Tag: personal goals

Posted in Lifestyle

Reclaiming Myself in 2026

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Time has a funny way of changing us, sometimes without us even realizing it. Looking back on 2025, I see a version of myself that feels distant—like a person I didn’t recognize or agree with. In 2018 or even 2020, the choices I made last year would have seemed impossible to me. I forced myself to follow a path I thought I should take, not the one I wantedto take. I tried to fit into a box that wasn’t mine, desperately playing “keeping up with the Joneses,” thinking that’s what I was supposed to do.

But what do I have to show for it? Not much. In fact, the only decision from 2025 that I don’t regret was getting my dogs. They’ve been my only source of comfort and joy in a year that otherwise felt like a series of wrong turns.

And now here I am, in 2026, wanting to reclaim myself—the real me that I’ve buried under other people’s expectations and my own fears. I spent the past three years forgetting why I was struggling or why I made certain choices. I gave up on school, something I once valued, because I was too focused on a future I thought I had to portray to kids I haven’t even had yet. I was so obsessed with the wrong choices that I stopped helping the only person who mattered in all this: me.

There’s a quote I love by Steve Harvey: “If you’re already in hell, why stay?” I don’t even know if that’s his original line, but it resonates with me. I’ve been letting myself stay in my own version of hell, trapped by past choices and self-imposed expectations. But it’s time to walk away from that. I’m not staying in this place anymore. I’ve spent too long living for the wrong things and the wrong people.

In 2026, I’m focusing on reclaiming my happiness, one step at a time. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary. Time changes us, yes. But it also offers the opportunity to change back—to remember who we were before the world tried to tell us who we should be.

A quick note to self, though: I know I say this every year. I know the pattern. Usually, I wait until the year’s end, trying to build myself back up, focusing on my relationship with Hector. But this time, things are different. I’m prioritizing me. I’m done waiting for others to step in and build me up. I’ve already signed myself up for workshops and clubs this year, and I’m determined to spend this year loving myself in ways I’ve neglected.

Instead of waiting for someone to give me what I deserve, I’m giving it to myself. I’m not gonna ask for monthly dates from a person who’s not going to give them to me—I’m taking myself out on monthly dates. I’m learning to be the one I’ve always needed.

This isn’t a dig at Hector. We are currently at different stages in our lives, each with different wants and needs. While we both want the same things in the long run, our timelines just aren’t aligned right now, and that’s okay. Sometimes, life’s timing doesn’t match our expectations, but it doesn’t mean we’re not on the same path—it just means we’re walking at different paces. I’m focusing on myself, but that doesn’t change the love and respect I have for him, or the shared goals we’re both working towards.

So here’s to finding my way back, and to a making choices that align with who I truly am. Here’s to prioritizing me—because at the end of the day, that’s the only choice I’ll never regret.

Posted in Body & Being

I walked a 5K, and honestly? It wasn’t that bad.

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Let me be clear—I didn’t run. I didn’t train. I didn’t have some dramatic fitness montage beforehand. I just showed up, put one foot in front of the other, and walked the whole thing. And somehow, the world did not end.

The first mile felt suspiciously easy, which immediately made me nervous. The second mile was when my legs started asking questions and my brain started negotiating. By the third mile, I was fully committed out of spite. I had come too far to quit, and turning around felt more embarrassing than just finishing.

Crossing the finish line felt oddly satisfying. Not life-changing, not spiritual—but solid. I did something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do, and it turns out I was capable the whole time.

Posted in Lifestyle

My 2026 Word of the Year and Resolutions

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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My word for 2026 is: Alignment.

I used to think balance meant doing all the things, all the time—keeping every plate spinning and calling it success. But now I know balance is quieter than that. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time.

For a long time, I talked about living in seasons as an alternative to balance. Now I see it differently. Operating in seasons isn’t avoiding balance—it’s the gateway to it. It’s the pathway to peace.

Alignment, for me, means letting my energy, priorities, and capacity match the season I’m actually in. It’s about listening instead of forcing, choosing what fits instead of what simply looks good, and trusting that not everything needs my attention all at once.

Alignment is living with ease—allowing life’s current to guide me and trusting that when I follow my soul, things unfold the way they’re meant to.

In 2026, I’m choosing alignment over overwhelm. Presence over pressure. And peace over perfection.

And honestly? I need that—because I ended 2025… not great.

I’m not talking to Hector’s family. I’ve drifted from a few friends. I didn’t go to my mom’s for Christmas. Most of December I was sick, stuck inside, watching the days blur together instead of actually living them.

I ended up in the hospital recently, hoping for answers about what’s been going on with me now—and instead I got a full highlight reel of everything else. Pre-diabetic. Low iron (which I already knew). Low vitamin D (no surprise when I barely leave the house). Six medications. A lot of charts, a lot of numbers, and the very humbling realization that I haven’t really been showing up for my health the way I should.

I’m not working right now, and I won’t be going back to school in February either. That sentence still feels strange to type. It wasn’t the plan. None of this was.

But this isn’t me giving up. This is me pausing.

I want 2026 to be better—not in a “new year, new me” way, but in a quieter, more realistic way. The kind of better that looks like taking my meds, going outside, keeping appointments, choosing rest without guilt, and rebuilding slowly instead of burning myself out trying to fix everything at once.

Last year I made 25 resolutions and completed six of them. And honestly? Six is more than zero. So this year I’m not dragging all 19 unfinished goals with me like emotional carry-on luggage. I’m choosing ten. Just ten. The ones that still matter. The ones that feel possible. The ones that support the version of me who is tired—but trying.

This isn’t a fresh start.
It’s a continuation.
A softer one.
A more honest one.

  • Read 30 books
  • Run a 5K
  • Write 100 blog posts
  • Get a tattoo
  • Get my passport
  • Paint on a large canvas
  • Try 20 new recipes
  • Go hiking once a month
  • Schedule one spa day each month
  • Work out three times a week

That’s it. Ten goals for a year that’s about choosing what fits, honoring the season I’m in, and building a life that feels steady, creative, and kind to me.

Posted in Lifestyle

September Reflections: My Goals and What This Month Means

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Let’s jump right in! I’m super excited to blend my first two prompts into a fun little makeup post today. This time, I’m thinking of taking a more casual approach, like a microblogging vibe. Last time I did a challenge like this, I limited myself to 100 words or so, but now I feel inspired to give myself a bit more space to share my thoughts, aiming for 250 words max. I want to keep it light and enjoyable, so I’ll share my posts in whatever order I feel like.

September has always brought a sense of nostalgia for me; it used to mean that the Hogwarts Express was leaving. I’ve already expressed my feelings about J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter, and while I try to separate the two, it’s a bit complicated, so please don’t come for me! Now, September signifies the arrival of beautiful autumn colors, cozy evenings at home with a nice cup of cider and tea, and pumpkin spice everything. I love being able to wear sweaters again and snuggle under a blanket on the couch with a good book. While I adore autumn, as an adult, it sometimes feels like just another month slipping by.

This month, I don’t have many goals:

  1. Prepare all the decorations for the wedding and decide which DIY projects I want to start.
  2. Figure out my wedding nails. I have a design in mind, but I’m torn between coffin nails and almond nails; coffin nails would fit the theme better but I always wear almond nails.
  3. Finish two full tumblers of water every day.
  4. Stick to my skincare routine every night.
  5. Read my devotion first thing in the morning at least five days a week.
  6. Get more involved on campus and help Hector get involved now that he’s attending.
  7. Choose which universities I want to apply toApplications start in October, and I want to get that done as soon as possible.
Posted in Body & Being

Running on Empty

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Exactly one month ago, I declared—loudly and confidently—that I was going to train for a 5K.

It was supposed to be a thing. A routine. A little plotline for my summer. The start of a new arc where I was going to become that girl—disciplined, glowy, hydrated, jogging through the neighborhood at sunrise while vibing to a playlist called “5K Slay.”

But instead?

Here’s what actually happened:

  • A few half-hearted walks.
  • A couple of nights doom-scrolling beginner runner TikTok instead of going to bed.
  • Multiple “this is the week I start” pep talks… followed by zero actual running.

And then—nothing.

Just regular life. And depression.

And the quiet, constant ache of wanting to want things—but not quite being able to push myself through the fog.

There’s a word I’m looking for here—not motivation, not even discipline exactly, but that thing that lets you make yourself do something even when you don’t feel like it. The internal push. The engine. The whatever-it-is that people seem to be born with or build or brute-force into their bones.

I think I lost mine somewhere between burnout, sadness, and too many “maybe tomorrow” mornings.

To be clear, this wasn’t just a case of “I got busy.”

This was a full-body shutdown.

That fuzzy, foggy, gently-doomed feeling where everything is technically fine but somehow still feels like a cursed Sims save file.

And now it’s August.

Which hasn’t brought peace or renewal or momentum—but rather, a soft, creeping sense of doom.

Like I’m standing in the middle of a slow, sad montage where nothing is exactly wrong, but everything still feels like it’s unraveling. Not dramatically. Just… quietly. Just enough to make everything feel heavy.

I’m not trying to be dramatic—okay, maybe a little—but this month already feels like Little Miss Sunshine: emotionally unstable, slightly chaotic, and featuring an ensemble cast of tired people just trying their best. Everyone’s hanging on by a thread, the van won’t start without a push, and no one really knows what’s happening—but we’re still rolling forward, somehow. Just picture me in the metaphorical backseat, wearing heart-shaped sunglasses and trying to stay hopeful while everything teeters between disaster and weird, scrappy triumph.

To be fair, it’s not just me spiraling.

Hector’s been going through it too.

He’s still job hunting, and the stress of that alone is enough. But add to that the fact that his car was completely totaled (he’s okay, thankfully—the car is not), and we’re officially in “when it rains, it pours” territory.

He did get a job lead and passed the drug test (yay!).

But then… they found protein in his urine.

Which can mean kidney disease.

Which, for a guy who’s had kidney stones since he was a kid, is more than a little terrifying.

Naturally, I’ve been down a 1 a.m. rabbit hole Googling “can kidney stones cause kidney disease” like I’m studying for the MCAT. Spoiler: the answer is somewhere between sometimes? and maybe not?—which is so comforting, thank you WebMD.

So yeah. I’m not running a 5K this month.

I’m running errands.

Running out of patience.

Running on iced coffee and borrowed serotonin.

But I’m still here.

Still wanting to become the version of me who set that goal.

Still trying to believe in her, even if she’s currently curled up under a blanket, Googling “how to runaway from your life.”

The 5K may happen.

Maybe August will calm the hell down.

Maybe I’ll start by just walking. Or stretching. Or drinking water like someone who has a plan.

For now, I’m letting this post be the progress report.

A soft check-in.

A quiet reminder that some months are for thriving, and some months are for surviving—and both are still valid.

Posted in Lifestyle

2025 Midyear Check-In: Progress in Real Time 💫

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Hey there! Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? Time feels like it’s flying by, but sometimes, growing and changing feels like a slow dance. 

At the start of the year, I made a few intentions and goals—not just your typical resolutions, but gentle reminders to take care of myself and embrace life a bit more intentionally, with resilience and joy. Here’s a peek at my Resilience Goals for this year:

– Practice mindfulness and soak in the present moment.

– Discover more about myself with a curious heart.

– Keep things in perspective and stay grounded.

– Treat self-care as a must, not a luxury.

– Look after both my physical and mental well-being.

– Express myself freely, playfully, and honestly.

I haven’t been flawless (who is, right?), but I’ve found small yet meaningful ways to weave these practices into my life. Sometimes, that just means journaling, and other times, it’s as simple as remembering to drink water and take a deep breath before reacting. Every bit counts!

Now, let’s talk about my lighthearted “2025 Bingo Card”—it’s a fun mix of real goals, whimsical dreams, and a sprinkle of chaos to keep things lively. Here’s how it’s shaping up so far:

✅ What I’ve Done (or am doing):

– Joined a book club – Technically, I started one myself. Power move!

– Reduced spending – Well, when everything gets pricey, that’s a win!

– Made some DIY vanilla syrup – Who knew I’d become a barista?

– Drinking more water – It’s a work in progress, but my water bottle is always nearby.

– Saving money – Kind of? Let’s say I’m giving it a solid effort!

🔄 What’s Still in Progress:

– Teaching Hector to dance – We’re both trying; it’s a fun journey!

– Getting my passport – It’s on my to-do list.

– Running a 5K – I downloaded a running app. Does that count?

– Writing 100 blogs – You’re reading one right now! We are at 57 blogs currently!!

– Restarting my YouTube channel – Stay tuned for that!

– Get a tattoo – Got some exciting design ideas brewing.

– Learning a new language – Slowly but surely, with Duolingo cheering me on. Do we still support Duolingo? I know they became like AI first, and I don’t know how I feel about that. 

– Losing 60 pounds – Taking my time with kindness and respect for myself.

Here’s the truth: I can be a bit impatient. Like, “Why haven’t I transformed overnight just because I journaled a couple of times and drank water for three days?” levels of impatient. 

I want everything to happen fast—the growth, the glow-up, the results—all of it! But here’s the lesson I keep bumping into: good things take time. Not everything needs to bloom in January, March, or even July. Some goals are like little seeds, quietly working underground where no one can see them, including me.

And while that’s tough, it’s so important. Flowers don’t rush; they bloom when they’re ready. Maybe it’s time for me to stop fussing about the soil and just keep watering, showing up, and trusting the process.

So, if you find yourself wondering, “Why isn’t it happening faster?” take a deep breath. You’re not behind—you’re just in the beautiful process of becoming. Yes, it can be frustratingly slow at times, but it’s so real, and absolutely worth it. 

Here’s to soft discipline, fun goals, unfinished checklists, and learning to trust that time isn’t the enemy. 💫

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 Lifestyle

My Current Reading List

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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Reading is a wonderful joy for me; it feels like being wrapped in a cozy comfort blanket! I love curling up in bed with a good book, even when I know I should be tackling my to-do list. One of my favorite little pleasures is starting the day with a nice, slow read while everyone else is still asleep! And ending the day in my favorite spot with a great book? It just doesn’t get better than that! If I get off work early, sneaking in some afternoon reading feels like a sweet little treat. A couple of years ago, I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to read 52 books alphabetically- it wasn’t. While I only managed to check off two from that list, I discovered many other fantastic reads that just weren’t on the challenge list! I’m really good at making lists, but following them? Not so much!

I will not be committing to a specific challenge. My goal is to read 20 books purely for enjoyment and unrelated to school. I want to avoid fanfiction, webtoons, web series, or light novels. I’m looking for actual books, including poetry, short essays, or novels. I don’t have any particular preference.

So far, I haven’t finished a book yet, but I am in the middle of reading a bunch of books that I hope to finish by the end of the month. 

My Current Reading List

Overall, I have enjoyed every book I’ve read and would recommend any of them.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

So this is being made into a movie called Mickey17 with Robert Patterson. I didn’t even know the novel existed until I saw it available on Kindle Unlimited. I’m really enjoying “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton! It follows Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” crew member on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. He takes on dangerous tasks, knowing he can be regenerated if he dies. Although he’s not treated well by command, he finds support among his fellow crew members. I’m only eight chapters in, but the world-building and character introductions have me excited for what’s to come!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I’m going to be verrrrry honest: I was reluctant to read this because it’s a TikTok book. I’ve given a few books recommended by TikTok a shot, but I have to say, my experience with Booktok has been a bit underwhelming. It was so underwhelming that I thought Booktok was a scam. I couldn’t understand why people enjoyed books like “Den of Vipers” or anything by Colleen Hoover, so I took my time with this book. Many called it a romance or smutty novel, which made me skeptical. However, I’m completely obsessed now that I’m 300 pages in! I even pre-ordered the last book before finishing this one or reading the second book.

Black Friend: Essays by Ziwe

Y’all, I love Ziwe, and I’m still pissed that Showtime had the nerve to cancel her show two years ago! It’s a total injustice! Her book and the essays within are a brilliant mix of humor and intelligence. I was especially captivated by the glimpses into her incredible work ethic and those unforgettable moments from her iconic interviews. You’ve got to check it out!

Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity, and Joy by Shauna Shapiro

I recently picked up a book about mindfulness, and I was really delighted by how the author combines a warm, friendly tone with solid scientific insights. I can’t recommend it enough to friends and anyone eager to grow into kinder, more compassionate people! I love how Shauna shares her personal stories and the ways she navigated different experiences. Plus, the workbook style is fantastic—there are fun sections that encourage you to practice and jot down your thoughts!

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

2024 Mid Year Check In

Posted on by Eryn 🐰
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This post is a little late since the middle of the year is July 2nd, but life happens. Lately, I’ve felt like the Wario version of myself and needed to get out of that negative mindset.

We’re more than halfway through the year, and I’m just amazed at how quickly this year is flying by. Instead of setting specific goals, I’ve focused on one word: “fulfilled.” I’ve been working hard to live up to that word.

I spent a long time thinking about what makes me happy or fulfilled. Most of the time, I struggle with feelings of inadequacy and let self-doubt stop me from doing things. I can’t even count how many times I’ve considered dropping out because I wasn’t meeting my high standards, but I’ve realized that’s not an option.

I want to make this year the one where I learn to bounce back from failures and rejections without thinking I’m not worth it. I’ve been thinking about a few questions, too:
– What gets me out of bed in the morning?
– What kind of work really satisfies me?
– Is having a family important to me?
– Do I like helping others? How?
– Do I have any spiritual practices that bring me joy?
I’ve also realized that there are some goals I’ve been passionate about but never completed in the past few years.

Volunteering
I volunteered this year with my small group communications class at The Hope Center in LA, and it felt amazing to help out. I plan to go back.
Monthly dates
Hector and I discussed implementing this last year in our relationship, but we never got around to it last year. But this year, we’ve been making our relationship a priority.
Maintaining Relationships
I find myself getting too caught up in my own life. Being a full-time student and a full-time worker means I need to spend more quality time with my friends and family. However, this year, I’ve been able to spend more time with my best friends.

Things I wish to implement
ELIMINATE ONE BAD HABIT.
Some of my bad habits include staying up late, not eating healthy, and not cleaning regularly.
RESTART MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
I keep saying I will do this, but at the same time, I feel like I have nothing to say and am not interesting enough to watch.
EXPLORE MY STATE MORE
I would love to visit national parks. My idea of California is the LA and Long Beach areas because I live here and have seen small parts of the Bay Area.
SPEAK BETTER SPANISH
A million years ago, I wanted to learn Spanish to speak to my grandmother, and that never happened. So now, I would love to learn to communicate better with Hector’s family. It would also help me in my job. Honestly, it’s something I’m going to need professionally and personally.
REFLECT EACH MONTH
So much and not enough happens in a week, let alone a month there’s always something to learn and improve upon, and I want to hold myself accountable for not doing things in a month when I knew I should have.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
I’m tired of constantly being late due to oversleeping. I want to establish a routine to help me be more punctual. I know I can’t control everything but can control my schedule and whereabouts. Having a routine will help me balance school and work better.