Silence isn’t empty or meaningless—it’s a space for renewal, a retreat from the noise of life. It gives us the chance to listen—to our thoughts, our emotions, and our intuition.

So today, take a moment to pause. Step into silence. Let it be your guide, your refuge, and your source of clarity.

Because in the quiet, you’ll find yourself.

We live in a world that values movement, productivity, and constant engagement. If we’re not working, we’re scrolling. If we’re not scrolling, we’re planning the next task, the next conversation, the next obligation. Stillness feels unproductive—like a waste of time. But in reality, stillness is one of the most powerful things we can give ourselves.

We live in a world that glorifies busyness. We’re expected to multitask, juggle responsibilities, and always think about what’s next. Checking emails while eating breakfast, scrolling through social media while waiting in line, mentally drafting to-do lists while in conversation—our minds are constantly racing.

But in this constant state of doing, how much are we actually experiencing? How many moments slip by unnoticed because we’re too preoccupied with what’s ahead? Too often, time passes us by, leaving us with little memory of the day itself, only the exhaustion that came with it.

This is where mindfulness comes in.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey with mindful breathing, it’s this: Breath is more than just air—it’s a lifeline. It’s a reset button. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic life feels, we always have the power to pause, inhale deeply, and breathe through it.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Hold it. Let it out slowly. Repeat.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply breathe.

I won’t pretend that I have mastered self-compassion. Some days are harder than others, and grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline. But I do know this: learning to be gentle with myself has made all the difference.

Whatever you’re facing—grief, setbacks, self-doubt—remember that you deserve grace. You deserve patience. You deserve love. And most of all, you deserve to heal in your own time, without judgment.

Let self-compassion be your anchor. It won’t erase the pain, but it will help you carry it with greater tenderness.

Life is a series of small steps, and each one deserves recognition. Celebrating small wins isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s a practice of self-appreciation that strengthens your confidence and keeps you moving toward your goals.

Gratitude is a simple yet transformative practice. It helps you see the beauty in the ordinary, strengthens your relationships, and fosters a deep sense of contentment.

Take a moment today to pause and reflect: What are you grateful for right now? Whether it’s the warmth of a loved one’s smile, the comfort of your favorite chair, or the opportunity to grow, gratitude has the power to change your perspective—and your life.

At its core, vulnerability is the willingness to show up and be seen—imperfections, fears, and all. It’s about stepping into uncertainty with courage, whether that’s sharing your feelings, admitting you don’t have all the answers, or opening your heart to someone else. Let’s dive into why vulnerability is a superpower and how embracing it can transform your relationships, personal growth, and resilience.

In our fast-paced, goal-oriented world, we’re often told to focus on achieving specific milestones. While goals have their perks, they can sometimes feel a bit too rigid or overwhelming. That’s where intentions come in—a more flexible, value-driven approach to living your best life.

, Alex and I went out on an “adventure.” We boarded the bus to head toward Chinatown in search of dumplings and the Cherry Blossom events. At one of the stops on the G-2 route a young couple boarded. They only road a couple of stops until the got off… the young lady first and then the young man. She moved forward and away from the bus quickly. But just as he stepped off, he glanced at the ground, walked a step and then glanced again. He stooped down and as I followed him with my eyes to see what he was reaching for. What could be worth his falling behind the young lady with whom he seemed to be enchanted? It was a penny… a penny more shiny than what I would have expected to be on the ground, but a penny nonetheless…He understood that, even though it was small, it held value and that paired with many more like it or larger currency it could add up to be something major. Perhaps he understood that one penny could be the difference between one being a millionaire or not. When you think about it that way, a penny becomes pretty powerful.

I’ve been on a a journey toward minimalism for about 3 years now. I haven’t stressed myself out with moving through the process quickly, but every few months, I have spent a day or two decluttering. Of course, I began with my own things… clothes, shoes, electronics, etc.

It’s almost Christmas. Just two more days. Today, I made cookies with Alex so that he and his grandparents can go and deliver them to his tutor here and to three of our aunts. He was excited and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. But, more than that, I enjoyed what the process represented.

Today, my husband and I are preparing for a road trip…. really an extended road trip with a few several-day stops sprinkled in. We leave on Monday morning and we don’t plan to return to our apartment until the first week of January. Initially we were going to spend December through Christmas in Tennessee and the head to Texas before returning to DC. But, two nights ago, my husband got a call from his younger brother. His mom has been diagnosed with cancer and is facing chemo and surgery in the weeks and months ahead.

As I continue the work of learning to live with less, I am focusing quite a bit on adopting practices or learning skills that help my household to be self-sustaining. I will say more about our living situation soon, but right now, I haven’t quite figured out the best way to grow food in our apartment. I’m going to figure it out, but it’s not the first thing on my list. For now, I’m being intentional about making small, sustainable changes, and so far we are doing pretty good.

So, my childhood was divided almost evenly between two states… two completely opposite geographical locations. Because of this, I grew up learning to navigate the distinct cultural differences between the two places. In Michigan, where I was born, there was a “village” around me that extended a few doors down on either side of my neighborhood street and of course to the members of our church. And there were places of business that we frequented…a local corner store, a bowling alley just across the street.