It’s been far too long since I posted a blog. Life got busy, I got in a rut and to be honest, these Ohio winters are really starting to depress me more and more every year.

I originally started this around the beginning of the year because I told myself I needed to get back to it, and its been a very very slow process of getting it finished.

I made a decision to start living intentionally this year. To do more of the things that I want. I’m focusing on what brings me joy and is going to enrich my life.

I’m trying to be the best version of me possible, to be happier, get in better shape, eat healthier, work on my mental health as well. Take time for myself and for self care, which looks different for everyone.  Instead of always putting myself at the bottom of my to do list, or not even on the list.

“It is no bad thing, celebrating a simple life.” – J.R.R Tolkien

This year I want to slow down. I want to “romanticize life” as they call it. We live in a rushed society, constantly on the go. While that is occasionally unavoidable, especially with 5 kids and 4 of them will be in sports this summer, from baseball and softball to soccer, we keep pretttty busy. But I love cheering for our kids at their games and watching them do the things that they love.

I’m thinking more about the day to day things and habits, how I spend my time. taking time to slow down and really enjoy life, spending time with family, watching my kids sports, cooking and baking with the windows open, long drives listening to the radio, taking my kids on little adventures, taking the time for hobbies, to find out who I am and what I enjoy outside of being a wife and mom. Life is entirely too short to not take the time and do the things that make you happy.

Now don’t take any of this the wrong way. I absolutely love being a wife and mom. My kids are what keep me going. They bring me so much joy and happiness and I’d do anything for them. Which is why its so important that I start implementing healthier habits, slowing down and enjoying life again.

So if you are in the same boat and just want to slow down a bit, maybe find some new hobbies or interests, I hope this inspires you to do all of the things that bring you the most joy.

These are some of the things I plan to do more of in order to slow down, be present and enjoy the simple things in life.

Home is where the heart is

I want to make more things at home in my kitchen. Make our own bread, cinnamon rolls, I’d like to make my own butter and peanut butter. We dont eat out very often so I already cook almost all of our meals. I want my kids to remember all the stuff mom did with them and for them, and I want to teach them how to make it all too. So they can do the same for their family when they grow up.

I really do love baking, so I plan to do more of that this year instead of just around the holidays. I know there are so many things I buy out of convenience, that I could be making at home, and they would probably be much healthier…..no, they would be much healthier.

Hobbies that force me to slow down

EMBROIDERY

This year I tried something new, cross stitch embroidery. It is honestly so fun and I’m obsessed. I’m still learning it all and have to watch tutorials for all the different stitches, but once I get the hang of it, it really is so fun. It’s relaxing, calming and makes me happy. I can’t wait to do more and get them hung around our home.

I first was looking to buy the cross stitch art, to hang up as decor. And then I thought, I should just buy the kits and make my own, duh. That makes more sense. It makes them more meaningful this way.

READING

Reading is another one that I really enjoy. I can’t remember when I first really got into reading, but I know I was looking for a hobby that I could do as a mom that doesn’t get a lot of time to myself out of the house and doesn’t require a sitter. And reading is perfect, you can do it at home while your kids play or after they are in bed.

You also have so many options when it comes to reading. Mystery, drama, romance, thrillers, fantasy, self help books, or if you are just looking to learn about something new. I tell my kids that reading opens up whole new worlds for your imagination. My favorites are mysteries, fantasy and I love a good beach mystery in the summer.

COLORING

Another very calming and relaxing thing to do is coloring, I know it probably sounds super childish, but trust me, go on Amazon and search for alcohol markers, or get yourself some nice colored pencils, search for aesthetic coloring books or bold and easy coloring books and they have so many fun ones to pick from. Something for everyone, and what you are into. It’s a good way to turn your brain off and just chill, me and my girls love doing this. We love all the different book options and the alcohol markers are so fun to color with.

Moving my body

Walking and lifting weights are my favorite ways to workout and I acrually look forward to it. I really try to get a walk in everyday if I can. My walking pad is one of my favorite purchases of 2026. When the weather is crappy here, I can still get my steps in. It does wonders for my mood, mental health and overall wellness. Walking gets your heart rate up, helps with inflammation, can reduce bloating and also helps with weight loss. I try to wear my weighted vest most of the time to give me that extra boost.

I try to lift weights 5 days a week. Over the past few years I’ve been able to add more weights to my “home gym” (not a gym at all.) But it’s been very rewarding to finally start seeing results from the hard work I’ve been putting in. It’s definitely been a long journey and process, but I’ve reached a point where I look forward to my workout time and get excited. I actually really love it now!

However you choose to move and be active, whether its a walk, bike ride, going to the gym, whatever it is that works best with your lifestyle and schedule. It’s just so important that we are not taking our ability to move for granted. And it makes you feel so much better once you do it.

“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”
― Roy T. Bennett

I’m trying to be very intentional in life, to create healthy habits that will last. I want to remember to stop and watch the sunset, to really listen to the birds, to stop and smell the roses, as the saying goes. To smile and laugh more with my favorite people. To just do what makes me happy, to choose to be happy and to not really care what anyone thinks about me.

People will always have an opinion about what you do, you just gotta let it go, and you can’t let it stop you from being true to yourself!

I hope this post wasn’t too boring or long. As I was writing it, I kept telling myself, no one cares how I choose to live my life and what habits I want to start. I just kept putting off finishing it. But then I was like, ya know what? Maybe someone will care or maybe it will help someone who has been feeling the same way I have or someone that might be leaning towards this direction and lifestyle change.

So, dearest gentle reader, (IYKYK, if you don’t, that’s a Bridgerton quote, cheesy I know.) I hope this blog was helpful or inspired some of you in even the smallest way.

Until next time.