Not perfectly. Not rigidly.

But consistently.

A Ritual for This Week

Since this space is about cultivating mindful moments, I want to start with something simple.

The “Becoming” Check-In

One evening this week:

1. Light a candle (or make a cup of tea if that feels more like you).

2. Sit somewhere quiet for 10 minutes.

3. Journal on this prompt: Who am I becoming — and what does she no longer need to carry?

Don’t overthink it. Let it be messy. Let it surprise you.

Then ask yourself: What small shift can I make this week that aligns with that version of me?

Not a life overhaul. Just a shift.

Maybe it’s:

• Going to bed earlier.

• Saying no to something that doesn’t feel right.

• Sharing something more honestly.

• Starting your morning without your phone.

Small rituals shape identity.

I don’t know exactly what this space will become yet — and that feels exciting instead of scary.

What I do know is this:

I want to build something here that feels grounding.
Expressive.
Connected.
A place we return to.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to know: What are you redefining right now?

You can reply to this email or leave a comment. I read every single one.

We’re not just consuming here. We’re cultivating a mindful life.

I don’t feel rushed the way I used to. I feel ready.

There are still big, unresolved questions sitting with me as I enter this year—especially around career and identity. Who am I becoming? What does alignment actually look like for me? What happens when I stop choosing what’s safe and start choosing what’s true?

I don’t have clean answers yet. But I’m working on them. Intentionally. Tenderly. With more patience than I’ve ever given myself before.

What I do know is that choosing myself has been the bravest thing I’ve ever done. Walking away from a version of life that looked secure on the outside but felt wrong on the inside changed me. It cracked open fears I had been managing for years. And it showed me that the world doesn’t fall apart when you stop abandoning yourself.

One of the biggest illusions that’s been breaking lately is the idea that security comes from certainty. That adulthood is supposed to feel settled, resolved, polished. At 32, I’m realizing that certainty was never the thing keeping me safe—self-trust was. And I’m only just learning how to build that.

Right now, I’m learning to listen to my intuition instead of negotiating with it. To move forward only when something feels like a hell yes. To pause when it doesn’t. To trust that clarity will meet me after I take the step, not before.

This year, I’m carrying softness with me. Courage, too—but not the loud kind. The quiet courage it takes to slow down. To play. To let joy be inefficient. To let my inner child lead without needing her to justify herself.

And I’m leaving a lot behind at 31. Hustle. Overexplaining myself. Proving. Rushing. The need to make my life make sense to everyone else before it makes sense to me.

So here’s my promise to you, 32-year-old me:

I promise to care for your inner child the way she always deserved.
To let her explore, create, and try things just because they feel exciting.
To protect her rest. To listen when she’s tired.
To choose joy without guilt and curiosity without pressure.
To stop asking her to grow up faster just to feel safe.

I promise to keep choosing myself—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Even when the path is unclear.
Even when it would be easier to go back to what I know.

This year isn’t about having it all figured out.
It’s about becoming more myself—slowly, honestly, and with love.

What feels hardest right now is not having a clear identity or title. There’s something deeply unsettling about being asked what you do and not having a neat answer ready. About being visible without certainty. About letting people see you while you’re still figuring it out.

For a long time, I used clarity as protection. A role, a job title, a plan—it all made me feel safe. It gave my overthinking mind something to hold onto. Without it, my thoughts don’t rest easily. They circle. They question. They try to solve something that isn’t meant to be solved yet.

And still, I’m here.

This discomfort asks things of me that don’t come naturally: self-compassion, honesty, courage. It asks me to be gentler with myself when my mind won’t quiet down. To stop demanding certainty from a season that’s meant to be lived, not defined.

What I’m no longer avoiding is my own desire. For so long, I kept it at arm’s length—too impractical, too risky, too inconvenient. I told myself I was being responsible, but really, I was delaying. Avoidance cost me time. Energy. Self-trust. Creativity. Peace.

Sitting with desire is uncomfortable because it requires honesty. It forces me to admit what I want without immediately knowing how to get there. It asks me to stay present instead of jumping ahead.

Being visible in this in-between space still scares me. There’s a part of me that wants to wait until things make more sense. Until I sound more confident. Until the story is easier to explain. But waiting for certainty has never brought me closer to myself.

So I’m learning to let discomfort exist without making it mean I’m doing something wrong. To see it not as a warning sign, but as evidence that I’m stretching into something new.

Growth isn’t comfortable. It doesn’t arrive neatly packaged or fully formed. Sometimes it looks like restlessness. Like doubt. Like sitting with a question instead of rushing toward an answer.

And maybe that’s okay.

Maybe this discomfort isn’t something to escape—but something to move through, slowly, with care.

For a long time, I believed trust was something you earned after you had enough proof—enough savings, enough clarity, enough validation that you were doing the “right” thing. But lately, I’m learning that trust often comes before the proof. Or at least alongside the fear.

I’m learning to trust my intuition. Not the dramatic, urgent voice, but the quieter one that speaks through my body. The one that doesn’t always have words, just a sense of yes or no. The one I used to ignore because it didn’t come with a plan attached.

I’m learning to trust my ability to figure things out as I go. That I don’t need to see the entire path to take the next step. That pivoting doesn’t mean failing—it means responding. It means listening. It means choosing again.

I’m also learning to trust that slowing down won’t ruin my momentum. That rest doesn’t erase progress. That I won’t miss my chance just because I chose to pause. So much of my mistrust came from being rewarded for overworking, praised for being “responsible,” and quietly fearing that disappointing others meant I was doing something wrong.

Unlearning that has been uncomfortable.

A recent example of this trust-in-practice showed up when I decided to take February and March off as a sabbatical. No perfectly mapped-out plan. No pros and cons list the way I usually do things. Just a decision that felt good in my body.

I’m giving myself time to rest. To volunteer for causes I care about. To return to learning about psychology—something I studied, loved deeply, and somehow drifted away from. I’m going ice skating. Signing up for ballet classes. Creating content purely for fun. Letting curiosity lead instead of pressure.

It’s unfamiliar to make a decision without certainty and still stand by it. But it feels honest.

I’m learning to trust that I can be seen while still becoming. That I don’t need to arrive before I’m allowed to exist out loud. That other people’s timelines don’t get to rush mine. That certainty doesn’t equal safety—self-trust does.

And the grounding truth I keep coming back to is this:
I have the power to build my present and my future. My thoughts shape my reality. Everything begins in the mind. And whatever I need, I can create—if I trust myself enough to try.

Trust, for me, isn’t a destination. It’s a relationship. One I’m choosing to show up for, gently, every day.

This season isn’t asking me to prove anything. It’s asking me to listen. To slow down enough to notice what wants to come back to me when I stop filling every moment.

I’m intentionally creating space in small, practical ways. Slower mornings—at least twice a week—where I don’t rush myself into productivity. I’m blocking time on my calendar to do absolutely nothing. Not “catch up,” not “prep,” not “brainstorm.” Just space. Letting my mind wander. Letting creativity arrive instead of being summoned.

I’m making space for not knowing. For boredom. For the uncomfortable quiet that usually makes me reach for my phone or another task. I’m learning that boredom isn’t something to escape—it’s often the doorway to imagination.

I’m also making space for grief. Grief for old versions of myself that felt safer, more certain, more easily understood by others. Letting go doesn’t mean those versions didn’t matter. It just means they don’t get to run the show anymore.

Creatively, I’m opening the door wider than I have in a long time. I’m letting myself try things without needing to be good at them or turn them into content. Ice skating. Ballet classes. Workout classes in studios instead of just at home. Maybe even an acting class—something my younger self would be thrilled about.

I’m creating without posting. Writing without publishing. Making things simply because they want to be made. And I’m consuming more slowly, too—educational podcasts, books, ideas I can sit with instead of scroll past.

At the same time, I’m creating space away from certain things. Away from hustle. Away from being “on.” Away from overexplaining myself so my choices feel more acceptable. I don’t need to narrate my growth in real time for it to be real.

There are small rituals anchoring me here. A mid-morning matcha break that forces me to be present—measuring, whisking, moving with care. Daily walks that remind me my body needs movement without an agenda. Calendar blocks labeled “do nothing,” which might be the most productive thing I’ve added to my week.

This space feels unfamiliar at times. A little stretchy. But it also feels honest.

So here’s my permission slip—to myself, and maybe to you too:

You’re allowed to leave room.
You’re allowed to not know what comes next.
You’re allowed to be bored long enough to remember what you love.
You’re allowed to create without sharing, rest without earning it, and change without explaining.

Making space isn’t falling behind.
It’s how I’m finding my way back.

This feels like a becoming season. Not in a forward-pushing, reinvent-everything way, but in a quieter way. One that looks a lot like going back. Back to what sparked joy before things needed to make sense. Back to who I was before productivity, money, and “figuring it out” became the loudest voices in the room.

I’ve been asking myself what it would look like to become more myself by returning to my roots. To honor my inner child instead of constantly asking her to grow up faster.

And with that comes a lot of letting go.

I’m letting go of the idea that money has to be made in “respectable” ways. That there is one correct path, one acceptable version of success, one story that makes sense to everyone else. I’m releasing the pressure to make my work legible and impressive instead of honest.

I’m letting go of turning every interest into income. Of squeezing joy until it produces something tangible. Some things are allowed to exist simply because they make me feel alive. Some creativity doesn’t need a destination.

I’m letting go of the belief that I should have it all figured out by a certain age. That there’s a deadline I’m racing against. That clarity is something you arrive at and then never question again.

I’m also letting go of the idea that productivity equals value. That I need to constantly be doing in order to deserve rest, praise, or space. I’m learning that my worth doesn’t disappear when I slow down.

I’m letting go of the need to justify my creative work. To explain why it matters. To prove that it’s useful or profitable or “worth it.” Sometimes creation is the point. Sometimes feeling inspired is enough.

There’s a quiet grief in releasing old versions of yourself, even when they no longer fit. I’m letting go of the version of me that kept up appearances. The one who stayed consistent for the sake of being palatable. The one who felt guilty every time she changed her mind.

Because the truth is, changing my mind has been one of the most honest things I’ve done.

What I’m not letting go of is curiosity. Or discipline. Or creativity. I’m not letting go of ambition—I’m just redefining it. And most importantly, I’m not letting go of trust in myself. Even when things feel unclear. Even when the path looks unconventional. Even when I’m still learning what alignment really means.

This season isn’t about having answers. It’s about listening. About remembering what made me feel like me before the world told me who to be.

So here’s my promise to myself:

I will keep choosing curiosity over fear.
I will let joy lead, even when it doesn’t make sense yet.
I will allow myself to grow by returning to what feels true.
And I will trust that becoming doesn’t need to be rushed.

When I first created this account, I felt a strong pull to share content in writing again. For those of you who may not know, I started creating content online through a blog called Dear Moscato. It was my way to connect with others the same way you would on a wine night—no shame, no topic was “too much,” and it always felt like a girls’ night with a glass of Moscato in hand.

Over time, writing took a back seat. Life shifted. I moved to Miami, started a new job, and focused on building a new community. Somewhere along the way, I discovered I also loved creating video content. A YouTube channel was born, while Instagram and TikTok continued to be part of my world.

If you’re thinking, this feels like a lot of pivots, there’s some context you need.

The Context You Need

I’m a Manifesting Generator (10/10 recommend looking into your Human Design), and it wasn’t until recently that I allowed myself to explore things simply because they felt exciting—and to quit when they stopped feeling right.

For a long time, I thought there was something wrong with me for losing interest in things I once loved. I’m a perfectionist, and there’s always been tension between listening to what feels good and doing what I think I should do.

That’s why quitting my corporate job was not an easy or impulsive decision. It was an idea I toyed with for nearly seven years. To the point where even my therapist started calling me out on how many excuses I was making to delay it.

From a young age, I knew I wasn’t meant to build someone else’s dream. I vividly remember telling my dad I’d never work a desk job that sacrificed my happiness for someone else’s success. Spoiler alert: I did exactly that—for ten years—before finally calling it quits.

I’ve always been creative. Not in a traditionally “crafty” way, but in the way that loves building things from scratch, visualizing ideas, and letting my mind wander. Still, I convinced myself that stability lived inside a corporate job and that my desires needed to wait.

The irony? A corporate job doesn’t actually equal stability—especially now. The paycheck may be consistent, but the security often isn’t.

Giving Myself Permission to Feel Aligned

The real reason I couldn’t stay in corporate was misalignment. I woke up every morning with a quiet feeling that something was missing. I was grateful for the paycheck, and I genuinely enjoy working in social media, but it never felt like the full picture.

Creativity doesn’t live in one lane for me. And when you’re working a 9–5, it’s incredibly difficult to explore the many interests you have—especially when they require time, energy, and space to breathe.

Eventually, I realized that the only way my career would ever feel aligned was if I built it myself.

So I left.

And here’s the honest part: I didn’t immediately step into the most aligned version of my work. I jumped into freelancing in the same field I’d been in before because it felt safer. Familiar. Less terrifying. And even though it wasn’t the full creative leap I imagined, I’m still proud of myself for taking it.

What I’ve Learned in the Time I’ve Been Gone

I’ve learned that even though I deeply want a creative life, I’m still unpacking the belief that I need a traditional job to be “worthy.” That belief doesn’t disappear overnight.

I’ve learned that success doesn’t automatically feel aligned just because you leave corporate. Alignment takes experimentation, honesty, and sometimes admitting you’re still searching.

I’ve learned that creativity works best when you remove distractions and “shoulds” and let your mind wander without needing it to be productive or profitable.

I’ve learned that consistency and seasons both matter—and the magic is learning how to honor both without burning yourself out.

And maybe most importantly, I’ve learned that I am far more productive when I rest. That I’m still untangling my identity from my work. That work is something I do—it is not who I am.

There was fear. Around money. Around uncertainty. Around starting over emotionally and practically. There was burnout, comparison, and self-doubt. But the world didn’t end. Life kept moving. I found a way to succeed financially. And I discovered how freeing it feels to realize how many opportunities exist when you’re building something for yourself.

My days feel different now. Lighter. I have more freedom to choose. I’m still figuring out what alignment looks like, but I trust myself more in the process of finding it.

Why I’m Back Here

Substack feels like a slower, more intentional space than social media. A place to think out loud. A way to reconnect with writing. A community I want to rebuild—not perfectly, not consistently, but honestly.

What’s coming next are more reflections. I recently hired a life coach and plan to share what I’m learning along the way. I’m considering a sabbatical—to rest, to explore, to reconnect with the things I love. My 2026 goal is to do everything for my inner child. To try the hobbies I always wanted to as a kid. To create without needing it to lead anywhere.

This is your permission—if you need it—to change paths. To return to something you once loved. To start again without a perfect plan.

I’m glad you’re here. And I’m glad I came back.

What I’m Reading

Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy

Let me start off by saying I have mixed feelings about this book. I actually finished it in about 4 days but I really wanted to DNF for a while there, however, I refuse to quit reading a book so I tried to read it as quickly as I could to get to the “good stuff” as BookTok couldn’t have led me wrong, right?

Well, although this book is very popular on TikTok, it’s definitely not as good (in my opinion) as it’s portrayed. Don’t get me wrong, Noah Riley (the MMC) is 100% book husband material, but the story felt unnecessarily long, the writing felt lazy at times (I caught quite a few mistakes), there were too many characters to keep up with, and the plot twists felt weird. Truthfully, the redeeming quality of this book is that Noah is truly an amazing character, and if it wasn’t for that, I don’t think I’d even be discussing this book right now.

What I’m Loving

A high-protein diet

One of my goals for this year was to eat more protein with every meal. I realized last year that I truly have never made protein a priority and I wanted to ensure I was getting at least 30g of protein per meal. I’ve been following the high-protein recipes on the FORM app and let me tell you, it’s been life-changing. I didn’t realize how undernourished I was before as I never felt fully satisfied or even energized enough.

I have openly discussed my history with ED’s and I’m fully aware that it has massively affected my relationship with food, which is why I chose to prioritize that this year. In full transparency, I have never enjoyed cooking and eating as much as I do now. I am in awe at the difference that properly nourishing your body can make and I am so grateful I’m choosing this for myself this year.

What I’m Prioritizing

Time off social media

I won’t lie, the past few weeks social media has given me a lot of anxiety. It feels like everything is a constant thread of “breaking news” and very few of it is positive. It’s been really affecting my sleep and overall health (I swear by my Oura ring for data) so I’m prioritizing consciously logging off of the apps and spending some time doing things that don’t require my phone, like reading.

My Favorite Mindful Moment

Making homemade pizzas

I have a lot of goals this year, another one of them being to cook more meals at home. Kris and I love to have date nights and cooking together is one of our favorites. We were recently having a pizza craving so we picked up all the ingredients at the grocery store and made our own pizzas and watched Twilight (well, I watched it and Kris fell asleep lol).

Hope this weekly roundup was helpful and if you resonated with any of the above, leave me a comment below or send me a message so we can chat!

What if I told you that a soft, gentle morning routine doesn’t have to be part of your “dream life” because it can be part of your reality right here, right now? Your mornings don’t need to be a rush of trying to get out the door on time without having a single moment to take a deep breath.

When you start your day intentionally, you can set the tone for a calm, centered, and productive day. These moments, what I call Mindful Moments, don’t have to be overly complicated. They’re all about slowing down and doing the mundane tasks with intention.

The Mindful Moments for a Slow Morning

Wake up gently: I personally use the Hatch alarm and love how it helps me wake up slowly with a gradual light, mimicking a sunrise. I also customized my routine to include soft music and affirmations as part of my wakeup. If you don’t have an alarm like the Hatch, try to at least choose an alarm tone that feels more soothing rather than a loud “alert” noise that will make you wake up feeling anxious.

Customize your environment: I’ve talked about how I’ve become a huge fan of soft lighting, and while I think it’s a must for your nighttime routine (helps signal to your body it’s time to start winding down), it’s also great for your morning routine. The soft lighting will help your body slowly adjust to the brightness and get ready to start the day. Extra bonus if you can add some nice, soothing music (unless you prefer silence, which is also totally fine!).

Connect with nature: I’m a huge fan of going on a walk first thing in the morning (I also don’t have much of a choice as my dogs need to go out lol) and breathing in some fresh air, taking in the sunlight, and slowly moving my body.

Choose activities mindfully: In addition to going on a walk, I also like to work out in the morning. It’s important to choose movement that you’re excited about and that makes your body feel good. I personally love pilates and have been obsessed with the FORM and Alo Moves apps for these workouts at home. I also make time to meditate in the morning (big fan of the Open app) and do some guided journaling.

Nourish your body intentionally: There’s a reason why breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s important to choose a meal that nourishes your body to kickstart the day. I’ve been prioritizing a high protein diet and it’s made all the difference in how I feel. In addition to this, I also spend some time mindfully making my matcha under soft lighting and taking my time with this ritual I love.

How to Transition to a Slow Morning

The night before matters just as much: Let’s face it, we don’t want to be making decisions or thinking too hard first thing in the morning, so I always prep everything I need before going to bed. This means laying out my workout clothes, ensuring my matcha utensils have been washed, and any breakfast meal prepping has been made.

Set realistic expectations: If you’re not a morning person, or you’re not used to having a fully set routine for the morning, you will want to start small. Maybe set your alarm 15 minutes earlier every week (if you’re trying to wake up earlier) until you get to the desired wakeup time, or try to add in a quick meditation if you’re not used to it. Bottom line is you don’t have to do everything on day 1.

Limit the phone screen time: I have a strict rule with myself that my phone stays on “do not disturb” until 8:30am and I can only use it to access my meditation and workout apps. This allows me to quiet the noise from the outside world and truly focus on my routine and staying present. If you can, I highly encourage not to check your phone until you absolutely must, and at a minimum wait 30 minutes after waking up.

Experiment with your Own Routine:

As I mentioned, your routine should be designed to work for you. If you don’t enjoy working out in the morning, you don’t have to make it part of your routine. If you’ve tried meditating and really cannot get into it, don’t force it.

Find what works for you and start implementing that into your routine slowly, ensuring whatever you’re doing is bringing you joy.

What I’m Reading

Mr. Fixer Upper by Lucy Score

Growing up I was a huge bookworm. We’re talking waking up at 5am on a weekend so I could read a book in one sitting type of bookworm. As I got older, reading (and other fun hobbies, for that matter) took a back burner as they were not “productive.” However, about two years ago I got back to reading and I was hooked on fiction books immediately! My favorite author is Emily Henry, but while I await the launch of her newest book, I’ve been reading books that BookTok and my Kindle Unlimited library recommend.

Last week I started reading Mr. Fixer Upper by Lucy Score and according to my Kindle, I’m currently 57% done. I read The Christmas Fix (book 2) this past Christmas and when I realized there was a book on Paige and Gannon, I knew I had to pick it up! It’s a cute, light-hearted romance novel with some fun banter and I’m really enjoying it so far.

What I’m Loving

Open 21-Day Nervous System Reset

After missing out on it last year, I joined the 21-day Open Nervous System Reset and I am obsessed with the app now! It only took about 10-15min per day but it was the most soothing, challenging, stress-releasing meditation and breathwork classes I have taken.

What I’m Prioritizing

Doing things just for fun

This year I committed to going back to hobbies I enjoy and doing them for no reason other than to have fun! This week I got to bake a 3-layer lemon blueberry cake that was incredibly fun to make, not to mention delicious. There’s something so nice about completely unplugging from my phone and focusing on nothing other than not messing up the cake (lol). Any time I get to shut my brain down like that, I consider it a beautiful form of meditation.

My Favorite Mindful Moment

Making my morning matcha under soft lighting

I will be the first to admit I was incredibly wrong when I chose overhead lighting over lamps/pendants time and time again. I got some new lamps to decorate the house now that the Christmas decor is down and it felt so empty, and while I got them for the purpose of decorating, once I lit up all the lamps I was shocked at how nice and cozy it felt. I now understand why I see people add lamps to their kitchen counters – the soft, warm lighting has changed the game for me!

I’m definitely in my homebody era and all I’ve been wanting is to make the house feel cozy and homey and let me tell you, soft lighting is key for that!

Hope this weekly roundup was helpful and if you resonated with any of the above, leave me a comment below or send me a message so we can chat!

In a culture that glorifies 5 AM wake-ups and endless to-do lists, how do we honor our ambitions without burning out? That is a question I’ve been working very hard to answer myself, as I have first-hand experience with intense burnout and exhaustion from trying so hard to get everything done at once – in a “perfect” way, to top it all off.

Over time, I’ve learned that achieving success and personal fulfillment doesn’t have to mean sacrificing rest or joy. In fact, the more room you can make to consciously rest and find moments of joy, the more productive and successful you will be.

Now I won’t lie, there are times where “hustling” is important and beneficial. But when we live in a constant state of go, go, go, our health is bound to take a toll. Instead of being “always on” I am challenging you (and myself!) to embrace a soft life where we value balance, peace, and intentionality over constant hustle.

Redefining Success

For a lot of us, success is defined by how much we accomplish. This can come in the form of how much money we make, how expensive our home or wardrobe is, how often we climb the corporate ladder, or even how exhausted we are from trying to get it all done.

Even though it sounds counterintuitive that we would celebrate exhaustion, most of us have grown up to feel that if we’re not exhausted, we’re not trying hard enough. Well, I’m here to challenge that.

Success does not lie in how tired you are at the end of the day. Success lies in fulfillment, creativity, and well-being. Wanting to wake up every day because of how fulfilled you are, versus constantly wishing it was the weekend, is a better definition of success.

Don’t get me wrong, even if you work a fulfilling job, you may still find yourself wishing for the weekend every once in a while. However, when you’re so focused on hustling that your body and mind beg for rest, it’s time to evaluate your priorities. Which leads me to my next point.

Embrace a Soft Life Approach to Ambition

Pursuing a soft life doesn’t mean giving up on goals; it’s about achieving them in a sustainable and joyful way. Contrary to what we’ve been made to believe, it is entirely possible to work hard, achieve success (whatever your definition may be), and simultaneously live a soft, fulfilling life where rest is a priority.

Moving forward, I’m inviting you to add the principles of a soft life—living intentionally, prioritizing peace, and valuing rest without guilt— to your every day life.

Strategies for Balancing Ambition and Rest

Prioritizing Intentionality over Busyness:

Focus on meaningful tasks that align with long-term goals instead of trying to do everything. As an actionable tip: use time-blocking to allocate specific hours for work, rest, and play.

Incorporate Rest as a Non-Negotiable:

Rest doesn’t hinder success—it fuels it. The sooner you can embrace this mindset, the better off you’ll be. For an actionable tip: schedule rest days or self-care rituals as firmly as work meetings.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy:

Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that don’t serve your goals or well-being. For your actionable tip: use scripts for declining politely (e.g., “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m focusing on other priorities right now.”). And remember, “no” is a complete sentence!

Redefine Productivity:

Success isn’t just about how much you do; it’s about the quality of what you achieve. As your actionable tip: celebrate small wins and progress instead of striving for perfection.

Balanced Day in the “Soft Life”

Now if you’re looking for a daily routine that embraces a soft life while making room for personal and professional growth, I’ve got you.

Morning: Start your day in an intentional way with a walk outside, prioritizing sunlight, followed by a meditation, journaling, and a work out.

Afternoon: Aim for focused work sessions with breaks for a nourishing meal or a walk. If you need a set routine, try the ‘Pomodoro Method” where you:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes

2. Work on the task without distractions

3. When the timer ends, take a short break, usually 5–10 minutes

4. Repeat steps 2–4 until you've completed four pomodoros

5. Take a longer break, usually 15–30 minutes

6. Repeat the process

Evening: Wrap up work by a set time (set those boundaries with yourself and work), then unwind with a hobby or loved ones.

A Closing Note

Balancing ambition and rest isn’t just possible—it’s essential for living a joyful, fulfilling life. I encourage you to ask yourself “what does rest mean to you, and how can you incorporate it without guilt?”

Identify your priorities and find ways to incorporate more balance into your everyday life, searching for the things that spark joy and make you feel fulfilled.

Here’s to a soft life!

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