A Few Things That Are Helping Right Now
This isn’t a list of best practices.
It’s not a formula.
And it’s definitely not a claim that I’ve figured anything out.
These are just a few small things that are helping me right now. And right now, as I’ve learned, is allowed to change.
One Small Habit
Every night, I prep my coffee so it’s ready to brew when I wake up.
This may sound insignificant. It’s not.
Mornings are when I feel most like myself: clear, alert, ready. Coffee doesn’t create that energy, but it absolutely amplifies it. What is a morning without coffee? I genuinely don’t know, and I don’t want to find out.
It’s the one thing I can say I’m truly addicted to, and I’m at peace with that.
Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee feels like a quiet promise: the day has started, and I’m here for it.
One Boundary
I used to be a people pleaser.
I said yes when I wanted to say no. I agreed to events I didn’t want to attend. And if I did say no, I followed it with a detailed explanation so no one would feel disappointed, confused, or, worst of all, hurt.
I’m not that person anymore.
Now I say, “Thank you so much for the offer. I can’t do it.”
And then I stop talking.
I don’t owe anyone an explanation. And I don’t feel guilty about saying no.
That’s been surprisingly freeing.
One Comfort
For the holidays, my daughter gave me a Hatch clock.
Every night, it starts playing a calming instrumental piece of music as a gentle reminder to begin winding down. The music plays for about thirty minutes, then fades into white noise to help me sleep.
I didn’t realize how much I needed a signal like that.
The sound is soothing. Predictable. Kind. It tells my nervous system it’s okay to slow down. I really love this little device. Not because it’s fancy, but because it creates a rhythm I can trust.
One Reminder
The energy you give is the energy you receive.
I come back to this one often, especially when things aren’t going smoothly.
Doctors run late. Maybe someone needed her more than I did that day.
Parking lots fill up. Fine, I’ll park farther away and get more steps.
Bad drivers are everywhere… or maybe they’re distracted by something heavy I can’t see.
Losing it doesn’t help. It never has.
Staying calm and patient doesn’t fix everything, but it almost always makes things better.
Right Now
These aren’t life hacks. They’re small anchors.
They don’t solve the big questions. They just help me move through the day with a little more steadiness.
And for now, that’s enough.