Rest Isn’t Quitting: Why Stepping Back Can Be the Most Productive Thing You Do
We live in a culture that glorifies hustle. We measure our worth in checkmarks, and productivity gets treated like a badge of honor—even if we’re running on fumes. So yes, the idea of resting can feel a little counterintuitive.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
I don’t get things done in spite of resting—I get things done because I rest.
The 5-Minute Rule: The Surprisingly Simple Trick That Beats Procrastination
Ever find yourself avoiding a task for hours (or, let’s be honest, days), only to finally start it and realize it wasn’t that bad? Yeah, same. Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s our brain trying to dodge discomfort. And that’s where the 5-Minute Rule comes in.
The Secret to Finding More Time (Without Waking Up at 5 AM)
A few years ago, I found myself staring at my never-ending to-do list at 11 PM, wondering where the day had gone. I had been busy all day—jumping from one task to the next, checking emails, handling last-minute requests, and telling myself I was being productive.
But somehow, nothing important actually got done.
I thought, “If only I had a few more hours in the day.”
Spoiler: more time wouldn’t have helped. Because the real problem wasn’t the number of hours I had. It was how I was using them.
And if you’ve ever felt the same way—like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around—keep reading.
The Productivity Lie That’s Keeping You Stuck
For years, I believed that being productive meant doing more.
More tasks on my to-do list. More hours working. More hustle.
If I could just squeeze in a little more effort—wake up earlier, push through the exhaustion, multitask like a pro—then I’d finally feel on top of things, right?
Wrong.
The Tiny Shift That Changed Everything About My Goals
I used to be really good at setting goals. You know the type: the big dreams, color-coded planners, and a vision board filled with everything I was going to achieve. But here's the thing—I wasn't as great at actually following through on them. Every year, month, and week, I'd set these grand plans, only to watch my motivation fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July.
Sound familiar?
The “Invisible To-Do List” That’s Draining Your Energy (And How to Clear It)
Ever feel like there’s an endless list of small tasks hovering in the background—ones you keep postponing until they start weighing you down? This “invisible to-do list” isn’t just a collection of minor chores; it’s a hidden source of stress that chips away at your energy and clarity.
How to Finally Stay Consistent with Your Workouts
Let’s be honest—starting a workout routine is easy. Sticking with it? That’s a whole different story.
Maybe you’ve been in this cycle before: You get super motivated, find a workout plan, go strong for a week… and then life happens. You skip a workout. Then another. And before you know it, your sneakers are gathering dust, and you’re back to square one, wondering where it all went wrong.
When Life Scraps Your Plans – The Beauty of an Unstructured Day
You know I love me a perfectly planned day. Color-coded schedules, neatly time-blocked hours, the sheer satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s happening and when. What a dream.
But let’s be real—life doesn’t always care about my neatly mapped-out plans.
Love, But Make It Everyday
Valentine’s Day is here, and while I love a good excuse to eat fancy chocolate and romanticize life, let’s be real—love isn’t just about overpriced bouquets and candlelit dinners. And it’s definitely not reserved for one day a year. Love is the quiet, everyday moments, the small acts of kindness, the way we show up for ourselves and for others, even when nobody’s watching.
Seasonal Self-Care: Emerging from the Darkest Days of Winter
The darkest days of winter are officially behind us. The sun is sticking around a little longer each evening, and while we may still have some cold days ahead, we’re moving toward warmth, light, and renewal. (Until next winter, anyway.)
For many, winter can feel heavy—like a long, slow stretch of days where motivation is scarce, energy is low, and everything just feels a little off. If you’ve been feeling that way, you’re not alone. But as we step into this seasonal shift, it’s the perfect time to adjust our self-care routines and shake off that winter fog.
Amor Fati: The Art of Loving Life, Even When It’s a Hot Mess
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re sipping your morning coffee, feeling like a productivity goddess with your color-coded planner, and the next, your toddler is finger-painting the walls with cashew butter, your email inbox is staging a coup, and the chicken coop door is mysteriously open. (Cue panic.)
It’s in moments like these that I’ve learned to embrace a little ancient wisdom—specifically, Amor Fati.
How to Design Your Most Intentional Year Yet
The life you dream of—one brimming with intention, joy, and alignment—doesn’t just happen. It’s built, choice by choice, day by day. And as we step into 2025, the focus isn’t on doing more. It’s about doing what truly matters—the things that light you up, strengthen your family, and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
How to Create a Productive Morning Routine
If you struggle to hone in on a morning routine, you are not alone, my friend. Let me walk you through some of my top suggestions for mastering your morning.
New Year, Same Me (But Better)
Here’s the deal: The whole "new year, new me" mindset is exhausting. It’s a setup for failure because it implies there’s something fundamentally wrong with who you are now. Spoiler alert: There isn’t. You don’t need to toss your entire personality, habits, or life into the trash just because it’s January.
Peek Inside My Notion Dashboard: The System That Runs My Life
Discover how I use Notion to organize my life with this behind-the-scenes dashboard tour! Learn tips, tricks, and layouts for productivity, planning, and creativity. Perfect for Notion beginners and pros!
Poinsettias at Christmas: A Legacy of Love
A touching reflection on how poinsettias, Christmas traditions, and cherished memories of Gramma Billie remind us that holiday legacies live on through the little moments we share and remember.
Anti-Goals: Your Secret Weapon for an Intentional Life
Discover how anti-goals—the powerful practice of defining what you don't want—can help you create a more intentional life in 2025. Learn this unconventional approach to goal-setting inspired by Charlie Munger.
Why We Overcommit During the Holidays (And How to Stop)
Ah, the holidays. A time for joy, connection, and—let’s be honest—way too many commitments. Between the endless holiday parties, family gatherings, gift shopping, and the 1,000 other things we feel we should be doing, it’s easy to end up exhausted, burned out, and wondering where the joy went. So, why do we do it to ourselves?
My Curated Amazon Gift Guide for Christmas 2024: Handpicked Favorites for Everyone on Your List!
The holiday season is officially here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably juggling festive activities, family gatherings, and a never-ending to-do list. To make things a little easier (and way more fun!), I’ve put together a curated collection of trending Amazon gifts that are perfect for everyone on your list. From cozy indulgences to chic home essentials, there’s something here for every budget and personality.
How to Romanticize Your Life in Small Ways: Turning the Ordinary Into Magic
Ever feel like life is on fast-forward, rushing from one task to the next? It's time to hit pause and embrace the beauty of the everyday. In this blog post, discover how to romanticize your life by savoring simple moments like your morning coffee, taking peaceful gratitude walks, and celebrating the small wins. You don’t need grand gestures to create a life filled with joy—just a few intentional tweaks to your daily routine. Ready to turn the ordinary into something magical? Let’s dive into the small, powerful ways you can live a more intentional and fulfilling life.