One of my dreams is to visit all of the National Parks across the United States with my family. There are 63 official parks, so it’ll take some time. But it’s something I envision us doing for decades to come and that gives me both excitement and comfort; it’s something to look forward to.

About a month ago, we traveled to our first one together: Acadia National Park. I’ve been wanting to go here for a very long time since it’s the only one in New England, but it’s a far drive from our home in MA and there were always a thousand reasons not to. We eventually bit the bullet and said “let’s go,” with our 3-year-old and (then) 9-month-old.

There’s just something about Maine. The air is fresh, the water is clean, the people are down to earth. It was so refreshing to pack for this trip and not bring my makeup bag. It wasn’t about how I looked–it was about how I felt. Sure, I was tired. But my energy was at an all-time high because I was feeding off of the high vibrations around me.

We stuck our toes into the freezing ocean; we ran away from the waves with giggles. I took in the smells of the pines. I held my boy close as the waves crashed into the rocks, like it’s done for centuries. I breastfed my baby girl on a cozy blanket as we looked out across the horizon. I felt at ease.

I simply noticed the beauty that is Mother Nature. I felt small next to the ocean; I was reminded of what matters. I felt the force of earth’s energy. I will dream of this trip to Acadia National Park for the rest of my life. 💙🌲

When we went into the quaint town of Bar Harbor, we were surrounded by hikers–by nature people. By people who were showing up to explore the great outdoors. And I realized: these are my kind of people. People who are drawn to the everlasting magic of nature. People whose energy is evergreen.

And I had a major realization. I’m so done with optics lately. I’m rejecting a lot of what’s “in” right now, because quite frankly I’m done with keeping up with superficial trends.

Something radical happened to me when I quit my corporate job to take a power pause: I navigated the uncharted path. I peeled back the layers of who I really am. I looked at the ugly truths. I questioned what I thought I wanted. And in doing so, I started to really understand who I am at my core.

I’m far from done–I don’t think this type of work is ever really complete. Just like nature, we are always evolving, always shifting.

This season of life is about being present, raising my two kids, and reconnecting to my creativity. Or really just understanding who I am now. I’m not the same person I was before motherhood, and it’s taken me a while to reconnect with the truest parts of me. Through journaling, I’ve been able to peel back the layers.

I’m finding my “authentic self,” or something like it. I’m rediscovering what it means to be me. To create and build a life that feels good.

I’m a reflector, so naturally I like to sit with my feelings and thoughts for a bit. It’s been a month or so now since our Maine trip and I’ve been thinking about how it was such a breath of fresh air.

I’ve also been thinking about how I want an intentional life, not necessarily a slow one. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of seeing “slow living” posts everywhere I turn. Maybe it’s not so much about slowing down because that often feels unattainable with two kids, but about noticing more of what matches your individual frequency.

It feels like collectively, we’re all craving simplicity and meaning. We need downtime. We weren’t meant to be this busy, overstimulated, or informed. I’ve been listening to some great podcasts lately and it’s not lost on me how some of the most successful women talk about how they recharge, or just simply be in the moment.

In one podcast, Oprah talks about enjoying her own company, listening to the rain, and reading books. In another, Amy Poehler sat down with Keke Palmer and they talked about embracing the mundane and puttering around the house.

Maine wasn’t relaxing or slow, but it was simple. It was wholesome. It was beautiful. And it was recharging. I feel my best when I’m in nature and I will keep coming back to this place of balance. Because that’s what works for me.

For a long time, I didn’t allow myself to fully embrace nature. I was distracted. I was spending more time indoors. I had forgotten that I myself am nature and I actually feel better when I’m outside.

Living an authentic life is really just about allowing yourself to show up exactly as you are. To like the things you like. To trust your own intuition and follow your inner compass. To stop comparing or doubting. And to do yourself the honor of coming back home to yourself.

A side note I tell myself as I write this: one of these days, I will swap out all of the toys we no longer use and donate or consign them. But that day is not today.

Hosting a birthday party at your house is basically a cleaning marathon. You clean before, during, and after. Then you have to find a new home for all of the stuff your kid got. I spent several days putting things away, organizing, doing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms (again).

Parties are fun; they’re celebratory. But they also make a mess. Much to my own disappointment, I’m not yet able to snap my fingers and magically make the mess disappear. Alas, here we are.

Ever since I quit my corporate role about two months ago, I’ve been spending more time with my kids which I’m beyond grateful for. It also means I spend more time inside my house because sometimes I’m at the mercy of naps and routines.

I notice more clutter, I nitpick the spots where the trim is chipping, I reorganize rooms in my head. Home ownership is an endless loop of tasks, and sometimes that can be overwhelming.

My son got a new book for his birthday—Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks” Little Golden Book. Now, I realize times were different and it was published in 1951 so I’ll take it with a grain of salt. But this image of the mom inside doing dishes, rosy cheeked, huffing and puffing, while the dad is outside reading a book on their so-called “vacation” really was the cherry on top.

I was getting internal signals that I needed to get outside and be in nature. I needed to leave the house. We needed a break from our environment and a change of scenery.

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I’ve accepted that my house isn’t spotless and it doesn’t need to be; it just needs to be functional and feel good. In her book “A brain that breathes,” suggests setting a timer for 15 minutes and pottering around your house. And that’s the motto I’m trying to live by. Small tidying sessions daily to keep myself grounded. I realize I can’t do it all. Something’s gotta give during this demanding season of life.

Recently, a friend let me borrow the book “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams. It’s fascinating. Every time I open it up I learn something new, or really, I’m reminded of something our ancestors knew long ago that we’ve forgotten. She examines the relationship between technology and nature, and how ultimately nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative.

She talks about how when we smell evergreen trees because of the airborne chemicals they give off, it literally calms our nervous systems. With this in mind, I took one last look around the house and said let’s go outside. I packed up our bags and snacks, and we headed to a quiet mountain town about 25 minutes away.

I’ve always wanted to try Mountainside Bakery & Cafe in Princeton, MA and decided I was bringing the kids along too. It’s right down the road from Wachusett Mountain, so it’s covered in wildflowers. The energy just feels different. It’s calm and serene. You just feel peaceful there. It’s a breath of fresh air, literally.

We sat under a massive tree, eating a BLT and a chocolate-chip cookie. I drank a toasted marshmallow matcha. We saw caterpillars, butterflies, and a big leaf bug. We felt the breeze in our hair. We felt recharged and connected to something bigger. It’s amazing what only a short period of time in nature can do for not only you, but your kids too.

I got to witness the wonder that my son had in his eyes when he saw a leaf bug for the first time; the excitement he has for the smallest moments. But to him, these are big moments. And it makes me appreciate childhood even more.

I don’t want to miss the ordinary beauty in my life because I was too worried or distracted about things that don’t really matter. Or because I was too afraid of being misunderstood.

Instead, we embraced the natural world around us because I know it’ll make me feel better in the long run. The mess and clutter will still be there. Summer won’t. This chapter of my life won’t. The magic is right here, right now.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about about the labels that we put on moms and women in modern society: SAHM, working mom, full-time mom, homemaker, trad wife. Honestly, all of them do women a disservice.

Since leaving my job and embracing a power pause (thank you for this language and for this book), I’m coming up with new ways to talk about this time period. It’s been empowering and helped give me a new perspective on how to view this chapter of my life.

I don’t identify with being a SAHM or a full-time mom. Instead, I’m a mom who’s figuring it out day-by-day. I’m regulating in real-time alongside my kids. I’m rewriting old stories; healing old wounds. I’m learning what it means to be this version of myself, and unlearning all of the things I thought I knew. I’m trying to find enjoyment in the little things.

I’m repairing my connection with nature alongside my family. I’m seeing the world through my kids’ eyes with wonder again. I’m writing, journaling, and reading. I’m cooking, eating, going to restaurants, and enjoying all of the beauty that life has to offer. I’m opting for more joy and zest.

I’m networking and expanding. I’m attending book tour events. I met in Boston and am so inspired by her latest cookbook. Not only did she write it while she was pregnant with her fourth baby (forever in awe), but all of the meals are made in 30 minutes or less.

I’m exploring how to be creative again, and what that even means for me. I’m rediscovering parts of myself I’ve forgotten about, or brushed off as not important. I’m filling my cup full of inspiration. I’m listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

And I feel lucky that I get to do this on my own timeline in parallel with one of the most important things I’ll ever do: raise little humans and teach them how to exist in the world. And how to pass down the values, information, and principles that mean the most.

These past couple of months, something has definitely shifted in me. It’s been uncomfortable at times—untangling myself from the corporate web I thought was my identity. Sometimes my emotions are big and amplified from being sleep deprived when I’m up in the middle of the night with my infant.

But overall, I’ve had so much more space to breathe, to expand, and to wonder. To meet myself where I am and move forward even if I don’t have all of the answers. I’ve been trying to adopt better habits. I’ve been trying to default to intuition, inner knowing, and magic rather than fall victim doubt, fear, or comparison.

My new experiment is that if I can journal and get outside at least once a day, I’ll be a happier person. And I’ve noticed a difference in my son too when he spends more time outside. Our TV has been “broken” a lot lately, so instead of screentime we’re opting for nature time.

A couple weeks ago, he was throwing the biggest tantrum because he wanted to watch one more episode of Puffin Rock. He was in such a tizzy, it was hard for him to calm down. My husband brought him outside and no exaggeration, within seconds he stopped crying and his mood had shifted completely.

I don’t know where this path will lead, I only know that I’m in exploration mode. I’m in research mode. I’m in learning mode. I am planting seeds for my future. I will keep following the breadcrumbs. I trust there is purposeful work ahead of me in the next chapter.

There’s a tapestry here for me to weave together: motherhood, nature, journaling, cooking, good food, candles, slowing down to see the world through my kids’ eyes.

Juniper Notes is a journal in real-time; an opportunity for me to write my way through motherhood, simplifying my life, and everything in between. It’s a nod to the small business I’m building alongside my partner: hand-poured candles capturing our favorite places around New England in a jar. Because at its core, this publication is a love letter to seasonal living and the familiar rhythms of the place I’m lucky to call home.

Despite wanting to get back home to our own beds and routines, there was a part of me that couldn’t leave upstate New York and embark on our 3.5 hour journey back home to MA without stopping by Wildflower Farms. I’ve always wanted to visit, and we were only 20 minutes away. We were too close not to go.

Before I begin, let me be clear that I have nothing to gain from this post: it’s not sponsored and I’m definitely not an influencer. It’s an honest story about our experience in a magical place that’s rooted in nature, and ultimately a reminder to not judge a book by its cover.

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When we pulled up, I must admit I felt like a fish out of water. I was immediately intimidated by the row of Maybachs and Mercedes that lined the parking lot. When we drove by the front entrance, we were presented with influencers in fancy clothes taking pictures in front of the iconic fireplace–snapping their next Instagram post.

My husband and I parked the car and debated for a solid three minutes if it was worth getting out of the car and going inside. Even though it said “kid-friendly” on the menu for the restaurant, I seriously doubted if we would be welcomed here. Were we in over our heads trying to bring two kids under three into a 5-star hotel and restaurant?

Ultimately, we said F it. We were already there, and even if we turned around and got back in the car, at least we tried.

After gearing up with our stroller, diaper bag, and potty seat (I know), we walked towards the entrance. We were immediately in awe of the breathtaking views, the stunning architecture, and the friendly staff. We were greeted by smiles and we did in fact feel welcomed within seconds. We walked over to our table for lunch and sat outside–taking in the quiet hums of the bees and birds in the wildflowers before us.

What impressed me most was that the restaurant, Clay, was of course beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. But more than that, this place cared about the details and that goes a long way for a family of four, especially since we were on the last leg of our long trip. We were pleasantly surprised when the staff brought out a Lalo high chair for our daughter, and an adorable set of colored pencils with paper for my son.

The other guests around us were also super understanding as our daughter’s babbling “mamama, dadada” interrupted their silence. Instead of being met with rolling eyes (what we thought would happen), we received smiles and kind glances.

We ordered our food and drinks and both kids were content. I’m not sure if it was the vibrations of the mountains in the distance or the attentiveness of the staff, maybe a mixture of the two. But our entire family was at ease at the table–buzzing with the magic of the environment around us. The entire lunch experience felt effortless.

Of course, no trip with two little kids is complete without a mishap or two. Remember the potty seat? Well, our little guy needed to use the bathroom but was afraid of the automatically flushing toilets. On top of that, the bathroom in the restaurant didn’t have a changing table.

How quickly our luxurious high-note came to a plateau when we suddenly were hit with the reality that we needed to change our infant’s diaper and our son needed to pee (but couldn’t, or wouldn’t).

After chatting with the staff, the hostess arranged for us to use the bathroom in the shop. It had a changing table and we were able to all go into the bathroom together to help my son conquer his fear of this particular toilet. It was a real team effort. And I’m happy to say that we accomplished the mission!

With empty bladders and dry diapers (music to every parents’ ears), we headed back into the shop for a look around. Of course, everything was well curated. As a side note, I couldn’t help but think about how good an Ardmore Candle would look on these shelves, and I am seriously manifesting hosting a journaling workshop here one day.

Alas, a toddler in a store with stuffed animals at eye-level has a short timestamp. So we headed outside and celebrated the fact that my son did his business; we were proud. And we were ready to end our visit there.

Instead, one of the managers offered us a tour on the golf carts because she had overheard us talking about how much my son liked them. It was like a sign from the Universe, rewarding us for sticking it out during a hard moment. My son’s reward for overcoming his fear.

The golf cart ride was so much fun. We got to take in the entire property, which is unsurprisingly peaceful and beautiful. Plus our tour guide brought us to the animal farm where we got to see donkeys, chickens, sheep, and goats. We even drove past the abundant gardens where I saw a row of sunflowers, which just so happens to be my favorite flower.

Our guide cut one for me to bring home, and one for my son who requested one too. We even met the farmer who takes care of all of the beautiful plants, fruits, and vegetables. Overall, we were so surprised with how family-friendly our experience was because Wildflower Farms isn’t typically marketed towards families.

Above all, our experience was deeply rooted in connection and hospitality. I’m happy to report the flowers survived the long drive and are on my windowsill, so I can see them every time I wash the dishes in the sink.

While we were on our family vacation earlier in the week, my son really wanted to go on a tractor ride. While there were many working tractors at the ranch that made his eyes light up, they sadly didn’t provide rides. Our very last stop on the golf cart ride at Wildflower Farms brought us to the sunflowers, but it also brought us right to a big, red tractor.

Even though my son didn’t get to ride on it, he got to go on an epic golf cart ride and stand right next to one—in awe of its size. He was smiling ear to ear. It was the sweetest reminder that your journey may not unfold how you envisioned it and it might take a little longer, but it’ll take you to where you want to go.

As a projector in Human Design, I finally understand why valleys are so crucial to restoring my energy. I felt like I could breathe a little deeper here. We left Wildflower Farms feeling calm, renewed, and refreshed. We will be back for sure.

Not because of the Instagrammable views, but because of the generosity we experienced. And because of the vibration of Hudson Valley: the flowers, the animals, the mountains, the quiet. A picture doesn’t quite do this place justice–it needs to be experienced, noticed, and felt.

We almost didn’t get out of the car because we feared we weren’t luxe enough for this place. But beneath its glam and glimmer, beyond the facade of wellness influencers–it’s so much more than that. Wildflower Farms is down-to-earth; it’s one with nature. And it helped me reconnect with the earth in only a couple short hours.

While I do think it may not be the most affordable option for families, it’s still worth a day trip for lunch in my opinion. I’m so happy that we decided to go. That we moved past our fear, doubt, and judgement. That we said yes because this place really was in alignment with us and our desires. We believed it was the right path, and so it was. And we were met with the same energy we were putting out.

Because there’s so much beauty, enjoyment, and acceptance waiting on the other side. You just have to get out of your own way and be open to infinite possibilities.

As Poppy Jamie says in The Book of Magical Living, “I don’t know what’s around the corner, but I trust it can only be good.”

As someone who has grown up in New England and spent my entire life here–I grew up in CT, went to undergrad in NH, then moved to MA for grad school and have been here ever since–I inherently feel connected to the history and stories surrounding candles.

Let’s do a quick history lesson, shall we? New England is deeply connected to candles. Early settlers in New England used candles mainly for light, making them out of animal tallow. But this dipping process took a long time, and the candles themselves gave off a greasy aroma.

One day, a curious person tried making candles out of wild bayberry bushes because they had waxy berries. This became the new tradition because the bushes were abundant, the wax hardened easily and burned slowly, and they gave off a pleasant fragrance.

From that point on, candles became everyday items. They could be found in homes across New England via table candlesticks, wall sconces, lanterns, and more. Candles evolved from being purely for survival to a New England export, helping to grow the local economy.

Bayberry candles are still a holiday tradition in the area–it’s said that lighting a bayberry candle on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve will invite prosperity and good luck for the year. I’m not sure how it’s taken me 33 years to learn about this tradition, but it’s for sure something I will be introducing to my family this holiday season!

Ok enough of the history lesson, why does this even matter?

A couple years before COVID, my then-boyfriend started making candles in a small kitchen in South Boston. He kept some but mostly gave them away to friends and family–it was a hobby that he genuinely found enjoyment in. Then 2020 came around which brought the pandemic. Even though it was a dark time, there was a little flicker of light that came out of it.

People were forced to slow down, so they started creating. They were baking sourdough bread, knitting, or writing. With so much external uncertainty, people turned to traditional, familiar methods that created a sense of safety and security. And the same is true for us. With more time spent indoors, it gave us the space to dream up a plan for making the candle hobby a small business.

A few years later after we bought our first home, Ardmore Candles was born. Ardmore is derived from the Irish Gaelic word “Aird Mhór,” which means great height or high place. It’s also inspired by the place where we live at the top of a hill in a cozy New England neighborhood.

In my previous post, I talked about how I recently left the corporate role to spend more time with my kids and also to take some time to think about what I wanted to do for work. I needed space to clear my head and come back to finding joy and fulfillment when it came to an occupation.

I needed to unplug from the always-on digital world and get back into what I love: building an intentional brand that I care deeply about.

I will admit, I was apprehensive at first to fully embrace the candle business. It felt too obvious. It felt like my husband’s thing that I was just tacking onto. I wanted to make sure that this was something I really wanted to pour my heart into, to feel like I was building it alongside him. And I do. We have different roles, we bring various skills to the table, and we complement one another.

While he’s the candle maker and the one mixing up scents in his candle lab (ok, our basement), I’m the one who works on marketing and content. I get to take the skills I’ve learned along the way in my corporate career and apply them to our own brand.

To be honest, we haven’t been able to dedicate the time and energy to the business that it deserves when both of us were working full-time. But now I’m happy to continue building something in the margins of motherhood–during naptime, late evenings, and on the weekends. Because it’s something that’s deeply personal and it’s about more than just candles.

When I started trying to get pregnant, I started learning more about the household and everyday products that I use. I discovered a lot about endocrine disruptors and how fragrances play such a big role in our overall health. Two kids later and I’m still on a slow but steady journey of trying to detoxify our home.

I mostly got fed up with big brand names that continue to produce toxic, chemical-heavy products that are harsh on our environment and on our health. So I stopped buying them and I started buying better-for-you alternatives. I wanted products that felt more natural.

I want to feel good about the items I’m grabbing off the shelf, or the fragrances I’m using in my home.

Beyond household chemicals, the big brand candle world is infamously known for using toxic ingredients: unrefined, petroleum-based paraffin wax, harmful fragrance additives, harsh chemical derived dyes. That’s why we wanted to create something different–something that we felt good about burning in our own house around our kids and dog.

Since we’re making these candles in our home, it was important to us that we sourced materials from high-quality suppliers especially when it came to scent. We are proud that each element of the candle is made with intention and clean ingredients–from the wick, to the wax, to the scent.

The fragrances we use are tested and meet rigorous safety standards–they are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without phthalates and ingredients found on California’s Proposition 65 list.

As with anything, the regulations are constantly changing and with any fragrance-based product there are naturally some inherent exceptions. But in general, we are continually and purposefully looking to make our candles even better and as low toxic as possible. We will continue to evaluate our ingredients. It’s an ongoing journey and one we are deeply dedicated to, from our family to yours.

Beyond scent, our candles are made from a blend of soy and beeswax, meaning they not only burn clean, but the beeswax (when burned) also creates ion-purification to pollutants in the surrounding air. We even have a scent-free beeswax candle that gives off a natural honey scent and is completely nontoxic.

As a mom of two, I am always looking for ways to regulate my nervous system—be it journaling or exercising (when I can). Lately, I’ve been trying to tap into my five senses more often, especially when I’m outside.

And scent is the only one of the five senses that can truly make you feel something–it triggers your emotions, brings up memories, and can change your mood. There’s a reason why aromatherapy exists, and we LOVE this about creating and enjoying new candle scents.

Scent connects us and brings us to a place or time. We specifically chose our candle scents to evoke the seasonal rhythms of living in harmony with the natural world around us. To transport you to our favorite places and hopefully yours too.

New England is where we’re from, it’s where we’re raising our kids, and it’s where we’ve had many of our best memories. It’s our hope that Ardmore Candles transports you to a place of great height–that it helps reconnect you with fond memories of high places.

I’ll continue sharing more about the journey of what we’re building at Ardmore Candles, alongside motherhood, simplifying my home, and living in-tune with nature’s rhythms and New England’s four seasons. I hope it’ll remind you that even as moms, we have a story worth sharing, a dream worth chasing, and an inner creative flame worth illuminating.

I think I’ve felt all of the feelings one can feel on this emotional roller coaster. I’ve doubted myself, feared the unknown, thought “WTF am I doing?” But when my last day finally came, I felt a sense of relief.

Leaving corporate and diving into full-time motherhood is not exactly a walk in the park. I recognize that motherhood is one of the hardest jobs in the world. But I want to do it, even on hard days.

This entire experience has taught me that yes, life-altering change can be intimidating, but it’s also encouraged me to trust my intuition, my femininity, and the path that I’ve chosen even when the road hasn’t been paved yet.

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Moms are taking matters into their own hands

I know I’m not alone in my decision to leave Corporate America behind. In fact, 455k American moms left the workforce in 2025 (either voluntarily or involuntarily). Every woman has their own unique situation, and sometimes it’s not a realistic option to leave a job.

But for 58% of these women, they chose to leave due to factors like inflexibility and childcare costs. Unfortunately the current systems don’t support us enough, but that’s a different story for a different day.

On a personal level, I’m ready to share some more about my story—to go beyond just being another statistic. I acknowledge this is not everyone’s path. For some moms, their career is their identity and it brings them more joy. And that’s okay. It’s about doing whatever makes you happiest because that’s what matters most for you and your kids.

This is not a post to change your mind, it’s simply a way for me to process my journey and it’s cathartic to write these words down. Words that I’ve been longing to write for over three years and finally have the courage to do it. To get out of my own way. To design a life that I am excited to wake up for. To finally have the purpose I’ve been longing for. To believe in myself enough to go after what I deeply want, no matter what obstacles I may face.

Before I get into it, I first want to touch upon nervous system regulation and why this was a key driving factor for my decision.

Moving from dysregulation to regulation

Nervous system regulation is a hot topic right now, and for good reason. Essentially, having a dysregulated nervous system means that you’ve been in fight or flight mode for a prolonged period of time. It’s usually caused by chronic stress.

You have a hard time getting out of survival mode and it shows up in either physical symptoms (headaches or digestive issues) or emotional symptoms (persistent anxiety or an inability to relax).

Many women and moms move through life without ever facing their dysergulation head on—without finding out the root cause. We keep powering through, because we’re afraid if we take our foot off the gas, our lives will unravel. Our to-do lists are too long, our houses are a mess, and we never have enough time in the day.

For me, I was living in a state of work-related burnout for so long it’s disrupted my sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). It started spilling over into other areas of my life as well, and I wasn’t showing up at the version of myself that I wanted to be. Especially as a mom and partner.

The opposite is the parasympthetic nervous system (rest and digest) which is a state of relaxation, lowered heart rate, and improved digestion. The goal for me is to tap into my rest and digest state and exist here at baseline daily. More on that later.

A look back into my own career journey

When I was pregnant with my son in 2022, I had some fears about going back to work. But I just figured that most new moms feel this way and it would all work out eventually when the time actually came. Then I had my son in August 2023 and the internal voice started getting louder. It was starting to get harder to ignore it, but as most of us do, I compartmentalized.

But working full-time meant sending my then infant to daycare five days a week, and that really didn’t sit well. It didn’t feel good to hand him over to strangers and then go back to sit at my computer. I missed him all day long and cried more times than not.

Again, I convinced myself that this is what all modern moms do—we work so we can support our families, buy them new shoes when they need them, take vacations in the summer, and fulfill our own career dreams. I did this for a while. I went through the motions and it was working until it wasn't.

Going from one to two kids was just as earth-shattering

I got promoted to a manager in January 2025. This was something I thought I wanted. After all, I was climbing the corporate ladder, I was growing professionally, I was contributing to my family’s income.

But the excitement fizzled out quickly. I was trying to motivate a team when I myself was unmotivated. I felt misaligned and inauthentic. I missed my toddler.

When I got pregnant with my daughter in the spring of 2025, the feelings continued to get stronger. The corporate burnout was becoming something I could no longer ignore or put on the back burner. Everything started to become amplified.

I was already nervous about having to go through the traumatic and taxing experiences that are pregnancy and birth, and then go back to work with yet more expectations and responsibilities.

It wasn’t that my role was terrible and I think this is why it took me so long to make a change—it was actually a pretty decent scenario. I was able to work remotely, I had flexibility, the pay was good, I liked the people. And yet, there was this constant pull that said no matter how good this scenario can be, it’s still not what I want. And it’s not where I’m meant to be.

I wasn’t showing up as the mom and partner I wanted to be: I was unhappy and having a hard time being fully present. My energy was being spent on the wrong things, and I didn’t have energy for the things that really mattered to me.

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The call to live a more values-driven life

Before having kids, I could put up with a “fake it ‘til you make it” mentality. But having kids made me want to live a more values-driven and aligned life. With that, I couldn’t keep going on this way. I couldn’t keep trying to fit myself into a box that I just didn’t fit into.

But leaving your job isn’t that straightforward, especially as a mom with little kids. There are certain responsibilities and financial obligations to wrestle with like inflation, bills, and savings for the future.

I also had existential worries like, “Who am I if I’m not an employee anymore? Do I still provide value if I take a break and don’t offer any income to my family? Is it selfish of me to want something more for myself?” This is a glimpse into the internal battle I had with myself for over three years.

In the weeks nearing my return to work from my second maternity leave, my husband and I really went through the numbers. We thought long and hard, we played out different scenarios. After a long battle of the head vs. the heart, I chose the head. I went with the decision that looked good on paper, the one where we were better off financially, the one that we were “supposed” to do.

The exhaustion of task and role switching

Going back to work after maternity leave is extremely difficult, even under the best conditions. Right before I went out on maternity leave at about 8 months pregnant, I received a surprisingly shitty performance review which still stings. I knew I was walking back into a situation that already felt like I was lacking, like I wasn’t enough.

In the few weeks that I was back, I really tried hard to make it work. I tried motivating myself to do some research (something I genuinely like doing), find some new opportunities, bring some excitement back to not only myself, but for the team. I had moments of “wow, maybe I really can do this!” But then I’d have a sick child, or my husband was traveling for work, or I had to breastfeed in-between meetings. I felt depleted, lacked energy, and was uninspired.

I was constantly switching between mom mode and manager mode. I was beyond exhausted. And I came to the realization I didn’t like working in tech anymore. I didn’t want to optimize or scale, and I didn’t connect with AI. I had outgrown the role, and who I was when I joined the company almost four years prior no longer fit.

The heart wants what the heart wants

After many tears, rumination, and feelings of guilt, my husband and I went over finances again, trying to see if it could actually work out. If we could live on one income in 2026—something that seemed impossible. Ultimately we agreed that this was a temporary season in our lives.

We decided to listen to the voice that no amount of logistics or financial planning could silence. Because this short period in our lives is one of the most meaningful ones. Our kids are small and they need us the most right now. I want my kids to have the best of me, not what’s left of me.

This means downshifting my career for a couple years in order to raise our babies. It of course means we will have to cut back in some areas of our life. But we will be intentionally cautious and conservative with our spending.

I see it also as an opportunity to look at our spending objectively anyways and question the things we were buying. Do we really need four streaming services? Do we really want to keep paying for pricey daycare when I would rather be the one with my kids?

Now that my income is no longer, I am more motivated to take care of what I have and to buy less. Because I actually am overwhelmed with more, and more doesn’t mean happiness. Less does. Substraction does.

When did wanting to be with our children stop being enough?

I think the fact that moms have babies and then feel pressured to choose either working or being a mom is unfair. There is a gray area. You can be a mom who pauses her full-time career and still picks up part-time work. You are still ambitious. It’s not always one or the other.

It’s not that I don’t want to work, I actually really enjoy it. I just want the work that I do to align with my values and feel like it matters to me. For me, if I’m going to spend time away from my kids, it should be worth it. Otherwise, what am I doing?

I am just beginning this journey. I don’t have any of the answers, and I’m sure I’ll question myself a lot over the next few months. But ultimately I’m so glad I finally made a decision and that I don’t feel stuck anymore. I can leap into motherhood fully, I can speak freely, and I can say what I want to say.

I get to unplug for the summer and focus on my babies. I get to be in nature. I get to take a step back and have a holistic view. And I will never get this opportunity again, it’s now or never. Because kids grow really freaking fast. My son will be 3 in August and my second is 6 months, going on 7. The time is now. Will it be easy? No, absolutely not. But will it be worth it? 100% yes.

Taking the leap into the unknown

Something amazing happens when you shift from spending energy on things that drain you, rather than what fills you up. In only a few days, I am no longer in a fog of going through the motions. Yes, I am still stretched in ways only a mom of two young kids can be, and when my body finally stops moving at the end of the day, I am deeply tired.

It’s going to take me a while to untangle my identity from my career. In the end, I decided that I don’t need a certain job title or salary to be worthy. I can find joy in the little things in life. Like taking a walk, getting books at the library, or making cupcakes from scratch on our own schedule.

I can heal myself by being present with my kids and seeing the world through their eyes. I can repair my nervous system by observing the birds in the garden.

Giving myself the space I need

The answer wasn’t simply “quit my job and all of my problems will disappear.” No, it’s far too complex and layered. Leaving my job was just the tip of the iceberg—the catalyst I needed to fully step into who I’m becoming. I am more than a mom and caregiver. And we all need to give ourselves much more credit, and enjoy motherhood a bit more. Because a regulated nervous system and inner peace are our greatest assets, not money.

I need space to figure out what exactly I want to do for work, but in order to do that I need to first start with regulating my nervous system and living from a place of balance and equilibrium.

What’s next for me

I know people are well-intentioned when they ask “so, what are you going to do now?” It’s only natural to wonder how I’ll spend my days, how I’ll be productive, how I’ll make money.

The truth is, I hope to be doing less. I want to enjoy the summer months as much as possible with less pressure. I want to take a real break from trying to force some false sense of clarity by jumping into the next role, starting a new business, or even freelancing.

Time outside in nature, time with my kids, time to wonder, time to explore, time to unplug, time to enjoy life, time to detach myself from old narratives that no longer fit, time to sit with the uncomfortable process of morphing into a new version of myself. And plenty of time for journaling and self-exploration.

I’m jumping into the unknown. And somewhere along the way, I hope I find work that reignites my inner spark. But I won’t rush, I won’t settle, and I won’t force. I’ll do my best to let it unfold as it should.

Getting real with what matters most

I am ever grateful to my husband for his support (financial, emotional, mental, etc.) during this time. He’s been a voice of reason and a rock, and I feel fortunate that I’m able to take this intentional career pause to be with our kids. We’re a team and there are trade-offs for both of us during this season, but we’re ultimately winning together. When I have moments of self-doubt, I will come back to this text from him and it’ll keep me going.

We only get one shot at this whole parenting thing, so let’s give it our all. When I’m 80 years old and I look back on my life, I’m going to be so proud of this decision. It may not feel like it every single day when I’m in the trenches of changing poop diapers, handling toddler tantrums, and taking the 10th toy truck away from my dog. But I get to do that.

I had kids for a reason—to enjoy them, to raise them, to teach them, to grow alongside them. Not to sit at a computer screen all day daydreaming about when they’ll get home, or feeling anxious that I’ll be stuck forever. I don’t want to miss what’s right in front of me.

I trust that everything will unfold as it’s meant to, and that I’ll eventually find values-driven work that fills my cup, too.

Journaling prompt: Is there a decision in your life that you’ve been putting off? Even if it’s a small one? What is the best outcome if you go for it? Does that outweigh the risks in taking a leap forward?

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Motherhood is messy, beautiful, chaotic at times, and overall life-altering. It’s the most important and fulfilling job in the world. It’s also the most demanding job in the world—we are stretching ourselves in new ways, daily. As moms, we often put our own needs on the backburner, take on new responsibilities, and undergo major identity shifts.

Becoming a mother doesn’t mean we lose ourselves; we actually have an opportunity to rediscover who we were becoming all along with the right tools, intentions, and support systems.

For so long, we’ve thought about self-care as only physical. But mental and emotional self-care are just as important. Moms are often on the verge of burnout; bombarded daily with to-do lists, appointment scheduling, and notifications. We are always thinking about what we have to do next, making mental notes in our heads. We rarely give ourselves the space to just exist—to wonder, to be bored, or to simply breathe.

The need for intentional, tailored self-care

The wellness industry (a $6.8 trillion market) is selling us one-size-fits-all, surface-level products. We are constantly chasing a never-ending version of happiness and fulfillment that doesn’t live at the bottom of a new dewy moisturizer. And most of us don’t have the opportunity (or budget) to take an entire day to go to the spa or a wellness retreat.

To be clear, I’m not saying don’t have a spa day or go on a wellness retreat. That would be foolish of me because who am I kidding? That sounds like a dream. What I am saying is that for the same reason you might be tired after a vacation, or even a long weekend, is that you’re treating the symptom, not finding the cure.

Just as Western medicine historically treats the symptoms rather than the root cause, the current wellness industry is focused on superficial, quick fixes that don’t actually address your deeper needs.

Self-care without intention is just a bandaid solution. The real feelings of burnout or exhaustion may disappear for a few weeks after a day of relaxation. But those feelings will always resurface because the deeper issue hasn’t been addressed. Why are you feeling so exhausted or burnt out? What do you really need in order to feel better every day?

Moms need long-lasting, sustainable micro-habits that they can keep coming back to day after day. They need habitual, go-to resources that are minimal effort yet high reward.

Oftentimes, self-care is viewed or sold to us as glamorous. But truly taking care of yourself isn’t always the easy thing to do, or the one you want to do. In my view, real transformation and growth happen when you sit with the uncomfortable emotions instead of numbing out with social media or another Netflix series. You stop being afraid to look at yourself—your whole self—in the mirror and admit what it is you truly want.

Contrary to what the wellness industry is selling, self-care doesn’t have to cost a lot and it’s really quite simple. It just takes the willingness to get quiet, open up a blank page, and turn inward.

My goal is to help moms reignite their spark through the written word—through journaling. I don’t want to teach you anything new, but rather remind you of what you already know to be true deep down. To help you unearth your inner wisdom by digging deep. By going back to basics. By learning to trust your intuition and feel confident in your decisions, thoughts, and feelings. By connecting with this part of you regularly.

The creation of the Inner Core Framework

I’ve been there too—eagerly searching for quick fixes to help me feel better or look less tired. New supplements, workout classes, books, advice from influencers, hair products, face creams, you name it. When none of these made a long-lasting difference (or they worked for a few days, but the exhaustion crept back in again), I began to wonder what I was chasing in the first place.

It turns out under-eye cream is just masking the real exhaustion I feel from searching for answers everywhere else but inside myself.

The truth is, I was living so much in the outer, surface-level layers of myself without digging deep and connecting with my thoughts or feelings. I was settling for convenience and instant gratification. So I started sitting with myself and getting quiet enough to hear my own inner thoughts and needs. Not what the Internet was telling me I needed. Not what the past versions of me thought I needed.

I opened up my journal and just let it out, without judgement or fear. Peeling back layer by layer of myself to uncover hidden truths. To listen to what I really needed to hear. What I learned is that I really crave simplicity—rest (without guilt), home-cooked meals, sunshine, writing, reading, quality time with my loved ones, and going for walks.

We’ve over-complicated what taking care of ourselves really means because we’re looking for answers in all the wrong places.

The Inner Core Framework is a tool for self-exploration and self-expression. It’s an opportunity for moms to give themselves the daily space they need so they can show up as the best versions of themselves: more aware, more in-tune, more aligned, and more creative.

When we listen to our inner knowing, we find the answers we’ve been seeking. We realize that all along, we’ve needed to come back to ourselves in order to gain clarity and sustainable energy.

Between the to do lists, school drop offs, grocery shopping, working, etc. moms are usually last on their list. It sometimes doesn’t feel like there’s enough time in the day for self-care. But it’s not something that’s only reserved for the weekend and you don’t need an entire day to do it. Micro-moments and routine habits are the solution to filling (and refilling) your cup.

A journaling practice is a ritual—a special space for you that validates you are worthy of slowing down and showing up, no matter how hard it was to get there in the first place.

Journaling is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve your mood. In an always-on, digital world with constant notifications and to-do lists, it’s the tool that moms need to unplug and recharge. It also can help us reconnect with parts of ourselves we lost along the way, or feel we don’t have time for.

Creating long-lasting, fulfilling change in your life means intentionally carving out space for you, every day. Instead of scrolling on your phone for 15 minutes, take out your journal. It’s often when we’re feeling the most stressed that we need to carve out space for ourselves. You can choose how to spend your time and you can find calm among the chaos.

This is about redefining what self-care looks like for you. By connecting to your true internal compass and tuning out the external noise, you can get clear on what you really need to take the best care of yourself.

Introducing the four layers of the Inner Core Framework

The Inner Core Framework is based on the layers of the earth: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. From the cool crust to the intensely hot core, the layers of the earth are all different and they all serve different purposes. The inner core is the most powerful because it’s the source of the earth’s magnetic field—it determines direction and is the guiding principle to a compass.

It’s the same for moms; the inner core is your ultimate guide. It’s the root of who you are: your values, purpose, and authenticity.

The framework’s purpose is to lead you back to yourself, using your own internal compass. To move through the surface layers towards the deepest parts of you. It’s only when you reach the inner core that you can tap into what true self-care looks like, after you dig through the rest of the layers.

Through the simple act of journaling, moms can unearth their deepest desires, choose where to spend their energy, and ultimately start living in more alignment with their values.

Just as the earth goes through seasons, so do you. It’s about embracing the season you’re in so you can live in greater rhythm with the world around you, making necessary adjustments along the way. Because just like the earth, we too are ever-shifting, ever-growing, and ever-changing.

Ideally you would go through each layer in one journaling sessions (moving from Crust to Inner Core). It doesn’t need to take you more than 20 minutes, and you can do it in between naps or on-the-go. You could even do this with your children and model what nervous systems regulation looks like in practice. As you move through the layers hopefully you can free up some mental space, and begin to feel lighter, more aware, and ultimately more in-tune with yourself.

Crust

The earth’s crust is the outermost layer; it’s thin and vast. This layer symbolizes the outer world of motherhood including the day-to-day responsibilities, the family, and the admin. Many moms can spend a large majority of their energy in this layer, and rarely move into the other layers. It includes to-do lists, appointment making, planning, cooking dinner, packing lunches, birthday party organizing, gifts, etc.

When we feel more organized and less scattered, we have more time and availability to focus on self-care. We give ourselves more space to slow down. We have to move through the crust layer first—uncluttering our brains in the process—before we can dive deeper into the other layers.

The crust reminds us that we need to adopt the right methods and habits to help us get organized: to decrease the mental load, free up space, and release external pressures.

This layer is focused on awareness and everyday reflections. It’s aimed at observing your current experience without judgment. It’s about paying more attention to your habits, thoughts, and daily rhythms and asking ourselves if these are supporting the life we want to live. The crust encourages us to get curious and get grounded.

Journaling tips:

• Set a time for four minutes and play some instrumental music.

• Focus on brain dumps, writing with a time limit, free writing without structure, or bullet points.

• This layer is about lightening the load and giving yourself space to breathe. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but rather freeing yourself from the belief that you don’t have time to take care of yourself.

Crust prompt: Make a list of all of your weekly and monthly responsibilities and obligations. Now go back and ask yourself, “which of these are necessary, nice-to-haves, or can fall off my plate?” and put stars next to them. This will hopefully free up some of your capacity to do the things you want to do, not the ones you feel like you “should” be doing.

Mantle

The mantle layer of the earth is a dense, hot layer of gooey rock. This is the biggest layer of the earth, and unsurprisingly this layer needs the most attention to truly lay the groundwork for what’s to come. This layer represents the emotional core—the internal work of a mother. This is where the soul searching happens, when you start to take a deeper look at your own emotional landscape.

You start to understand where you may be storing outdated beliefs, stories, and thought patterns. You begin to get really clear on what it is you want in this life, how you want to show up, and what your dreams and passions are.

Spending time in the mantle is especially important for moms who are often carrying around the burden of other people’s emotions. It also can be where you start to explore the root cause of your burnout or stress.

The mantle layer is for pulling back the curtain on your current state, how you got here, and what you’ve learned about yourself along the way. It’s about embracing resiliency, healing, self-compassion, and self-reflection.

Journaling tips:

• Re-set your timer for four minutes and play a new song.

• This layer is about shedding, unloading, and cleansing. Let go of anything that’s no longer serving you in this season. Go back to the beginning and try to understand your journey.

Mantle prompt: What does my body know that my mind hasn’t caught up to yet? Am I having any pain or discomfort in my body that actually reflects my emotional state?

Outer core

The earth’s outer core is a hot, liquid layer made up of nickel and iron–creating the magnetic field. This layer represents the flow of energy and the creative forces within a mother. It’s the layer where her creative, intuitive, and passionate energy resides. It takes the journey a step further, blending intuition with what sparks a fire in you.

This layer expands on the mantle. Once you acknowledge your current season and emotional state, it’s time to incorporate sustainable change into your life, whether that’s more play, rest, or creativity. It’s about getting real with our own needs and desires, so that we can start to listen to what our inner self is saying.

Just like the earth’s magnetic field, the outer core is the forcefield around our inner core–guiding us to the innermost part of ourselves.

The outer core urges us to have more zest for life and fully embrace what lights us up. It helps us be in touch with who we really are, what our values are, and what living authentically means.

Journaling tips:

• Re-set your timer for four minutes and find a new uplifting song.

• This layer is about understanding what we need on an individual level in order to refill our cups. To truly escape burnout and exhaustion, we first need to understand what we like doing in the first place so we can incorporate more of it into our daily lives.

Outer core prompt: What did I enjoy doing as a child? Do I incorporate this activity or hobby into my daily life? If not, how can I carve in some space for myself to reconnect with this part of me?

Inner core

The earth’s inner core is a scorching hot ball of iron and nickel, but unlike the outer core, this one is completely solid. The inner core symbolizes the deep, unshakable strength within every mother. It’s where her purpose, resilience, and true identity reside. It’s the part of you that has always been there–underneath the surface, waiting to be re-discovered and reconnected with.

Your inner core is rock solid—it’s your energetic pull—it will always be your compass and your guide.

The inner core is about bringing it all together—making sense of all of the inner work you’ve done in the previous layers. It’s not about putting unnecessary pressure on yourself to have massive epiphanies, although that can certainly happen.

It’s more so about learning to trust your inner voice and letting your intuition guide you. It’s about restoring your connection to your inner compass and believing that everything you seek is already within you. It’s about quieting the external noise and turning up the volume on yourself.

When we regularly slow down and get quiet enough to listen to our inner selves by putting pen to paper, we can begin to uncover what taking care of ourselves really means and what’s needed to help us live our most vibrant, aligned lives.

Journaling tips:

• Re-set your time for four minutes one last time and choose a song that speaks to your soul—the one you could listen to over and over again.

• This layer can be challenging. It’s hard to sit with the uncomfortable but it’s worth it. If you really want to unlock sustainable change and you’re tired of living in a loop of exhaustion and stress, it’s time to get clear. Go inward to understand how you can start to live a life that feels good—a life that’s more authentic and intentional.

Inner Core prompt: What does an ideal day look like when I’m living in greater alignment? Get specific with the details so you can truly visualize it. What would you be doing? How would you feel? What would you be wearing? Who would you see or talk to? How would you spend your time and energy?

As a reminder, my writing and journal prompts are here to serve a greater purpose—to help women and moms rekindle their inner flame, helping you show up as the best version of yourself in everything you do, especially motherhood. Because taking better care of you makes you an even better mama. If you enjoyed this post, follow along for even more Inner Core Framework content.

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It’s time to reintroduce Note to Self. It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Writing took a backseat while I was pregnant with baby number two. Now that I’ve welcomed a beautiful little girl into the world, I’m ready to get back into it. After a radical life shift of becoming a family of four, I’ve taken time to process and step away to adjust and re-calibrate.

I’ve been wanting to get back into writing for a while, but kept going back and forth on if it was worth sharing. There’s so much content already, I questioned if I could offer a new perspective. Ultimately I decided I needed to get out of my own way, because it really isn’t about me. It’s about you.

My writing and journal prompts are here to serve a greater purpose—to help women and moms rekindle their inner flame.

Becoming a mom of two has given me a sense of clarity; a fire in my belly that didn’t exist before. And I want to share what I’ve learned. This isn’t going to be a space where I give advice or suggestions on what you should be doing—I think there’s plenty of that in existence already.

Note to Self is about connecting with yourself—your inner truth and inner knowing—through the power of journaling. What I intend to do is provide you with relatable stories, prompts, and moments to pause, reflect, daydream, and wonder. To tap into your creativity. To rekindle your inner flame. To regain trust in your own voice.

My experience with journaling

As a young girl, I can remember keeping a diary and writing down my most intimate thoughts (fuzzy pen included). Over the years, I put my pen down and my journal started collecting dust. This left me feeling distracted and disconnected.

I had a monumental shift in 2015 when I started journaling almost every day. As I started to get all of the thoughts that were swirling in my head down on paper, I began to feel a release. Once I cleared up mental space, I had more capacity to focus on the type of things that demanded and deserved my energy. Above all, I rekindled the connection to my inner self. I began to listen to the voice inside of me and what it was trying to tell me all along.

That same year, I wrote down a very specific prompt in my journal that has become the foundation of what I want to briefly introduce today, and what I’ll continue coming back to in later posts: the inner core framework (more on this in my next post, stay tuned). The irony is that I wrote this journal entry before having kids and then I shoved the notebook away for years in my dresser—not thinking about it or opening it back up until almost ten years later.

One day in 2025, I was cleaning out my drawers and came across it. Now I can clearly see that my intuition was trying to tell me something all along. And I’m finally ready to allow myself to fully dive into it. To stop getting in my own way and to trust my inner compass. I’ve learned so much about myself through my journaling practice and my hope is to help other women and moms do the same.

Moving from urgency to intention

Even as I write this from my couch as my 3-month old takes her morning snooze, I feel a sense of urgency to get all my thoughts down in the most concise way. I’m sure most moms can relate to this sense of urgency. We feel we have to cram 15 things into short spans of time—to be efficient, to make sure it all gets done, to be productive.

In today’s culture, we are so accustomed to speed and productivity that we forgot how to slow down and really connect with ourselves in order to regulate our nervous systems.

What I’ve experienced first-hand is that journaling has helped me move from a place of anxiety to a place of alignment. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that allows me to connect with my thoughts, and to find stillness among the busyness that is raising two children (under 3) in the modern world. It’s helping me move through life with more intention.

Let this be a gentle reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Motherhood doesn’t have to mean putting yourself last. In contrast, when you model self-regulation and self-care to your children, they’ll grow up doing the same. Or at least gaining some exposure to what that looks like.

It’s about slowing down, going analog, and digging deep. This is what real self-care looks like and this is how you show up as your most aligned, authentic self to bring forth in all areas of your life.

What’s next for Note to Self

When I started Note to Self, I didn’t really have a goal in mind other than to just get back into writing. And while that’s still my goal, I have a different lens as a mom of two. My identity has shifted, my values have sharpened, and I have a deeper desire to use journaling to help others find more clarity in their own lives.

I’ll use Note to Self to share short stories about things that inspire me and journaling prompts to inspire you. I’ll remind you to get offline: to use analog tools like a pen and paper. I’ll encourage you to spend time in nature—restoring your connection to the world around you. And I’ll remind you that taking breaks and recharging your batteries is essential.

Lastly, I am now a certified Superconductor (which is a very cool way of saying journaling workshop faciliatator) from AllSwell Creative. Laura L. Rubin is doing some amazing work and I’m honored to be a part of the mindful writing revolution that she’s spearheading. My hope is to bring some virtual and in-person journaling workshops to life this year (more to come on that later).

Parting prompt

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. Now go grab your notebook and your favorite pen, maybe even light a candle. I’ll leave you with this parting prompt. Above all else, be proud that you tuned out the external noise and tapped into your own frequency. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. That is more than enough.

In my next post, I’ll dive deeper into the inner core framework I use for journaling and walk you through how to use it in your daily life. Please subscribe if you feel called to do so and join me on the journey back home to yourself.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve considered myself a writer. A lover of the written word. I’m fascinated by how we can string words together to create something beautiful. To create stories. To create books. After all, humans are naturally drawn towards stories.

I’ve always enjoyed being a creative writer. And I also love journaling. There’s something about holding a physical pen with paper that’s super cathartic for me — getting the words out of my head and onto paper.

Over the years I’ve become less creative though. I’ve become the writer who doesn’t write. I’ve taken on jobs where I write about topics that aren’t the most interesting to me. Or I’ve become an editor or strategist, but I’ve lost the actual writer inside of me. The writing skills have taken a backseat.

In a corporate world that’s hyper-focused on scaling, AI, automation, and output, I’ve found myself craving some more analog methods. More slowing down. More intentional creation. More writing just for the sake of writing, not to capture leads or sell something. But to tell actual stories on a human level.

I’ve also become way more of a consumer — ingesting all of the content that other people are creating, without actually sharing my own perspective. This has negative impacts on my creativity because when you’re endlessly scrolling, you’re unconsciously draining your energy.

Maybe this resonates with you, maybe it doesn’t. But hopefully this shakes up something up inside of you — something that’s been asleep or dormant for a while.

Do you have a desire to start a creative project? A hobby? Did you used to create something that you put on the back burner for a while because maybe it’s not a “money maker,” or maybe you have young kids and you need to proactively make space for yourself? Or maybe you just lost interest along the way and it’s time to find a new outlet.

When we take care of ourselves and we’re in touch with the creative aspects of who we are and what lights us up, we’re more fulfilled. So just start. Get back in the kitchen and bake your favorite cake. Bust out the camera and take some pictures. Clean off your old paintbrushes. Write a hand-written letter that you send through the mail. Open up the blank page and write one sentence, then another.

Life is more fun when we exercise our creative muscles. Be more of a creator, less of a consumer.

When most people think about resting or recharging, it usually seems like some lofty pursuit. Something you have to earn. Something that you have to work towards. Something you can only do on weekends or on your days off.

And I’m one of those people. With an ever-growing to-do list, family demands, a full-time job, and a side hustle — the last thing on my list is usually me. And even if I’m physically resting, I have a hard time turning off my brain.

For most of my life, I viewed rest as clearing my schedule and doing “nothing,” which usually resulted in me creating yet another to-do list. Or catching up on the personal tasks I’d been neglecting. Or feeling guilty for not being productive. Basically the opposite of resting.

Busy women (and especially moms) are often low on their own priority list. Between grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, school pickups and drop-offs, making dinner, working a 9-5, and keeping up with a social calendar it may feel like there’s quite literally no time for yourself or your own self-care.

Taking care of yourself is productive. You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you prioritize your own needs, you can show up as the rejuvenated, restored version of yourself that you then carry throughout all parts of your life.

At this stage in my life, I’m realizing that there are different types of rest or breaks. Getting older has taught me that as an ambivert (an extroverted introvert), I need a balance of social activity and solo reflection time. Sometimes what I actually need to rest is my brain — I need to get out of my house, put on a cute outfit, and do something fun that doesn’t involve thinking or planning. This past weekend I spent time with a close friend and recharged my creative energy.

It takes actual effort and hard work to stay committed to yourself — to keep coming back over and over again. To continue asking yourself what you truly need and making decisions confidently. The daily choices we make have a bigger impact than we know and shape how we feel day after day.

How do you want to show up every day? Exhausted and depleted, just going through the motions. Or energized and rejuvenated, with purpose and intention. I choose the latter time and time again.

Here are some simple ideas for reinvigorating your energy and incorporating more conscious rest into your life, even if all you have is 10 minutes. No matter what you do, the main goal is to be present in the moment. Because the opposite of rest is thinking about the past or future — stay rooted in the here and now. Prioritizing yourself looks different on any given day and it’s your job to know what you need.

Small ways to reset your energy:

• Journaling or writing

• Meditation or breathing exercises

• Reading a book

• Drinking a cup of coffee or tea and really savoring it

• Standing outside first thing in the morning and getting some sun and fresh air

• Making a delicious snack or meal

• Picking or arranging flowers

• Going to an exercise class with a friend

• Taking at least one screen break (preferably multiple throughout the day)

• Listening to the birds outside

• Cooking dinner and sharing it with friends

• Exploring a new place or city

• Playing outside with your kids (or nieces/nephews/grandchildren)

• Taking your dog for a walk in a new neighborhood

Rest doesn’t have to be lofty or expensive. It doesn’t have anything to do with spa days or vacations. These are superficial fixes. What you really need is long-lasting, sustainable rest which comes in the form of small check-ins with yourself throughout the day. What do you really need in this moment?

Recharging looks different to everyone, on any given day. You are worthy of putting down your to-do list and giving yourself a much-needed break. In fact, by granting yourself a moment of rest or self-care each day you can come back to your responsibilities with a greater sense of ease.

Note to self: you deserve to feel rejuvenated so you can show up as the best version of you in everything you do.

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It’s about time I give this publication a proper name and a brief introduction. Welcome to Note to self — a place to tune out the noise of the external world so we can tune into our internal voices. A place to share stories, improve our self-awareness, and ultimately grow together.

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Everyone offers sage advice when it comes to self-care, but it can become overwhelming to sift through it all and more importantly to know what’s going to help you reach your personal goals, whatever they may be. There are a lot of opinions, advice, suggestions, products, podcasts, etc. out there. But a 10-step skincare routine isn’t for everyone, just like cold plunges aren’t for everyone.

If I’ve learned anything through my own personal experience: you are the only one who knows what’s best for you.

While it’s important to listen to other perspectives and have an open mind, it’s equally if not more important to take what you like and leave the rest. To digest new information, refine it, and tailor it to your own personal situation if it suits you.

Note to self is a place where we can peel back the layers and start to truly know ourselves. An opportunity to pause, slow down, and create the space we need to become more self-aware. To focus on the things we can control, which include our own beliefs, actions, thoughts, and boundaries so we can show up as the best versions of ourselves.

By connecting with the innermost parts of ourselves, we can start to move through the world with more ease, joy, authenticity, and purpose.

My goal is to help you trust your gut and to trust yourself. To wonder more, dream often, and ponder why things are the way they are. To find more connection. To find more clarity. To take the pressure off of ourselves to have it all figured out and to embrace that we’re human beings. Inherently, we’re messy and complex. And we can change our minds or story at any point in time.

Spend less energy fixating on what other people are doing, and more time on raising your vibration. Notice what resonates with you, what sets your soul on fire, what you actually want in this life. Be committed to your own joy and self-care.

I don’t have all of the answers and I never will. I’m not an expert in anything but I have a curious mind, a quest to live a purposeful life, and a love of the written word. I hope this becomes a refreshing space where you can gain a new perspective and learn to trust your inner compass.

When life gives you lemons make whatever you want — who says it has to be lemonade? Be open to new possibilities and ideas, but stay true to what you really want. You, and only you, know exactly what to make.

When the winter days are cold and you barely see the sun, the last thing you may want to do is get up early. And I see you. I’m a big snoozer in the morning — it takes a lot for me to actually get up on my first alarm. I usually wait until I hear my toddler, he’s my real alarm.

But lately that hasn’t been working for me anymore. I’ve realized if I actually want to have a productive head start on the day, I need to force myself to wake up before my son despite how warm my bed is.

At my core, I’m a night owl but becoming a parent has forced me to embrace the morning hours. Changing your habits is hard. But so is not changing them. It hasn’t been easy for me to wake up earlier but it’s worth doing. For a long time, I always viewed change and happiness as one in the same. When I got that new job, I’d be happier. When I cut my hair, I’d be happier.

But what I’ve come to realize is this: you can’t rely on the “big” changes to bring you happiness because that type of happiness is fleeting and superficial. What you really need is to incorporate small doses of joy into your everyday life through noticing the small things.

So, what’s a micro-moment?

A micro-moment is basically just that. It’s taking a short moment to be mindful — to really enjoy that sip of warm coffee you’re drinking. To fully embrace someone and feel the love between you. To relish the present moment you’re in, connect to your senses, and slow down.

Today I had extra motivation to get up early and set a positive tone for my day. Since my son was still asleep, I decided to take the dog for a walk. It felt so good to be up early with the rising sun. And this was my micro-moment #1. I paused for just a moment, long enough to see the bright sun peeping through the trees. To really see it. And take in its glory. To be thankful for the rays beating down on my face. And then we continued on our walk.

This leads me to micro-moment #2: a loving moment with my son. In between the busyness — he rarely sits still and that means neither do I — occasionally I’ll get a sweet embrace. He’ll put his head on my shoulder and it’s always the sweetest moment of the day. In these moments I pause and really soak it up. It doesn’t last long because you know, toddlers, but these short minutes fill my cup.

And finally my third micro-moment was at the end of the day — my final walk with the dog. As we were walking down the end of the street, I glared up at the moon and a huge shadow flew over my head. It was an owl! In this very moment, I was elated (also a little jumpy) but I really took in my senses and environment. It gave me a child-like wonder to search for where the owl went even though I didn’t see it again. It was a good reminder to look up. I would’ve missed it if I was looking at my phone but I’m glad I was fully present in the moment.

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Opening the door for small joys

Embracing micro-moments is really about finding balance. It doesn’t mean we won’t have hard days — those will still come. But it does mean that you’re in control of your own happiness.

Because where your attention goes, the attraction goes. If you’re focusing on the negative, you’ll attract more negative. If you open yourself up to finding small joys, you’ll slowly start to realize there’s happiness all around you.

And you didn’t have to do something major to find it. It’s in the mundane, everyday things, like opening up a fresh book and diving into the first few pages. The small things really are the big things.

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