The rush of life has completely taken over this past year. I've been hit with a wave of major life milestones all at once—some incredibly beautiful, and some deeply challenging. Managing both the highs and the lows simultaneously has been a lot, and the nonstop pace means I often forget to take a breath, step away, and reflect.

Today, I’m taking a step back to remind myself to keep creating pockets of joy, no matter what life throws my way. Here are a few of my pockets of joy—the hobbies that have kept me grounded lately:


1. Journaling

I’ve never considered myself a strong writer, but a quick daily journaling practice has been incredibly helpful for clearing my mind. Writing just a few sentences at the end of the day about what I did helps me process and align with my emotions. Some days, I only write about what I’ve eaten—which, surprisingly, has been a great tool for my wellness journey. For anyone who prefers writing things down by hand, the Midori 3-Year Diary is a wonderful place to start.

2. Experiences

If you’ve been a reader of this blog for a while, you know I’ve extensively documented my travels. However, I haven't been able to travel as much over the past year, which has forced me to reset my mindset. I’m learning that "experiences" don't have to mean taking a trip. They can be going to see my favorite artists at a local concert, attending a book club, or taking a class outside my comfort zone. Learning to knit has easily been one of my favorite new experiences so far.

3. Skincare

I’ve been diving back into skincare—particularly Japanese skincare—as I work to repair my skin barrier after years of using the wrong products. While some Japanese brands can be harder to access right now due to the current economic climate, I've noticed a few fantastic lines entering the Western market! Lately, my skin has been loving the Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Serum and the Advanced Repair Cream. I always assumed thicker creams would cause my sensitive skin to break out, but it turns out I just hadn't found the right one yet 😆 I'm looking forward to sharing some product reviews soon!


As I look back on the first half of the year, I’m realizing that navigating a busy season is about finding magic in the little things. When life feels overwhelming, taking the time to enjoy these small joys is what keeps us steady.

“Life is perhaps not about finding shining moments among the worthless, but realizing that what had seemed worthless were really the shining moments.”

― Kim Namjoon, Me, Myself, & RM 'Entirety' 💜