We’ve all heard it a million times. Actions speak louder than words. And yet somehow we still find ourselves holding onto what people said they would do instead of looking at what they’re actually doing.

This week we’re going there. Honest, clear eyed, no sugarcoating. Because the patterns are always there. We just have to be willing to see them.

And yes, that includes looking at our own too. No free passes here. 😅

Let’s look at what’s around you.

• Who in your life consistently says the right things but isn’t backing them up? What are their actions actually telling you?

• Where have you been giving someone the benefit of the doubt for way too long?

• What pattern keeps showing up in your relationships that you’ve been explaining away?

Now let’s look at you.

Because this is a judgement free zone but it is an honest one.

• Where in your life are your actions not matching what you say you want? Be specific.

• What have you been saying you’re going to do that you haven’t done? What’s actually stopping you?

• If someone looked at your actions this past month, what would they think your priorities are? Is that accurate?

What do you actually want to call in?

• What would it look like if the people in your life showed up the way you actually need them to?

• What’s one thing you can start doing this week so that your actions match the life you say you want?

The good news is patterns can change. Yours and sometimes even other people’s. But first you have to see them clearly. That’s what the journal is for.

xx, lj

Rising in Our Work

Something is shifting this spring and we want to be in the room when it happens.

Our second Rising Well gathering is here and this one is all about your career. Growth, ambition, pivots, self-doubt, advocating for your value and redefining what success looks like on your own terms. No polished LinkedIn version. The real conversation.

Sign Up Here

Joining us are three women who have each navigated their own version of rising in their work: April Yau (VP, Cossette Media), Parveen Sandhu (Realtor, Oakwyn), and Iona Barnes (Founder, Little B Confectionery).

If you’re in a season of growth, this conversation is for you.

📅 Saturday, April 18 · 10am to 12pm

📍 1085 Homer St, Vancouver

Spots are limited. Grab yours below.

Rising in Our Work

Save My Seat!

Over the last few weeks I’ve been catching up with some friends and something kept coming up in every single conversation. Our energy. How we want to give it, where we want to spend it, and honestly, who and what deserves it in this next phase of our lives.

Maybe it’s an age thing. We’re all hovering around 40(+/-)ish and something shifts when you get he…

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Because not that long ago, I was on the other side of this. I was the one receiving a scholarship. And what that scholarship gave me was more than access to a class.

It meant I did not have to work extra hours away from my kids to pay for it. It meant I did not have to pull from family funds or sit with the financial guilt that so many immigrants know well, the kind that shows up every time you try to spend something on yourself. It took that weight off and replaced it with something I did not expect.

Confidence. In my body. In a room. In how I move through spaces and show up in them.

It gave me the knowledge to understand the connection between my body and my surroundings. It made me realize how much it matters, how you show up, and how much space you hold for others to learn, grow, and just be. I carry that with me now in everything I do.

ALL Gives creates equitable pathways to movement, mindfulness, and community well-being for people who face financial and systemic barriers to access. That looks like scholarships for people pursuing movement and mindfulness education, free and donation-based community classes brought directly into underserved communities, and support for amateur athletes from marginalized backgrounds who deserve to train and compete without financial barriers in the way.

We intentionally serve BIPOC communities, marginalized individuals, and underserved communities. People who have not always seen themselves reflected in wellness spaces. People who deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.

I am proud to lead this foundation. I really believe in what we are building and I want to see it grow.

But more than anything, it matters to me that the generations coming up behind us have a seat at the table. That they see someone who looks like them on the path. That access is not something they have to fight for or feel guilty about. That movement and community and care are just things that belong to them too.

That is the work. And we are just getting started.

One of the ways ALL Gives raises funds is through our movement class series. When you book a class, what you pay goes directly toward scholarships, free community programming, and athlete sponsorships. Your workout does something beyond the hour.

Our fundraising class series just launched. Our next class is ALL STRENGTH, March 17 at 7pm. New to ALL Studio or a regular, it does not matter. Come as you are.

Save Me A Seat

And if a class is not where you are right now, you can donate or learn more at the link below. Every bit of support helps us make more room for more people.

xx, lj

There’s this weird stretch that happens every year right around now where the new year energy is completely gone, summer isn’t close enough to feel exciting, and you’re just kind of... existing. Doing the thing. Getting through the week.

And sometimes that’s totally fine! But sometimes it’s also a sign that you’ve got some stuff to look at. Things you’re pushing down, things you’re not saying, things you keep meaning to move on but haven’t.

So we’re doing a real check-in today.

Let’s start with the truth.

• Where in your life are you actually making progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it from the inside?

• What are you pretending is fine right now? Like actually, what is it?

• What’s something you keep almost saying out loud but swallow back down every time? Write it here. The journal won’t tell anyone.

Now let’s do something with it.

Because awareness is step one but you also get to decide what happens next.

• What’s a version of yourself you keep putting off? What’s actually standing in the way, be specific.

• Where are you choosing what’s comfortable over what you actually want?

• If you stopped waiting for the “right time” and just decided to move forward right now, what would that first step look like?

The in between is real and it’s valid and also you get to decide how you show up in it. Don’t just coast through... Use it.

xx, lj

For this week’s journaling guide, I want us to do two things. Honour ourselves, and honour the women who helped make us who we are.

I think about this a lot, especially on days like today. We’re so quick to celebrate other women (which we should, always) but we forget to turn that same warmth inward. And we don’t always stop to really acknowledge the women who quietly changed the course of our lives. So that’s what we’re doing today. Two prompts, a bit of reflection, and hopefully a moment that actually means something to you.

First, let’s talk about you.

Think about who you are right now. Not who you’re working toward, not who you used to be. Right now, today.

• What’s something you do effortlessly that other people find genuinely hard?

• If your best friend described you to a stranger, what would she say? Would you believe her?

• What’s one thing you’ve carried this year that deserves a little round of applause?

Now, the women who made you.

We don’t arrive at ourselves alone. There’s always someone in the story.

• Who is a woman (a mother, a friend, a teacher, even a stranger on the internet) who quietly changed the shape of your life?

• What did she give you that she probably doesn’t even know she gave?

• Is there something you wish you could say to her? And if she’s still around… could you just say it?

That’s your Sunday sorted. Grab a coffee, find a quiet corner, and give yourself the time to actually sit with these ones. You deserve that today.

Happy Women’s Day. 🤍

See you next Sunday.

xx, LJ

For this week’s journaling guide, I want you to pick one goal. JUST ONE! Not your entire life plan, not ten things you feel like you “should” be doing, just one thing you actually want to move forward because it matters to you.

I get a lot done when I lock in, but I also know that when you’re building momentum or trying to level up, it can feel overwhelming really fast and that’s usually when people either freeze or try to do everything at once. So instead we’re simplifying and choosing one weekly goal and actually giving it our attention.

So ask yourself:

1. What is one thing I want to move forward this week that would genuinely feel good to make progress on because it means something to me?

2. Then instead of over complicating it, decide on 1-3 small actions you can take each day that directly support that goal, the kind of steps that are realistic enough that you’ll actually do them. One email. One paragraph. One call. Ten focused minutes. One workout. Something repeatable.

That’s it.

A well being life is about being intentional with what you choose and then showing up for it. Pick one thing. Do the small daily steps. Let the week work for you.

Save this and check back in with yourself mid week.

xx, LJ

This week let’s focus on gratitude, but like actually… cuz I’ve been catching myself lately realizing there are things in my life right now that past me would have absolutely lost her mind over and current me is just casually walking around like this is normal.

It’s wild how quickly we adjust, so I want you to really sit with this.

• What in my life right now is actually kind of amazing but I’ve downgraded to “yeah yeah this is fine”?

• What have I built, healed, grown through, or stepped into that deserves a little more credit than I’m giving it?

• Who in my world makes my life better in a way I don’t even think about because they’re just woven into my everyday?

Gratitude isn’t some deep dramatic ritual, sometimes it’s just looking around and going wait… this is good. This is really good.

Save it, think about it, journal it, let it hit you while you’re driving or folding laundry. Just don’t skip past it.

xx, lj

At its core, Lent is about reflection, repentance, and renewal. It’s a time to slow down, take inventory of your heart, and intentionally turn back toward what matters most spiritually.

Traditionally, people practice Lent through:

• Fasting (giving something up)

• Prayer (deepening connection with God)

• Almsgiving (acts of generosity and service)

The meaning isn’t self-punishment. It’s creating space to grow, reset, and prepare your heart for Easter.

This year I’m not giving something up to suffer. I’m giving something up to grow.

Here are a few grounded options that feel realistic:

1. Give up a behavior, not a food.

Like scrolling after 9pm. Or complaining. Or multitasking when someone is talking to you.

2. Fast from excess, not joy.

Less sugar if you want, sure. But maybe it’s less online shopping, less overcommitting, less saying yes out of guilt.

3. Add instead of subtract.

Lent doesn’t have to only be about removal.

You could:

• Add 10 minutes of silence daily

• Add journaling (very on brand for you)

• Add a weekly act of generosity

• Add a small financial donation practice

• Add a check-in text to someone you’ve drifted from

4. Pair your fast with intention.

If you give up sugar, let it be about awareness, not control.

If you give up social media, let it be about reclaiming attention.

If you give up rushing, let it be about presence.

I hope this helps lead you to 40days of well being 😘.

xx, LJ

This week’s journaling prompt is a little spicy… like in a “let’s actually be real with ourselves for a sec” kind of way.

We talk a lot about alignment and living intentionally and building a well being life, but sometimes the thing keeping us stuck isn’t the situation, it’s what we’re quietly tolerating or settling for because it feels easier than making a change.

So here’s what I want you to sit with this Sunday.

1. Where in my life am I settling, even though deep down I know I want more?

2. What am I tolerating right now that’s quietly draining my energy?

3. If I stopped waiting and actually moved on the one thing I keep thinking about, what would change?

Now, don’t go blowing your life up or making dramatic moves. We’re just taking time to notice. A well being life isn’t only about calm routines and gratitude lists, it’s also about being brave enough to tell yourself the truth and then deciding what you want to do with it.

Save it, journal it, think about it while you’re out on a walk. Let that shit sink in.

If you know me, you know I love a good journaling session, both hosting them and doing them. It’s one of the ways I can check in with my thoughts + feelings.

With the Year of the Snake wrapping up, I’ve been really aware of how reflective this moment feels. It’s that in-between space where things are still shedding, but you can also feel new energy starting to move in, and that feels like the perfect time to pause.

So I’m starting a little Sunday practice where I’ll share a weekly journaling guide around living a well being life, just a few questions to sit with and check in.

If you want to journal with this one, here’s what I’ve been reflecting on as we move from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse. Take a few deep breaths, settle in, and move through these journal prompts at your own pace:

1. What have I been shedding over the past year, even in small or quiet ways, and where do I already feel lighter because of it?

2. Where in my life have I been holding back or playing it safe, and what would it look like to move forward with a little more courage as this new year begins?

3. As I step into this next season, what does a well being life actually look like for me right now, not in theory, but in how I want to live and feel day to day?

No pressure to have clear answers. This is just a check-in. Awareness counts, especially right now.

xx, LJ

I’ve been thinking a lot about how good I got at supporting everyone else...

Truly a skill I mastered early on.

For a long time, being behind the scenes was my comfort zone.

Supporting others is still a huge part of who I am and what I do, and I genuinely love it.

What changed wasn’t that part. It was realizing I didn’t have to stay small while doing it. I could support people and still show up fully as myself.

No one hands you permission for that.

You kind of just decide one day and then do the work to back it up.

And you CHOOSE TO TAKE UP SPACE.

This season of my life feels lighter, more honest, very me.

If any of this feels familiar, take it as your little nudge. You’re allowed to take up space too.

xx, LJ

My Word for the Year: Embody

Every year I choose a word that I come back to as a grounding point or foundation for the year. This year, that word is Embody.

I still make goals and set intentions, but this year feels more about living than fixing. After spending the latter part of 2025 healing, slowing down, and doing a lot of inner work, I feel ready to actually embody the emotions, actions, and energy of the people who inspire me, and to be in spaces that are growing and moving and full of life.

This looks like surrounding myself with people and places that spark love and joy, choosing environments that challenge me in a good way, and letting how I want to feel guide how I show up day to day.

And, as always, community still plays a big role in my heart, maybe even more now. Growth feels better when it’s shared, especially when you’re still in the thick of it, and I definitely am. That’s why I wanted to share two workshops happening this January that feel really aligned with where I’m at.

The Rise Well Series: Rising Through the Juggle

A gathering for women balancing work, family, and well-being. Join us January 18 to slow down, connect, and rise well together. There are so many spaces that support new moms learning to find balance, but very few for women in the next chapter of life. This has been a long running conversation between us as moms, and honestly, among so many women we know trying to balance everything in life. The ones navigating growing careers or rebuilding them, managing school aged kids, caring for relationships, and trying to find time for their own well-being.

Learn More

SOEMA by Jennifer Jimeno

SOEMA isn’t a place to become someone.
It’s a place to remember. It’s not about rushing, striving, or ascending. It’s about returning, softening, sensing, and being with the truth that moves inside you. It’s not about fixing yourself or trying to “get somewhere.”
Every emotion, even the sharp, tender, messy ones belongs.

Learn More

Both of these matter deeply to me, one because I need spaces where I can share, learn, grow, and give and take support, and the other because I know I can’t fully be myself or show up the way I want to without continuing to heal what’s underneath it all.

This year, I’m not just thinking about who I want to be. I’m practicing being her.

If this resonates, I’d love to walk into this year together, in community, in conversation, and in real life.

“Well being life isn’t just meditation or slow mornings.
It’s how I move through everything.

It’s being present (mostly 🤭) with my kids when we’re together.
It’s keeping my space calm(ish) because it helps my mind stay that way.
It’s remembering to breathe when the schedule feels packed.
It’s doing my best, not chasing perfect.

Over time I’ve learned that well being isn’t something you check off a list.
It’s not a goal or a destination.
It’s a daily practice that keeps unfolding through the chaos, the quiet, and everything in between.”

Then I saw a clip shared from @maybellemorgan and it hit me hard. She talked about boundaries, the healthy kind that protect your peace, not the ones that make you shut everyone out. I felt that. I’m such a believer in healthy, non-isolating boundaries. It’s a fine line and one that’s caused me to really reflect on how I show up in my relationships.

(video c/o Maybelle Morgan)

This clip reminded me of something my husband told me years ago on date night when I was deep in the anxiety of running a business. He looked at me and said, “Everything we love and cherish in our life came from the HARDEST challenges and obstacles.”

DANG! {{Cue the tears. In public. Which I hate.}}

But he was right. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Maintaining a healthy, happy and loving marriage. Raising our kids to be passionate and kind humans. Managing our own mental health and personal growth. Dogs. Creating and building a compassionate brand and community. It is all HARD. But it’s all worth the work. The rainbow really does come after the storm.

So now when I think about well being, it’s less about what it looks like and more about what it feels like.
It’s less about routines and more about moving through your daily life.
It’s breathing through the hard parts.
Holding boundaries with love.
And remembering that everything good in life usually asks for a little work.

That’s what well being looks and feels like to me right now. Messy, honest, and full of heart.

xo,
LJ

It’s been five months of rest, reset, reflection, and just real life.
Stepping back gave me the space to breathe and reconnect with what truly matters.

At the root of it all, I found what has always been my true passion.
Supporting people as they grow.

With my artists, I wanted to see them shine.
With my clients, I held space for them to expand.
And in my relationships/friendships, it has always been the same energy: connection, encouragement, and genuine care.

follow me on instagram

Heart led healers are so good at giving, but sometimes that means the behind the scenes work gets left behind.

That’s where I come in.

Through The Well Being Agency, I bring structure, flow, and creative strategy to your business so you can stay in your zone of genius and focus on the work that fills your soul.

The Well Being Agency is where heart meets systems.
It’s a space where we co create clarity and flow so your purpose feels supported and your business feels like an extension of your energy. Let’s co create the systems that support your work!

I want to hear from you!

Alongside my work with healers and heart led business owners, this space will also be a place to land for a well being lifestyle.
I’ll be sharing real moments from my life, reflections on growth and balance, community events, and things that bring more joy, beauty, and connection into everyday life.

This space is about living fully and gently, in business and beyond.

Breathwork isn’t something I ever planned to get into. It wasn’t a big "aha" moment or some dramatic transformation story. It just started with me, in my car, overwhelmed, needing a minute to gather myself before walking back into the chaos.

And then I started noticing how those moments, those intentional inhales and exhales, made a difference.

As a mom, there are days where everything feels loud. Kids needing things, dinner half-done, work emails piling up, and a mental to-do list that just never ends. And as a business owner, I’m constantly problem-solving, planning, and holding space for everyone else. It’s a lot. Beautiful… but a lot.

Breathwork became one of the only things that was just for me. No phone. No pressure to “do it right.” Just me and my breath.

It’s honestly been hard to share this practice online. Because when I’m doing it, I’m not in content-creation mode. I’m not thinking about reels or lighting. I’m fully present, giving myself a moment to not be productive, to not be needed, and to just be.

And that’s why I want to start sharing more of it.

I haven’t mastered it. I don’t think everyone should meditate on a mountain every morning. But if you’ve ever found yourself spiraling over a decision, snapping when you didn’t mean to, or completely shutting down from overwhelm… this might help.

I’ve learned the difference between just breathing and breathing with intention. It’s the pause before reacting. It’s the exhale when my chest feels heavy. It’s the reminder that I can choose to respond, not just survive.

So no, I won’t always show you every breath. Most of them are still just for me. But I’ll start sharing more of how it’s helped me regulate, reconnect, and return to myself—because I think a lot of us need that right now.

And maybe, just maybe, one deep breath at a time, we’ll feel a little more grounded together.

For me, raising an 8-year-old, a teenager, and a young adult all at the same time has been a masterclass in stepping back while still being present. My youngest still loves when I play restaurant with her, my teen is exploring what it means to carve out her own identity, and my oldest is fully stepping into adulthood. Each stage is different, but my goal stays the same: supporting their independence while keeping our connection strong.

One thing I’ve learned is that independence doesn’t mean disconnecting. If anything, it makes the time we spend together even more meaningful. It’s why I look for little rituals that let us bond without forcing it—whether it’s driving them to school (aka my best shot at catching up on their lives), watching their favorite shows (even if I don’t get the hype), or finding ways to introduce self-care into their routines.

Enter: lash and brow lifts.

For my teenager, it’s been a way for her to dip her toes into beauty in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate. No heavy makeup, no daily routine—just a simple, easy enhancement that makes her feel good. And for me? It’s a lifesaver. The “wake up and go” effect makes my mornings smoother, and honestly, it’s just nice to do something for myself. Self-care for moms is always marketed as spa days and weekends away, but sometimes, it’s just about making life easier.

Teaching my girls about self-care isn’t about vanity—it’s about showing them that taking time for themselves is important. Whether it’s finding what makes them feel their best, prioritizing rest, or just having moments where they get to pause and reset, I want them to carry that into adulthood.

So while they’re off growing up and making their own choices, I’ll be here—reminding them that self-care isn’t selfish, offering them rides even when they pretend they don’t need them, and maybe, just maybe, convincing them that a mother-daughter lash lift date is actually a great idea.

Moms of growing kids, how do you balance giving them space while still staying connected? Tell me everything.

Lately, life has been teaching me some unexpected lessons—some hilarious, some deeply needed. I’ve been dealing with a lingering cough (three weeks and counting), and here’s what I wasn’t expecting: every time I cough… I pee a little. 😩

I know, I know—“just mom things,” right? But the more I looked into it, the more I realized this isn’t just a post-kid thing, it’s a pelvic floor + perimenopause thing.

A weak pelvic floor happens when the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel lose strength—and it’s more common than we think. Pregnancy, childbirth, aging, and even high-impact exercise can weaken these muscles over time. The result? Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough, jump, or even laugh too hard. (So fun, right?)

Other signs of a weak pelvic floor:

• Feeling like you have to pee all the time

• Trouble fully emptying your bladder

• Lower back pain or a feeling of heaviness down there

• Pain during sex (which can also be linked to vaginal dryness…more on that in a sec)

So what helps? Strengthening exercises like Kegels, diaphragmatic breathing, and pelvic floor therapy can help retrain those muscles. I’ve been learning so much about how breathwork connects to the pelvic floor (they’re deeply linked), so I’ll be incorporating that into my own practice.

On top of that, perimenopause causes collagen loss in our vaginal lining. That means less elasticity, more dryness, and even pain during sex. While we hear about collagen for skin and joints, no one really talks about how it also affects vaginal health—until you start feeling the difference.

Some signs of vaginal collagen loss:

• Dryness, itching, or irritation

• More UTIs or infections (because the pH balance changes)

• Sex that feels different—more friction, less comfort

• A general feeling of discomfort down there

Luckily, there are solutions:

• Hydration + collagen support (think marine collagen, bone broth, or collagen-rich foods)

• Hyaluronic acid vaginal suppositories (yes, hyaluronic acid isn’t just for your face)

• Estrogen creams or natural hormone support if needed

• Pelvic floor exercises to keep blood flow strong

After Kitty (our first family pup) passed, I felt an emotional void. Maybe it’s grief, maybe it’s my kids growing up, maybe it’s just that I don’t have a baby in the house anymore. So, in a moment of impulse (but also deep desire), I signed up for a puppy guardianship program, thinking it would take a while. The breeder reached out within weeks, offering me a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in March— my dream dog. Was I ready? No. Did I say yes? Absolutely.

And as if the universe was fully in on this plan, I’d been looking for ways to generate more income without sacrificing my time with my kids, Dalaga or my well-being. The breeder set up a few puppy-sitting gigs. Every day since, I’ve been surrounded by puppies, soaking up unconditional love (and fur), and feeling like life just…clicked.

And finally, I officially got my breathwork + meditation certification in February, and I’m so ready to start hosting small group sessions. We’ve set up monthly Dalaga community sessions at Tahanan because we all need a space to breathe, reset, and feel grounded. If that sounds like something you need, you can book a spot here.

Because life lately has been a mix of healing, growing, coughing, peeing, and puppies, I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Growing up in a Filipino household, beauty was always a topic—whether we wanted it to be or not. It was in the offhand comments from titas about skin tone, the reminders to stay out of the sun ("Para hindi ka umitim!"), and the idea that straight, jet-black hair was the gold standard. Beauty wasn’t just about looking good; it was about fitting into a mold that was passed down for generations.

But self-care? That wasn’t even a word we used. Taking care of yourself was practical, not indulgent. And if it was indulgent, it had to be for a special occasion—a debut, a wedding, a big event. The idea of prioritizing beauty and wellness, just because it made you feel good? That wasn’t the norm.

Fast forward to today, and the way I see beauty and self-care has completely shifted. It’s no longer about achieving a certain look or gaining outside approval. It’s about how I feel in my own skin. It’s about rituals that make me feel grounded, strong, and me. And the best part? I get to unlearn what doesn’t serve me and redefine beauty on my own terms.

For so many of us, beauty standards were ingrained early. Fairer skin was praised, certain body types were preferred, and anything outside of that was seen as something to “fix.” But self-care in 2024 isn’t about changing who we are to fit a standard—it’s about embracing what makes us feel our best, inside and out.

That looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a facial to relax and recharge. For others, it’s movement, a moment of silence, or a cold plunge to reset. It could be as simple as a deep breath before walking into a busy room or as indulgent as a full-body massage. Whatever it is, it should come from a place of self-love, not self-criticism.

At Dalaga, this is what we’ve built our space around—offering beauty and wellness treatments that enhance what you already have, not change who you are. Lash lifts, facials, brow laminations—these aren’t about hiding imperfections. They’re about bringing out what’s naturally yours in a way that feels effortless and empowering.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve made in my own self-care journey is understanding that I don’t have to carry everything from past generations forward. I can take what serves me and leave what doesn’t.

I want my daughters to see self-care as something that’s normal, not as something they need permission for. I want them to know that beauty is not about meeting expectations but about feeling good in their own skin. And I want them to never feel guilty about taking care of themselves, whether it’s through movement, skincare, meditation, or just couch rotting without feeling the need to be productive.

If you’re still unpacking what beauty and self-care mean for you, you’re not alone. It’s okay to let go of outdated beliefs. It’s okay to choose yourself. And it’s okay to redefine self-care in a way that feels authentic to you.

So, what beauty or self-care “rules” are you unlearning? Let’s talk about it. Leave a comment and share how your perspective has changed over the years. 💛

It’s FEBRUARY! That perfect excuse to keep the self-love vibes alive. For me, that means leaning into simple, everyday rituals—like my nightly skincare routine. Sure, it’s about taking care of my skin, but it’s also about more than that. It’s a way to wash off the day, let go of what’s not serving me, and set myself up for a fresh start. Those small acts of self-care really do make a difference.

When I carve out those moments for myself—even if it’s just one minute to breathe or scribble down a thought—I show up differently. I’m calmer, more patient, more energized. And because of that, I’m better for my family, my friends, and, honestly, myself. It’s wild how much good just a little “me time” can do.

Of course, life doesn’t always make it easy. Some days are a blur, and I lose track of what I need. But when I catch myself running on fumes, I know it’s time to hit pause. Even something as small as washing my hair or taking a deep breath can change the energy.

As I get older, I’ve realized that self-love doesn’t have to be over-the-top. It’s not about splurging on big treats all the time—it’s about the little things. When I take care of my body, listen to my thoughts, and give my soul a little extra love, it’s like laying down a foundation. And that foundation makes everything else—parenting, relationships, work—just a little bit smoother.

If you’re looking for a place to start, here are a few ideas:

• Take a few minutes before bed to let go of what’s weighing on you.

• Pick one small action—like a quick stretch, a walk around the block, or a quick moment with your favorite skincare product—and make it your reset.

• Start small and let those little moments build.

You don’t need a big, grand gesture to begin. The magic is in the small steps. When you take care of yourself, even in the tiniest ways, you’re building the kind of energy and love that can flow into every other part of your life.

As we move through the end of January, I’m choosing to reflect on what I can let go of, rather than rushing into resolutions. This has been a season of rest and reflection, and I’m embracing the idea that healing and growth take time. Before setting new intentions, I’ve found that releasing old mindsets, habits, and unrealistic expectations is key.

I’ve started small: organizing my space {{life}}, journaling about what no longer serves me, and rethinking my relationship with rest and who/what I surround myself with. It’s not about doing it all at once—just simple, meaningful shifts that help clear the way for the year ahead.

So, if you’re feeling the same pull to reset, here are a few suggestions that have worked for me:

• Reevaluate relationships that may no longer serve you. Take note of who truly supports your growth, and consider how to maintain healthy boundaries while respecting their path too.

• Replace one unhelpful habit with a positive one. For example, swap late-night scrolling for a short bedtime meditation or replace a self-critical thought with an encouraging one.

• Practice saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your current goals. By gracefully declining, you’re showing yourself—and others—respect for your time and energy.

By starting with small, intentional changes, we can create the space we need to welcome in something new. It’s a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself and to focus on progress, not perfection.