Last week, my baby girl turned 18. Like her sister, she’s always been one of the youngest in their friend groups, so her ‘finally turning 18’ was a big deal for her—in more ways than one. And while I was right there with her, mostly, it took a little wind out of my seeing my forever baby girl officially become an adult. Ish. Just thinking about turning eighteen is that moment many of us imagine long before it comes. Imagining what this vision of “adult life” is supposed to look like for us, from the TV shows, movies and books we consumed. Well, that’s how I did it, anyway. Of…
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Splurge or Save? What’s the Best Choice for You?
Random chats with friends often spin into the best convos. Case in point: my last trip home to London, soaking up some back home goodness and catching up with friends and fam, an interesting topic came up out of nowhere, it seemed. One of the crew brought his new-to-me boo, over my Bestie’s place. Me and my US fam usually split our time home between my sister’s and my Bestie’s pads. The day either of them start charging Airbnb rates, I’ll personally cry buckets in court and sue for emotional distress and abuse. Roll that ‘Help me, I’m poor’ scene from Bridesmaids… now picture me, every single time I travel…
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The Truth About “Catching Up”
And Why I Quit Trying. I used to foolishly believe that if I could just clear my to-do list, I’d finally feel caught up. But I was only clearing it up to make space for the next stack of to-dos, and the next and the next. Another work email to answer, another post to write, another idea I swore I’d get to once “things slowed down.” The older I get, the bigger the backlog seems to fill up, in all things. Half-written blog drafts. Unread books. Old voice memos with “brilliant ideas” I’d never started. And the work and family stuff is too mammoth to even mention. The lists, plural,…
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Will You Still Love Your Passion Project in 5 Years?
Open your closet, wardrobe, clothing racks, or wherever you store your clothes, and take a good look. I mean really look closely. Out of all that’s hanging, folded, stuffed, or shoved in somewhere, and don’t forget what’s been left to fry in the dryer, how many do you actually wear? Not stare at, slide past to find that specific top, but put on and go out in? I’m betting that for most of us, the number is probably smaller than you think or want to admit. Maybe 10%, or 20% if you’re really lucky and diligent about changing up your look. Not to mention if you work from home, have a uniform,…
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Done Is Better Than Dreamed: A Real Way to Begin
Why Starting Still Feels So Damn Hard (Even When You’re Ready) You’re on your treadmill, or out on a walk, wrapping up watching the 9th video when you swore video #8 was *the one*. Then video #10 pops up, making you doubt everything all over again. Fast forward to after your shower and a meal that still doesn’t have enough protein to sustain your Big Age, and now you’re umpteen videos deep. Yet, somehow, you’re more confused than when you started, and mad enough to contemplate letting your idea, ‘your thing’, pass you by – again, wondering if it’s just you. Procrastination Station Welcome to OVER-DOING-TOO-MUCH. Well, that’s what I’ve…
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The Key to Knowing What Others Really Value…
So You Can Act Accordingly Honest mistakes aside. Way, waaay, over to the side. If someone said to you “I’ll text you back” four weeks ago and never did… they didn’t forget. They chose something else. If they’re too “busy” for a five-minute check-in, that’s a clear decision they’ve made. And yeah, it feels personal, because it is. At any age but especially ours, here’s where to stop internalizing it as a flaw in your character, your worth, or ability to maintain relationships. It’s not you. When I miss a call or text from any of my peeps, and it happens often because … well, life and no one’s perfect,…
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Make Reflection Easy With These FREE Daily Journal PDFs
Grab a fresh start or a quiet finish in just 5 minutes. Because life is a lot right now, make room for care, clarity, and a lil’ courage. Download free journal sheets. Check in and shift your mindset, one page at a time. These two free printable journal sheets help you start and end your day with less noise and more ease. Friends of mine keep them near the coffee machine or tucked on a nightstand. This way, they’re always within reach and ready to go. And yes, everything feels urgent, but you’re allowed to pause. Get Your Mind RIGHT (Morning) Insert your favorite wake-up brew & take a moment…
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Ignore Perfect Photos and Just Publish Your Blog Now
I’m saying this with all the love in the world, to you (and me): your blog post is not auditioning for a Vogue cover spread. Nor a shout-out at whatever the Met Gala of web content is. You’re writing to connect, inform, encourage, or move something in someone to act. Not only does it not need to be perfect, it never will be, and it doesn’t need to be to deliver impact. I’ve been there, and I still take more time than I need to on the “right” images. Stalking my go-to sites, trying to match that gorgeous mental image I’ve been carrying around. Am I trying to convey a…
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Unexpected Package: A Train Ride and a Misstep
(A short story by Irene B.) Eva stepped onto the train, already scanning for her seat and ready to claim her territory. She spotted her four-seater in business class, blissfully unoccupied; an internal “Yes!” erupted. Eva dropped her laptop bag on the table, her stuffed tote bag across one seat, and, keeping her crossbody closest, plopped down in the window spot with a relieved sigh. She’d move things if someone legit showed up. Otherwise, this quadrant sanctuary was all hers. Across from her, in another four-seater, sat a man already there when she boarded. Smartly dressed in a business suit jacket that looked on-trend and expensive, but in that easy-going…
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How Removing Digital Clutter Made My Content Workflow Better
I love a good app or 50. My phone, iPad, MacBook Air, second laptop, and my array of hard drives will groan but attest to that. So yeah, I love a good app, especially when they earn their spot in my productivity stack. But I want… no, need them to win. My iPhone Notes is currently drowning in the clutter of over 4,000 notes and well over 60 folders. I back it up religiously and care for it like it’s my third child. The obedient one. Lately though, I’ve seen how removing clutter made my workflow better, and how trimming down even my favorite productivity stack apps made space to…
