Tag: motivation

Posted in Lifestyle

April Renewal: Join My 30-Day Blogging Challenge

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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April is almost here, and honestly? I’m buzzing. Like, full-on spring bee buzzing in a flower field buzzing. This April, I’m going all in: 30 posts for 30 days on both Instagram and the blog. After trying and failing to post all 31 days in October, December, and January, it’s April’s turn—and I am READY. No holding back. No half-hearted attempts. Just pure, unfiltered, unapologetic spring energy.

I’ve been feeling extra inspired by VEDA (Vlog Every Day of April), which basically feels like a personal invitation to go wild with creativity. And wild I shall go. Expect everything from Earth Day initiatives (because yes, saving the planet is chic, and we’re doing it in style) to fresh seasonal recipes that taste like sunshine in a bowl, to full-on lifestyle resets that will leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and maybe a little obsessed with the little joys that make spring spring.

Cozy mornings? Check. Journaling with your favorite warm drink in hand? Check. Yoga flows that make you feel like your body is remembering how to breathe again? Double check. Honestly, April feels like that perfect mix of new notebook energy and deeply personal reflection energy, and I want to share all of it with you.

Spring in the Bible is all about renewal, resurrection, and God’s faithfulness to bring new life after a long winter. And let’s be real—after the last few months (or years, honestly), who couldn’t use a little resurrection? That energy of new beginnings is exactly what I’m chasing this month: new ideas, fresh perspectives, and tiny, bright reminders that growth isn’t always dramatic, but it is always worth celebrating.

And here’s the thing—I want this upcoming month to feel like more than just posts. I want it to feel like a community. Like we’re all sipping tea together, swapping messy life confessions, laughing at ridiculous mistakes, trying new recipes that may or may not flop, and ultimately celebrating all the weird, wonderful ways we grow. Because spring isn’t just about flowers—it’s about showing up, even when it feels messy or uncertain, and trusting that life has a way of bringing beauty out of the chaos.

So what can you expect from me this April? Honestly, a little bit of everything: the cozy, the cute, the chaotic, the heartfelt, and maybe even some things that are totally extra (because, hi, I’m not above it). Think mornings with sunlight spilling onto your kitchen counter while sourdough rises, afternoons of journaling while your favorite playlist softly hums in the background, evenings spent reflecting and dreaming about the next chapter of your life.

This April, I want us to bloom together. To chase that feeling of new beginnings with reckless curiosity. To celebrate the small wins as much as the big ones. To remember that God’s faithfulness doesn’t take breaks—it’s quietly, beautifully present in every little step of our journey, even the ones that feel tiny or messy or confusing.

So grab your favorite cup of tea, dust off that journal, and let’s lean into this month with open hearts, open minds, and maybe a little bit of drama—because why not? April is here, it’s bright, it’s messy, it’s hopeful, and it’s ours. Let’s bloom.

Posted in Lifestyle

Stuck at the Front Desk

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Lately, I’ve been feeling like my goal of becoming a hotel general manager might never actually happen. Somewhere along the way, the path that once felt clear has started to feel blocked, blurry, or maybe even closed off. I gave up on school, and now I can’t shake the feeling that GMs and AGMs are supposed to have degrees. Whether that’s true or not, it weighs on me. It makes every rejection, every stalled opportunity, feel like proof that I already missed my chance.

The steps themselves aren’t complicated. You start as a front desk agent, then move to front desk supervisor. After that, assistant manager or front office manager. Then assistant general manager. Eventually, general manager. I know the ladder. I’ve watched people climb it. I’ve even done parts of the work myself. But knowing the steps doesn’t mean you’re moving forward. Right now, my lack of a better job makes it harder to stay motivated, harder to believe I’m still on the path I want to be on at all.

Some days, I wonder if I’m just not suited for this course of action. Maybe this isn’t my story. Maybe I’m going to be the front desk agent who does front office management work without the title, the pay, or the recognition—and never actually moves forward. That thought hurts more than I like to admit. I’m stuck between knowing what I want and feeling like I’m slowly drifting farther away from it, unsure if I should keep pushing or accept that this might be as far as I go.

Posted in Body & Being

Trying to Run a 5K: Part 1.5 — The Prep, The Plan, and The Panic

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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I haven’t quite hit the pavement yet, but I’ve got a solid plan in place! Yep, a real plan—complete with structure, rest days, and enough cross-training to make my yoga mat a little nervous about all the action coming its way.

Mark your calendars because “Day 1” is just 7 days away—1 week from today! So, why the wait? Well, I’m not just diving into a 5K training plan; I’m also trying to give up sugar and caffeine (yikes!) and, brace yourself, aiming to get to bed at a reasonable hour. All of this at once feels like a complete system reboot, and I’m ready for it! But let’s be real, I know myself well enough to realize there’s no way I’ll be successful with this challenge while juggling:

  • My niece’s birthday party (a.k.a. a frosting-filled, sugar-coated explosion of chaos powered by tiny humans with way too much energy)
  • The 4th of July (basically a national holiday for BBQ, soda, and pretending I understand firework safety)
  • A quick trip to Vegas, where my mom’s cooking will be present—and let’s be clear: I am not passing up her food for the sake of willpower. Some things are sacred.

So instead of launching headfirst into this well-intentioned chaos with a cupcake in one hand and a caffeine headache brewing, I’m giving myself a few gentle days to reset. Between my niece’s birthday party (sugar central), the 4th of July (hello, soda and fireworks confusion), and a quick trip to Vegas (where my mom’s cooking will absolutely be enjoyed with zero guilt), now is just… not the moment.

I want to start this journey with a clear head, a somewhat stable sleep schedule, and no frosting on my fingers.

In the meantime, I did find a training plan I really like—it’s from Anytime Fitness, and it’s way more my pace. No sprinting on Day 1, no scary mileage—just a realistic mix of running, walking, cross-training (like yoga, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises), and my favorite: rest days.

The app I downloaded is still coming along for the ride, but it’s more for logging miles, not telling me what to do. This plan below is the one I’ll actually be following:

🏃‍♀️ My 6-Week 5K Training Plan

Week 1:

  • Day 1: Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (stability + balance)
  • Day 3: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 6: Cross-train (resistance band squats + lunges)
  • Day 7: Rest

Week 2:

  • Day 1: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (abs + chest)
  • Day 3: Run 8 minutes, walk 1 minute → then run 1 min, walk 2 min, repeat 3x → finish with 7 min run, 1 min walk
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 6: Cross-train (yoga + stretching)
  • Day 7: Rest

Week 3:

  • Day 1: Run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 2x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (full body)
  • Day 3: Run 12 minutes, walk 1 minute → then run 1 min, walk 2 min, repeat 4x
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 13 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 2x
  • Day 6: Cross-train (resistance bands)
  • Day 7: Rest

Week 4:

  • Day 1: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 2x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (stability + balance)
  • Day 3: Run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes — repeat 3x
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 2x
  • Day 6: Cross-train (yoga + stretching)
  • Day 7: Rest

Week 5:

  • Day 1: Run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 3x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (arms + chest)
  • Day 3: Run 12 minutes, walk 2 minutes — repeat 2x, then run 5 minutes
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes — repeat 3x
  • Day 6: Rest or cross-train (resistance bands)
  • Day 7: Rest

Week 6:

  • Day 1: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute — repeat 2x
  • Day 2: Cross-train (full body)
  • Day 3: Run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes — repeat 3x
  • Day 4: Rest
  • Day 5: Run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes — repeat 3x
  • Day 6: Cross-train (yoga + stretching)
  • Day 7: Race Day! 🎉 Run 5K!

Well, here we are—the pre-game plan is all set before the real adventure kicks off! I’ve got my schedule ready, my start date marked, and just a few days left to enjoy my last can of soda (while trying to avoid thinking about the impending sugar withdrawal 😅). 

Next on my agenda: getting moving, preparing for some soreness, and hopefully catching my first glimpse of my “Hot Girl Running Era” (even if I start off more like a sweaty turtle than a graceful gazelle)! 

Stick around for Part 2, and wish me luck on this journey—I’m about to swap cake for kale (at least for a little while)! 

PS: I’ll be updating this “Trying to Run a 5K” series every week, but don’t be surprised if I throw in some quick check-ins along the way—like mini pep talks, a little drama about my runs, and the occasional confession when I totally bail on a run for an iced latte. Let’s be real, we all know that’s gonna happen!

Posted in Body & Being

Trying to Run a 5K: Part 1 — Spoiler, I’m Already Tired

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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So, a few months ago — in a burst of optimism, Pinterest-fueled ambition, and maybe one too many motivational TikTok’s — I decided I was going to run a 5K by the end of the year.

I told my friends (and even put it on my bingo card!) that I wanted to run a 5K. It felt exciting and empowering — like I was diving headfirst into my Hot Girl Running Era. But now that the initial thrill has worn off and it’s literally July, I have to face the truth:

I haven’t worked out consistently all year.
Not once. Not even close.

I’m a big fan of sweets and comfort carbs, and I tend to process all my emotions through sugar and procrastination. So yeah, the 5K dream? It’s cute. And currently very theoretical.

“How Do You Run a 5K?”

To kick things off, I asked my brother what felt like a very fair, totally normal beginner question:

“How does someone even run a 5K?”
His answer? A casual, completely unbothered:
“Run.”
Cool. Thanks for the clarity, champ.

For the past two years, my weight has danced between 186 and 198, no matter what I try — calorie counting, “clean” eating, gentle walks, or shedding tears into my yogurt. Nothing sticks. I give it my all for a few weeks, don’t see instant progress, and spiral.

Deep down, I want that glow-up montage.
The dramatic before-and-after.
The magical “she believed she could, so she did” moment — preferably in 30 days or less.

And let’s not forget:
I’m a full-time student, planning a wedding, and running on caffeine and vibes. It’s chaotic. It’s overwhelming. But guess what?

I’m Still Doing This.

Not because I hate my body — but because I want to feel better in it. I want to nurture it. Celebrate it. Show up for myself in small, sweaty, wildly unglamorous ways.

Even if I never make it past the walk-run stage.
Even if my “5K” turns into a dramatic 4.3K with extra water breaks.
Even if I cry halfway through and then reward myself with a smoothie.

This Is: Trying to Run a 5K — A Series

This is part one of what I’m calling Trying to Run a 5K — a mini series where I document:

  • The wins 💪

  • The fails 😩

  • The cravings 🍫

  • The breakthroughs 🌟

  • The brutally honest in-betweens

What’s Coming Next:

  • Finally using the running app I downloaded back in March 📱

  • Documenting my (very humble) starting stats

  • Trying to cut back on soda without emotionally unraveling 🥤

  • Battling my all-or-nothing mindset (again)

  • Probably failing a little. Definitely trying again.

This journey is already shaping up to be beautifully messy — and I haven’t even tied my shoelaces yet.
But I’m here. I’m starting.
And honestly? That counts for something.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

(And seriously… send electrolytes.)

Posted in Lifestyle

From June Chaos to July Goals: A Life Check-In

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you know I like to do these monthly check-ins when I need a little accountability or, let’s be real, a boost of motivation. So here I am, a few days early, but I’m rolling with it. Honestly, June was a lot. And I’m hoping July will give me some breathing room, but with the move coming up in August, I kind of already know it’s not going to be chill.

June was a bit of a rollercoaster. There were so many emotional conversations, like, too many. And not the cute, deep talks that leave you feeling like you’ve connected with your soul, but the kind that leave you drained and questioning life. I had a breakdown or two—maybe three? Who’s counting?—and it felt like each new challenge just kept piling on top of the last one. The whole situation with my dad escalated faster than I was ready for, and that knocked me off my feet more than I’d like to admit. Then there was this big conversation with Hector about life and feelings. It was one of those moments where I knew his communication wasn’t his strength, but wow, realizing how much that gets in the way was eye-opening—and frustrating. It left me feeling emotionally exhausted, but in a weird way, it was also kind of a breakthrough. Like, I learned something about myself in that mess.

Work-wise, I’m stepping into a bigger role as Assistant Front Office Manager… or something like that. Trying to explain it without giving myself a headache is a struggle, but basically, I’m doing more and trying to make it work. The job itself and the paycheck are definitely blessings, but I can’t shake this feeling that I want more. It’s one of those “I’m grateful, but also… is this it?” kind of moments. So, I’m focusing on the small wins right now, even when they don’t feel like enough. It’s been a month of emotional exhaustion, but there have also been a couple of moments where I’ve gotten some clarity about what I need to work on—personally and professionally.

As I move into July, I’m really trying to shake off that defeated feeling and focus on the good stuff coming my way. There’s a lot to look forward to, like my niece’s birthday, a trip to Vegas to see my mom, stepdad, and nephews (which is honestly a little bit of a happy chaos), and the chance to try on my wedding dress—huge, emotional moment there. Hector’s parents are coming back from their trip to Honduras, and we’re finally going to start planning the wedding with their help. It’s a backyard wedding, but for some reason, I keep trying to make it feel more grand, and I’m trying to remind myself to just keep it simple. But it’s my wedding, and I want it to feel magical, so there’s that.

For July, my goals are super basic but important: turn in my homework on time, stay on top of my online class, find a place to move by the 20th (no big deal, right?), and, most importantly, focus on my mental health. I’m also hoping to build better relationships with my in-laws, which I know will help with some of the stress I’ve been carrying. Small update on that front: everything I thought I knew was wrong. But I’m not diving into that right now, we’ll leave that mystery for another time. And, because I’m a glutton for punishment, I’m planning to restart my journals and finally get back to my YouTube channel. I posted a video three weeks ago, but honestly, consistency is tough when you don’t know how to edit, but that’s just a little thing I’ll figure out. The only way to learn is to try, right? So here we go.

As for what I’ll write about next month? I have no clue. Life has a funny way of showing up and telling me what I need to share, so we’ll see where the blog and my thoughts take me. I’ll definitely try to post more recipes, though, now that my oven is (finally) working again. That’s a whole other blog-worthy story, but for now, let’s just say, it’s been a journey.

Until next time, stay cozy, stay chaotic, and remember—sometimes the most comforting thing is knowing you’re not the only one spiraling. 💕

Posted in Body & Being

Life Got Heavy — So I’m Lightening My Load, Gently

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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There’s this quote I keep coming back to:

“Remember why you started.”

I don’t even remember where I first heard it — maybe a book, maybe Pinterest, maybe I’m misquoting The Lion King — but it’s been sitting with me lately. Heavy in the best and hardest way.

I started this blog nearly six years ago with a simple but powerful goal: to bring hope and happiness into a world that often makes it hard to believe in either. Not because I had everything figured out — I didn’t then, and I still don’t — but because I knew I wasn’t alone in the mess. I knew there were others like me, trying to climb out of the same emotional holes over and over again, wondering if joy was ever going to feel real.

I wrote about healing, about reclaiming internal peace, and about being brave enough to feel everything without letting it swallow me whole. Back then, I was committed. I had my rituals: journaling, morning meditations, and a daily dose of motivation. I even asked myself every day, “If you had to scale your overall happiness, what would it be?” (For context: 0 = depressed, 10 = excited.) That simple question helped me track my heart, not just my habits.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped.

When Did I Let Go of Myself?

By “lately,” I mean the better part of five years. That’s how long I’ve spent quietly — sometimes unknowingly — drifting away from that version of me. The one who was trying. The one who had hope. The one who knew healing took daily work and still showed up anyway.

Life didn’t just happen — it kept happening. Emotion after emotion, loss after loss, disappointment after disappointment. Like waves that never gave me enough time to catch my breath. And during all of it, I did what I thought I had to do: I survived. I put out emotional fires. I stayed busy. I told myself I was “fine.”

But in the chaos, I stopped checking in with myself.

I stopped writing in my gratitude journal.

I stopped meditating in the morning.

I stopped reading those little sticky notes of encouragement I used to keep on my phone.

And without even realizing it, I stopped asking myself that daily question:

Where’s your happiness at today?

The truth? Most days now, I wouldn’t even know how to answer.

When Did I Let My Insecurities Win?

It wasn’t a big, dramatic unraveling. It was quiet. Subtle. Almost unnoticeable — until I looked up one day and realized I didn’t recognize myself.

I let the insecurities creep back in.

I started doubting my voice.

I shrunk myself around people who didn’t ask me to, but I assumed I had to.

I convinced myself that I had to prove something to be enough — to earn rest, love, or even joy.

And my overall mental mood? It’s been… bad. That’s the honest answer. I’ve been stuck in a fog of frustration, sadness, and emotional exhaustion — so deep that it became my new normal. And I forgot that it’s not who I am.

But Here’s the Thing: I Noticed. And That Matters.

Today, I’m not writing because I’m on the other side of it all. I’m writing because I noticed how far I’ve drifted from myself — and that’s the first, hardest, most important step in finding my way back.

I remembered why I started this blog.

I remembered how deeply I want to live with joy and purpose — not just autopilot.

And I remembered that happiness isn’t something we find; it’s something we create. It’s something we practice.

Happiness Isn’t a Destination — It’s a Direction

No, life still isn’t where I want it to be. And some days, that still hurts. But here’s the difference: I’m starting to see that “not there yet” doesn’t mean “nowhere.” I’ve grown. Quietly. Messily. Slowly. But I’ve grown.

I’ve learned that I don’t need to arrive at some perfect version of happiness to keep moving toward it. Joy doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it looks like:

  • Dragging myself out of bed and into clean clothes.
  • Drinking water before coffee.
  • Taking a walk in silence — no music, no podcast — just my breath and the pavement.
  • Reminding myself that I don’t need permission to be who I already am.

Progress Isn’t Linear — And That’s Okay

I used to think healing meant I’d never feel anxious or low again. But healing is really about feeling those things and still showing up and still caring for yourself. Still letting yourself believe in better days — even when you’re not living one yet.

Depression taught me stillness, but it also showed me how dangerous it can be to sit in it too long. I don’t want just to exist anymore. I want to live — with intention, with softness, with truth.

So here’s the truth: I can be sad and still be at peace.

I can feel uncertain and still be grounded.

I can be a work in progress and still offer something meaningful.

So Here’s My Promise to Myself

Starting now, I will:

  • Ask myself again where I’m at on that happiness scale.
  • Write down one thing I’m grateful for each day.
  • Sit in stillness, even if just for two minutes.
  • Challenge the lies my insecurities whisper.
  • Stop waiting to be “better” before I allow myself joy.

To Anyone Reading This Who Feels the Same Way

If you’ve worked hard on your healing and still feel like you’ve slipped backward — you’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re just human.

Healing isn’t linear. Growth isn’t perfect. But the fact that you want better for yourself — that you’re reading this, still showing up in your own quiet ways — that matters.

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

You don’t need to be at a ten to appreciate being at a six.

You don’t need to wait for life to be perfect to live it with love.

Just take one small step today to move toward the life you want.

Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s slow.

Just keep going.

Let this post be a reminder to both of us:

You’re allowed to begin again.

Posted in Lifestyle

Taking Classes, Taking Naps, Taking Myself to the Beach

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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So… is it really summer break if I’m still turning in essays and prepping for online classes? Technically, no. But mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? I’m calling it a break anyway. Because honestly, I’m tired — and even if it’s just a few days of breathing room, I’m going to treat it like the summer I deserve.

The Final Stretch — One More Essay to Go

Right now, I’m finishing up my last assignment of the semester — an essay due June 18. Once I hit “submit,” I’ll officially be done with this round of classes.

It’s wild how that deadline feels both so close and also so far away. I’m pushing through the end-of-semester fog with caffeine, music, and the promise that after this one final hurdle, I get a few days to actually breathe.

Because… yeah. On June 23, I start my online summer session and that runs until August. No real break. Just a breather. But I’ll take it.

No Real Break… Just a Breather

It’s only about five days between classes, but I’m going to protect that time like my life depends on it.

I know it’s not a full summer off, but even just having some flexibility makes a difference. I’ve been on go-mode for months, and even a few slow mornings or chill afternoons will help reset my brain. 

Morning Shifts = Afternoon Freedom

One thing that is helping: my work schedule shifted, and now I’m working in the mornings. That change has been lowkey life-changing.

Having my afternoons open means I’m not rushing from one thing to another, and I finally have space to rest, study, or just exist without always watching the clock.

It’s also opened up time for something I’ve been saying for two years now…

The Beach Dream (Third Time’s the Charm?)

Every summer I say I’m going to the beach. Every summer, it somehow never happens. But this year? I’ve got mornings free, my afternoons aren’t slammed, and I’m making it happen.

Even if it’s just a quick trip, I need sand, waves, and that salty air in my life.

I don’t need a whole vacation — I just need a few hours where I can sit in the sun and feel like I’m not behind on 50 things. This beach day is more than a plan. It’s a mission.

Redefining “Break” as a Tired College Student

If you’re in community college or taking classes year-round, you already know: traditional summer break isn’t always a thing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t rest. It just looks different.

Rest might mean sleeping in on a random Tuesday, sipping an iced coffee in silence, or watching a comfort show without feeling guilty. It’s not about doing nothing — it’s about doing what fills you. That’s what I’m leaning into this summer.

My Summer 2025 Mini Bucket List

This isn’t the summer of big trips or wild schedules. It’s the summer of balance — between work, school, and moments that feel good. Here’s what I’m hoping to do:

  • ✅ Submit that final essay by June 18 (then exhale deeply)
  • ✅ Hit the beach (finally!) — this is the year I follow through
  • ✅ Chill after work without guilt — slow afternoons are underrated
  • ✅ Do my Paint & Sip night — I’ve been meaning to do one for ages
  • ✅ Spend time with my niece — she’s taking a summer math placement class, and if she does well, she’ll start middle school in 7th grade math! So proud and excited for her
  • ✅ Visit my parents in July — can’t wait for some family time and that familiar comfort. Plus my dad agreed to take me to the new Superman movie!!!!!
  • ✅ Start summer classes feeling a bit more refreshed — because we’re still grinding, but we’re pacing ourselves now

A Break on My Terms

No, this isn’t the kind of break where I toss my backpack in the corner and not look at a syllabus for three months. My summer session goes through August 8th, and then I’m right back at it when fall semester starts on August 26, 2025. But it is a break in the ways that count: I’m slowing down where I can. I’m creating time for the things I’ve put off. I’m prioritizing peace, even in small doses.

So yes — I’m still in school, still working, still tired. But I’m also claiming summer, one beach day, one Paint & Sip, and one iced coffee at a time.

Posted in Body & Being

Weekly Reflections: Cultivating Mindfulness and Emotional Resilience

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Things have been a bit chaotic in the U.S. lately, and it often feels like the news is full of negativity. This can be especially tough for anyone dealing with depression. I recently lost my job, which really sent me into a tailspin. But I’ve decided to embrace mindfulness to help bring some balance back into my life. This year, my focus is on being more mindful and resilient—it’s even my “word of the year”! 

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation; it’s also about reflecting on the positives and challenges, appreciating those little moments, and learning as I go. I’ve been asking myself some important questions like, “How has my week been so far?” and “Am I avoiding anything important that I should tackle?” I also celebrate even the smallest achievements with questions like, “What were my biggest wins this week?”

Here are just a few highlights from my week that might seem simple but really mean a lot to me: I worked 40 hours and read 300 pages of my new book, treating myself to a delicious Cava salad afterward. Although my new job has some communication hiccups, I’m sharing my ideas for improvement instead of complaining. And I’m proud to say I managed not to argue with my roommates this week! It takes a lot of strength to hold back and avoid conflict, even when I feel I’m in the right. 

That said, I have to admit I’m also avoiding responsibilities, especially regarding money. I sometimes wish I could pretend everything is fine, even though it’s not. It might be worse, but I’m definitely struggling with stress. Still, I believe that taking the time for this weekly reflection will help me feel more in control of my depression.

What I truly wish to take from my reflections—and what I hope others can embrace, too, if they choose to do weekly reflections—is the value of mindfulness. It’s important to notice and name those uncomfortable emotions like sadness, fear, and shame without feeling the need to resist or hide from them. I understand how daunting it can be to face these feelings, but I want to cultivate a greater awareness of my emotions rather than letting fear dictate my response. It’s about finding a way to respond to our feelings with kindness and understanding toward ourselves and others.

Posted in Lifestyle

Making Resolutions Fun: The Bingo Card Challenge

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Originally this year, I wasn’t going to make resolutions for myself simply because in the past when I’ve done it I just noticed that I don’t commit myself as much as I want to. But this year my friend came up with a really fun idea. Something that she’s on TikTok.

She suggested that we do bingo cards and that we see who gets to bingo first. So now it’s kind of like a little competition between us. We agreed the resolutions could be as big or as little as we want.

I know what you’re thinking you’re thinking here and it’s already halfway through the month of January. Why are you doing this now? Well, honestly, most of my friends don’t believe that resolutions should start with the new year. They actually kind of believe that they should start in spring. Something to do with a pagan holiday I think that’s what you would call it. Ostara which is basically like pagan Easter all about the rebirth that spring brings. Which I actually be helping my friends celebrate this year.

We have until Sunday to finish out our bingo cards, and I am completely drawing a blank! But I will definitely update when I’m done! 

Posted in Lifestyle

Word of the Year 2025

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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I hope everyone had an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration and is excited for the adventures this year has in store!

This year, I’m diving headfirst into some thrilling New Year’s resolutions: I’m on a mission to plan my dream wedding with maximum joy and minimal stress, shed 60 pounds to feel my absolute best and keep my budget in check by skipping out on unnecessary expenses. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

But that’s just the beginning! I’ve got even more on my to-do list. I’m ready to regain control and stop letting stress dictate my life. Last year, there were so many moments when work or school tried to pull me under, and I let it overshadow the good stuff. This year, I’m committed to celebrating those amazing moments and embracing all the positivity life offers!

But how will I do this? Well, that brings me to my word of the year: Resilience.

Resilience is all about having the strength to handle life’s ups and downs! It means facing challenges, stress, and pressures with a positive attitude and returning from tough times. You can easily navigate through changes by building emotional resilience, being self-aware, and staying adaptable. It’s like having a toolkit for life that helps you grow and flourish, no matter what comes your way!

Here are some friendly ways I plan to build resilience in myself:

– I will practice mindfulness and be present in the moment.

– I’ll look for opportunities to discover more about myself.

– Keeping things in perspective will help me stay grounded.

– I’ll make self-care a priority in my life.

– Taking care of my physical and mental well-being.

– And I’ll remember to express myself! 

These are some friendly steps I’m excited to take on my journey!