Inspired & Growing

Every once in a while, I come across a podcast episode that feels like a warm reminder to slow down and make space for what lights me up. That’s exactly what I got from T he Everygirl Podcast , hosted by the lovely Josie Santi, in the episode “9 Cool Girl Hobbies That Will Drastically Improve Your Life.” Inspired by a TikTok trend, this episode explores the idea of embracing hobbies not to monetize them or be “productive,” but to reclaim time and rediscover joy. Josie flips the narrative of what it means to be a “cool girl” in today’s rush culture. Instead of hustle and burnout, she celebrates hobbies that connect us with presence, creativity, and self-care. Let’s face it—when was the last time you did something just because you enjoyed it? Here’s a quick summary of the 9 hobbies Josie talks about and why they’re worth trying : 🩰 1. Ballet (or Dance in General) Whether it’s a beginner ballet class or just moving to your favorite playlist in the living room, dance connects you to your ...

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle beautifully captures the idea that a meaningful life isn’t about accumulating more—it’s about cherishing less. Through a thoughtful and practical approach, Boyle encourages readers to embrace simplicity in a way that feels authentic, functional, and beautiful.   The book is structured around key aspects of daily life: decluttering, simplifying, organizing, decorating, bath and beauty, getting dressed, cooking and entertaining, cleaning, and ultimately, thriving in the space you’ve intentionally created. Boyle’s guidance is refreshing and rooted in real-life experiences, making it both inspiring and accessible.   Funny story: I ordered the book from the library and waited around a week to pick it up at my local branch. Days later, while decluttering my books in the front room, I realized I had already purchased a copy of the book, but, obliviously, hadn't gotten around to reading it yet. My Key Takeaways from  Simple Matters Clearing...

One of my biggest takeaways from Destination Simple by Brook McAlary is the power of single-tasking —fully focusing on one thing at a time instead of juggling multiple tasks. I’ve always been a multitasker, constantly switching between tasks to get more done. But as someone who is naturally driven and focused, I’ve realized that slowing down and being fully present helps me feel more grounded and intentional. This lesson has really helped me appreciate my surroundings instead of always thinking about what’s next. Even small changes—like putting my phone away while working or truly savoring my morning coffee—have made a difference. Now, I’m making a conscious effort to embrace single-tasking by setting clear priorities, eliminating distractions, and fully immersing myself in whatever I’m doing—whether it’s a work project, a conversation, or simply a quiet moment to recharge. Key Enjoyments I Had from Single-Tasking Watching my granddaughter while sleeping in my arms and the up and down...

I recently listened to The 10-Year Plan on the Everyday Better with Leah Smart podcast and really connected with her approach. Many of us struggle to think beyond the next year, let alone an entire decade. But Smart explains that having a long-term vision provides clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose. A 10-year plan isn’t about rigidly mapping out every detail—it’s about setting a course while allowing room for growth, change, and discovery. Key Insights : Start with vision, not logistics. Focus on what you truly want instead of getting stuck on “how.” Reverse engineer your goals. Break big dreams into smaller, actionable steps. Align daily actions with long-term goals. Small shifts now create a big impact over time. Key Takeaways : Before I dive in, I want to continue to focus on creating space for myself—both physically and mentally. My first step is decluttering my home and life, and next year, I’ll read Life Brief by Bonnie Wan to further refine my vision. Image by rawpixel f...

As I continue to learn more about slow living, I came across the book Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke McAlary—a book so small in size yet packed with powerful insights. It distills slow living into its simplest form, offering practical ways to create a life that feels more intentional and present.   The book is structured into three key sections: Rituals – Five foundational habits to anchor your days.   Rhythms – Establishing morning and evening routines to create flow.   Checking In – Letting go of the myth of perfect balance and embracing "tilting."   One concept that really stood out to me was tilting : the idea that life isn’t about maintaining a perfect balance at all times. Instead, it’s about shifting energy where it’s needed most and accepting that some areas of life will naturally take priority over others at different times .   McAlary explains it well:   Tilting is about being aware...