The holiday season is often called the busiest season of the year, & for good reason. Between managing family gatherings, work deadlines, shopping, & countless other tasks, it can feel like there’s no time to breathe. As a busy woman juggling multiple roles, I’ve learned that slowing down during this hectic time is not just a luxury—it’s essential. Last month, I ran like a chicken with its head cut off & am still feeling the effects of it. But Healing While Building showed me that giving yourself grace & permission to pause can transform your experience & help you enjoy the season more fully. Creating calm moments during the holiday season Why Women Need to Slow Down During the Holiday Season Women often carry the bulk of holiday responsibilities, from organizing events to caring for family members. This constant pressure can lead to burnout & stress. Slowing down helps protect your mental & physical health, allowing you to recharge & stay present. Giving yourself grace means accepting that not everything will be perfect. It’s okay to say no to extra commitments or to ask for help. When you slow down, you create space to focus on what truly matters—connection, rest, & joy. How to Slow Down Effectively Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing things differently. Here are some practical ways to embrace a calmer holiday season: Prioritize your tasks : List everything you want to accomplish & identify the most important. Focus on those & let go of less critical activities. I try not to have more than 3 per day. Set boundaries: Communicate your limits clearly with family, friends, & colleagues. For example, decide not to attend every event or limit your shopping trips. Create quiet moments : Dedicate time each day for yourself. This could be a short walk, meditation, or simply sitting with a cup of tea. These moments help reset your energy. First thing in the morning is all mine for a good 90 minutes. Simplify traditions: Traditions are meaningful, but they don’t have to be complicated. Choose a few favorites & let go of the rest to reduce stress. Ask for help : Delegate tasks to family members or friends. Sharing responsibilities lightens your load & strengthens relationships. I still struggle with this one, but trying to be Superwoman never did anyone any good. The Benefits of Giving Yourself Grace When you practice giving yourself grace, you reduce feelings of guilt & pressure. This shift allows you to enjoy the holiday season more deeply, even amid the chaos. You’ll notice improved mood, better sleep, & more energy to engage with loved ones. Slowing down also models healthy habits for your family, showing them the importance of self-care & balance. This can create a more supportive environment for everyone.

Hey, it’s me—your “you-should-probably-sit-down-for-a-sec” friend! Picture us on a porch swing with some “adult juice” (or some lemonade for the non-drinkers in the house). You’ve been hustling: juggling work, self-care ideals, community building, third cup of coffee, glancing at your phone. On the outside you look fine. On the inside… maybe less so. You might not realize you need to take a break until you actually take a break. Go figure. Why? Because our brains & bodies are sneaky AF—they’ll keep going until one day you’re like: “Wait, why did my brain freeze while reading an email?” or “Why did I snap at my dog?” Here’s the truth: Taking a break isn’t just indulgent—it’s scientifically smart (yeah, I did some research for ya). Breaks help your brain switch states, recharge attention & creativity. Breaks reduce stress, prevent burnout, & help you maintain performance long-term. Breaks help your body too (yes, even your spine & your screen-staring eyeballs). So let’s chat: how to see that you actually need one, & how to take one without feeling guilty (because yeah—I know you). ⸻ 🚩 How to recognize you need to take a break I think I’ve become a pro at recognizing the signs of needing to take a break. There aren’t many I haven’t experienced because it’s hard for me not to do the most. So since I’m somewhat of an expert, here are some gems (& maybe gentle nudges) to help you see the warning lights before they become full-on neon signs. 1. Brain fog & focus gone AWOL: If you’re reading the same sentence three times & still don’t know what it means—that’s a sign. Brain fog SUCKS , especially for someone whose mind doesn’t shut off. When I have trouble thinking of simple words, it’s my sign to take a chill pill. Take Tuesday, for example. I was writing an email & couldn’t think of a word to use other than “discussed.” It was so bad ya girl had to pull out my homegirl ChatGPT for the synonyms. Hard to believe I took AP English my senior year, yet I can come up with words that easy. 😒 For sure sign that it was break time! 2. Relentless fatigue (even after “rest”): If you sleep 7 hours & still feel like you slept 3 — your nervous system might need a real break. The “rest” part of a break gets forgotten sometimes.  Hello, it’s me again… .II pretty much live off of 5-6 hours of sleep per night, but I certainly need to be getting more. It’s just hard for me to stop the grind when I’m in the zone. Maybe I’ll be able to do better in the next year or two when I can run more on autopilot. 3. Irritable, short-fused, “tell ‘em why you mad, son” vibe: When you snap at someone for the tiniest thing (or yourself), that’s your body saying “hello, hello, can we pause please?” When Mocha Monster (that other side that I try to keep dormant) comes out to play, it’s like the voice of Chucky enters the chat with the evil “you wanna play?” plot. I have found that my lil attitude isn’t always from needing to take a break; most of it is that Pisces loner thing. 4. You’ve forgotten fun (or when was the last time?) : If you can’t remember the last time you did something just for the heck of it—& not for “self-care Instagram photo”—then the pause button might be dusty. Thank God my fun is close to free most of the time: chilling on my back porch binge watching something, reading a book, eating something hella good. On the other hand, my FUN fun is traveling, but that takes some time to plan. Let’s just say I have a nice balance of options. 5. You keep saying “I’ll rest after this …” & the “this” never ends: Happens to all of us. Work expands to fill in the available time, & so does stress. Research says micro-breaks & deliberate pauses help much more than “when I finish everything” thinking. Those micro-breaks are what I need to work on more often. I don’t always realize when I’m so deep in the zone that I haven’t moved in hours. Maybe I should set a timer when I’m working so I can take time to step away, rest my eyes & brain, & recharge. ⸻ The art of taking a break ✅ How to actually take a break (yes, you can) Okay, you’ve seen the warning lights. Now what? Here’s your friend’s guide to making the break really happen , not just dream about it: 1. Schedule it like a meeting: Pretend your break is important enough to show up on the calendar (because it is). Mark “Break – Do Nothing” or “Break – Me Time” & treat it like a non-negotiable. 2. Pick something different (not just the same but slower): If you’re always at your laptop, stand up, walk, stretch. If you’re always on your phone, put it away. Science says taking “purposeful breaks” (walk, deep breathe) boosts energy better than checking social media. If you’re always in your head, let your body move, your eyes wander, or just be. 3. Use the “micro-break + big break” combo: It looks a lil something like this: Micro-break: 5-15 minutes of stepping away, maybe stretching, maybe breathing. Helps reduce fatigue. Big break: half a day, full day, a weekend—whatever you can swing. Enough to disconnect enough that you return a little fresher . 4. Unplug if you can: The constant screen-buzz, notification ping, email “just one more” trap—they hijack your recovery. Taking a break from screens counts as a break. 5. Let go of the guilt: This one’s important: resting is not slacking. Resting is an essential part of your wellness process—something that helps you show up better. Breaks improve your mood, resilience, focus (or so they say). 6. Return with intention: After your break, ask: “What’s one thing I want to carry forward?” Maybe it’s more moments of quiet, maybe it’s saying no to one thing, maybe it’s scheduling regular pause times. Use the break as a reset, not just a stop. ⸻ Final thoughts, from me to you… If I were whispering into your ear: friend, you may not even know you needed the break until you took it. It’s like waking up & asking, “Why was I so cranky yesterday?” …& realizing you hadn’t paused in weeks. That’s why being intentional about rest is powerful. When I went to Atlanta for Healing While Building a few weeks ago, I didn’t realize how much I needed the rest, both mentally & physically. I chugged Red Bull on the almost 4 hour drive down. Although I didn’t go to bed until late Friday & Saturday nights, I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. A combo of taking a pause from working & mommying + seeing my sister & catching serious vibes at Healing While Building gave me exactly what I needed to feel rested . In fact, I left from the event Sunday evening & drove back home without caffeine. Under the umbrella of our brand, Intentionally Evolve, we believe busy women deserve self-care that works . Part of that is recognizing rest isn’t optional—it’s part of the path. So next time you find yourself grinding, racing, toggling between tasks—pause. Let your body & brain say something, instead of waiting for them to shout. You’ve got this. And your break? It’s not a sign you’ve failed—it’s a signal you’re smart enough to evolve.

Because you deserve more than sticky notes & survival mode. You ever have one of those days where you open your planner, see the chaos staring back at you, & think, “Wow… so this is my circus & these are definitely my monkeys ?” Same, friend…hell, that’s today! Between work deadlines, dinner plans, permission slips, & trying to remember if you’ve had any actual water today (coffee doesn’t count, unfortunately), life can feel like a 24/7 balancing act. But here’s the truth: your planner isn’t just for keeping track of everyone else’s needs — it’s also the perfect space to hold yours . There’s a method to the madness & a pot at the end of the rainbow (I didn’t say it’s gold in the pot though. I just know the pot is there 😬). Let’s talk about how to make that happen. ⸻ 1. Treat Your Planner Like a Safe Space, Not a To-Do List Dungeon🔒 If your planner feels more like a guilt trip than a guide, it’s time to shift the energy. Start using it as a self-care command center — not a list of things you didn’t get done. 👉🏽 Add affirmations to the top of your week. (You won’t have to do this if you had an Intentionally Evolve Planner though since we made sure to include those #motivation) 👉🏽 Write one “non-negotiable” just for you like a walk, journaling, or 15 minutes of doing absolutely nothing. (Intentionally Evolve Planners also have a self-care task of the week 😉) 👉🏽 Leave room for grace. Because life be lifing sometimes, & that’s okay. ⸻ 2. Plan Like You Love Yourself 🥰 Most planners help you stay organized — but an Intentionally Evolve planner helps you stay centered . Instead of cramming every second of your day with tasks, use your planner to track your energy instead of just your time. 👉🏽Ask yourself: What parts of my week give me energy? What drains me? Where can I schedule moments to recharge? Even if you only have 5 minutes between a meeting & dinner prep — that’s your time. I carve mine out first thing in the morning. You have to claim it. ⸻ 3. Color-Code Your Sanity 🌈 Let’s make this fun (& functional). Color-coding doesn’t just look cute — it gives your brain a break from decision fatigue. If it’s just you, try something like this: 💗 Pink = Me time 💼💙 Blue = Work stuff 🧡 Orange = Family activities 💚 Green = Self-care Now if you’re running a whole production like myself, the colors may be able to help keep your stuff organized as well as your family. My calendar on the refrigerator & in my phone are certain colors per person & additional colors depending on what category of tasks I have going on. So when you glance at your planner & see all pink, you know you’re living right. And if you see none… it’s time to pencil you back in. ⸻ 4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection 🥳 If you checked off half your list today, that’s still half a list of wins ! Jot down 1 thing that went well each evening — even something small like, “Didn’t lose my cool in traffic,” or “Ate lunch before 3 PM.” Those tiny acknowledgments add up & remind you that you’re doing a great job, even on the messy days. Always end on a positive note. ⸻ Let’s Be Real for a Second… 💯 Being a working woman with a family means your planner probably has layers — kind of like an onion (or your laundry pile). But the key is remembering that you belong on your own to-do list. I made sure my to-do list was full of myself last weekend for Healing While Building in Atlanta. Drove down emotionally exhausted & came back completely rejuvenated. Your planner is more than paper — it’s a space to breathe, reset, & remind yourself that your needs matter . So next time you open it, ask: “What do I need today?” Then make sure it has a spot right there next to cheerleading & basketball practice, that 2 PM meeting, & grocery shopping. ⸻ Don't let busyness get the best of you! Grab an Intentionally Evolve Planner today! Ready to Let Your Planner Hold Space for You? 📅 The Intentionally Evolve Planner was created with women like us in mind — the ones doing all the things but ready to do them with more peace & purpose . It’s not just a planner; it’s your self-care accountability partner — with affirmations, self-care tasks, goal-setting tools, a vision board, monthly budgeting, & a month-in-review section designed to help you evolve intentionally , not just survive the week. ✨ Grab your Intentionally Evolve Planner today & let it hold space for your needs — so you can show up for everyone else without losing yourself in the process.

For a long time, I lived by everyone else’s checklist. ✅ Be productive. ✅ Stay strong. ✅ Keep it together. ✅ Maintain your Superwoman identity. The world has a funny way of rewarding you for looking like you’ve got it all under control — even when inside, you’re running on empty. I thought I was doing everything “right.” I hit my goals, checked the boxes, & said yes to every request (even the ones I didn’t want to do). But when I finally slowed down enough to breathe, I realized I didn’t even know what I wanted anymore. I knew what people expected of me, but not what I truly needed to feel at peace. Hell, I was clueless on what peace even meant! Damn near rock bottom hit, & I was spiraling. Everything & every relationship was chaotic, & I had zero insight on why. That’s when journaling for self-discovery became my turning point. Journaling Showed Me My Truth 🪞 When I first started journaling, it wasn’t neat or organized. Some days it looked like a rant. Other days, a prayer. Sometimes, just a sentence like: “I don’t feel like myself.” Regardless, I wrote something every night, & I do mean EVERY NIGHT . But that was the beauty of it. For the first time, I wasn’t performing. I wasn’t curating my words or trying to make sense to anyone else. I was just being honest, & that honesty was sometimes brutal. Through those pages, I started hearing my own voice again — the one that had been buried under expectations, responsibilities, & perfectionism; the one that said “you’re gonna be ok” when I felt all hope was lost; the one that embrace a “take me as I am” attitude. My self-discovery journaling practice became a mirror, reflecting what I actually needed instead of what I’d been told I should want, & that wasn’t found in people or things. I Discovered My Real Needs Were Simpler Than I Thought 🫡 I didn’t need more accomplishments. I needed rest. I didn’t need more “me time” filled with tasks. I needed stillness — quiet moments where I could just exist without guilt. I didn’t need to save everyone. I needed to save myself. Journaling for self-awareness & self-discovery helped me see that my self-care wasn’t about bubble baths or fancy routines. Yeah, those were cute, but they weren’t handling the inner work I needed to do. It was about honoring what my body, mind, & spirit were asking for — even when it didn’t look productive. The lack of productivity is something I still struggle with. Being still (unless I’m on vacation) is extremely difficult. Guilt makes me feel like I’m wasting time that I could be using to do something else. I continuously reprogram my thinking into “rest is doing something.” It takes some effort, but it’s doable. How You Can Use Journaling for Self-Discovery 💡 When in doubt, journal it out! If you’re used to meeting expectations — from work, family, or even yourself — it can feel strange to pause & ask, “But what do I actually need right now?” Journaling can help you find that answer. Here are a few ways to start: Ask the right questions. Try prompts like: “What do I need more of in my life right now?” “What am I pretending is fine, but really isn’t?” “If I wasn’t worried about disappointing anyone, what would I choose for myself?” Write without editing. Don’t try to sound wise or polished. Let your thoughts spill out — messy, emotional, or uncertain. That’s where the truth hides. Notice patterns. Over time, you’ll start to see recurring themes — what drains you, what excites you, what you crave more of. That’s insight you can trust. Take one small step. Once you recognize what you need, honor it — even if it’s just saying no once, taking a mental health day, or spending five minutes in quiet each morning. The Power of Listening to Yourself 💪🏽 Journaling for self-discovery taught me that my needs aren’t negotiable. They’re not selfish or inconvenient — they’re sacred. When I finally stop performing for what is expected & remember to nurture what is authentic, I find balance, peace, & self-trust. Sometimes I have to start over from step one, but the only thing that matters is that I did something. And that’s what I want for you, too. If you’re ready to reconnect with what you truly need — not what others expect — start journaling today. Your answers are already inside you. You just need to give them a voice. Ready to start your journaling for self-discovery journey? Explore our Intentional Journals  — created to help busy women slow down, reflect, & rediscover themselves through mindful writing & self-care. And come join in on our free monthly H.E.R.E. Unfiltered live journaling sessions. We’ll announce the next date on social media soon.

💭 Let’s Be Real for a Second… How many times have you told yourself, “I’m fine,” when you were absolutely not fine ? As busy women, we wear “I’ve got it” like a badge of honor — until we hit that familiar wall called burnout (& boy am I familiar with that one!) . The truth is, most of us don’t slow down until we crash. But what if you could stop burnout before it starts — simply by naming what you need? 💡 Why Naming What You Need Matters When you name your needs, you give them permission to exist. You’re not being “needy” — you’re being honest. It’s one of the most powerful forms of self-care because clarity creates calm. Think of it like your GPS: you can’t reach your destination if you don’t first name where you’re headed. I can admit that sometimes I can't put a name on my feelings. I can be a big bag of emotions & have my family looking at me sideways. That's when it's time for me to bust out the Rescue Ranger back & get back to being me quickly. Here are a few... ✨ Tips to Practice the Power of Naming What You Need 1. Check In Daily Ask yourself: What do I need most right now — rest, support, silence, or space? Write it down in your journal. (Your Intentional Journal is perfect for this!) Those last couple of minutes before I turn in for the night allow me to be real with myself & pivot if necessary. 2. Listen to Your Body That constant headache, short fuse, or brain fog? Those are physical post-its from your body saying, “Hey, something’s off.” You have to stay in-tune with what your "normal" & what your "off" days look & feel so you can handle the situation accordingly. 3. Use Simple Language You don’t need to explain or justify your needs. Try: • “I need a night with no plans.” • “I need help finishing this project.” • “I need time alone.” That alone time for a Pisces like myself is the solution to all of the world's problems, honey. That's a guaranteed reset button for me. 4. Set Small Boundaries Naming your need is step one. Protecting it is step two. Say “no” without guilt — it’s how you preserve your “yes” for what matters. Remember that "no" is a complete sentence, & again, you don't owe anyone an explanation. 5. Reflect, Don’t Judge If you struggle to express your needs, reflect on why . Often it’s rooted in guilt or fear of being seen as too much. But sis, you are not too much . You’re just finally putting yourself on the list. ⸻ 💬 Ready to Practice Naming What You Need? Journaling with your girls makes everything better Join our next H.E.R.E. Unfiltered Live Journaling Session tomorrow at 7 PM EST! We’ll dive into real, raw journaling prompts to help you reconnect with your needs — before burnout gets the best of you. 👉 CTA: Join us on Zoom! Meeting ID: 204 188 6778 & Password: MeTime

Hey sis, can we have a little real talk moment? Because here’s the truth—self-care doesn’t start with candles, bubble baths, or fancy journals (although, let’s be honest, those don’t hurt either). The real first step is self-honesty. Yep, looking yourself in the mirror & saying, “Girl, I am not okay,” even when you’ve been saying “I’m fine” on autopilot for weeks. Here’s the thing: you can’t care for yourself if you’re not honest about what you actually need. You can’t fix exhaustion if you keep telling yourself you just need “one more cup of coffee.” You can’t tackle burnout if you’re still calling it “just a busy season” that somehow never ends. Pot, meet kettle! 💯 So let’s break this down, girlfriend-to-girlfriend, because I promise you—getting honest with yourself will change the way you approach self-care. She's here to save the day! ⸻. 1. Admit when you’re tired (& not just regular tired) We’ve all done it: pushed through, yawned at our desk, & called it “being productive.” But sometimes “tired” is really “I haven’t rested in a month.” Honesty check: Are you actually resting or just scrolling TikTok until your brain numbs out? This one is me staring myself in the mirror & saying “that’s you!” October is hella busy for me, & I’m tired as I write this. At some point each week, I’m going to have to find time to sit down & say “no.” ⸻ 2. Call out your “fake self-care” Sis, painting your nails while ignoring your stress is not self-care—it’s distraction. Self-care isn’t about looking polished; it’s about feeling whole. Be real about what you’re doing: is it truly helping you recharge, or is it just covering up the overwhelm? My “fake self-care” would be a bubble bath, especially since I don’t like sitting in a tub with dirty water swirling around me. The real self-care is pressing the DND button on my phone, having decompression sessions with my stylist/therapist, & disappearing on vacation. Those all recharge me with very little effort. ⸻ 3. Own your “yes” & your “no” We love to say “yes,” even when our schedule is screaming “no.” Self-honesty means admitting when you’re overbooked, overcommitted, & over it. Sometimes the most caring thing you can do for yourself is practicing a guilt-free “nah, not this time.” ⸻ 4. Stop pretending you’re Superwoman You’re amazing, but you’re human. (Even Beyoncé has a team, okay?) Self-honesty is saying: “I can’t do it all, & that’s okay.” Let yourself drop the cape once in a while. Spoiler: the world won’t fall apart, but you might if you don’t slow down. ⸻ 5. Ask yourself the hard question: What do I really need? Do you need sleep? A therapist? A girls’ night? A solo trip to Target with a latte & no kids in tow? (Let’s be real, that is therapy.) Be honest about the thing your body, mind, or soul is craving—not what looks good on Instagram. ⸻ Final Word Ooooh, who would’ve known this week’s blog would be a whole convo with myself?! I need to do some re-evaluating outchea! Self-honesty isn’t always cute, but it’s necessary. The moment you stop lying to yourself about how tired, stressed, or burnt out you are—that’s the moment you can actually give yourself the self-care you deserve. So, sis, next time someone asks how you’re doing, maybe skip the autopilot “I’m fine” & try the honest version. Because the sooner you get real, the sooner you can start healing.

Ever wonder why some days your routine feels empowering & other days it feels like you’re just going through the motions? The difference between routine & rut is subtle…but important. One creates momentum toward your goals, while the other keeps you spinning in circles. Let’s get into this… Get into it! What Is a Routine? We all pretty much know what a routine is: things you do to bring structure, ease, & progress into your day. Think of it as a supportive framework. A solid morning routine, for example, might include meditating, working out, & breakfast—habits that make you feel centered & prepared. For me, my devotionals, meditating, making my bed, & getting a decent workout in are my norm Monday-Friday, with weekends starting off with devotionals only (making my bed is mandatory though, regardless of the time of day or condition I’m in). Routines work best when they’re intentional, flexible, & aligned with your values. They’re meant to support your life, not control it. When I don’t follow my routine, my day feels off. I tend to feel rushed, forget to do things that I normally do, & I’m not as clear-headed. These “rules” keep me cool, calm, & collected for the most part. What Is a Rut? A rut happens when your routine becomes stale or mindless. Instead of fueling your growth, it drains your energy & leaves you feeling stuck. It’s the autopilot version of routine—checking boxes without meaning or joy. This is somewhat how my wind down routine became because it hit different, & not in a good way. So how do you know when you’re in a rut: You feel unmotivated even though you’re “getting things done” Your days feel repetitive without purpose (Hello Groundhog’s Day!) You’ve stopped reflecting on whether your habits still serve you How to Tell the Difference Between Routine & Rut The key difference between routine & rut comes down to intention. Routines are chosen; ruts are tolerated. Routines energize; ruts drain. If your structure makes you feel alive, supported, & in alignment with your goals, that’s routine. If it feels heavy, boring, or disconnected, you may have slipped into a rut. I knew my nighttime wind down routine was becoming a rut when I started feeling like I was just doing it to say I did it. Yoga got skimpier & eventually phased out. Guess that’s why my body doesn’t feel as flexible & my muscles ache more. How to Refresh Your Routine Before It Becomes a Rut Check in regularly: Ask, is this routine serving me right now? Add variety: Swap small habits (like where you journal or how you move your body) to keep things fresh Stay flexible: Your needs shift with seasons of life—so should your routine Anchor with intention: Tie each habit back to a value or goal that matters to you. The Intentional Approach At Intentionally Evolve, we believe structure should feel supportive, not suffocating. Journals, planners, & intentional practices give you the freedom to grow while avoiding the trap of sameness. The difference between routine & rut is knowing when to evolve…& giving yourself permission to change what no longer feels good. Have no shame in switching up your routine whenever you feel like things are moving towards being a snooze fest. It’s YOUR routine, so you can tailor it in whatever way you want. Just make sure the benefits are yours, not anyone else’s.

Honey, the word “structure” can feel about as inviting as a kale smoothie when you wanted fries. Most of us hear “structure” & instantly picture rigid schedules, color-coded spreadsheets, or someone yelling “rise & grind” at 5 a.m. But structure doesn’t have to feel like pressure. The right kind of structure? It feels like support—like that one friend who always has snacks in their bag & reminds you to drink water without judgment. So, how do you create structure that’s more “supportive hug” & less “tight corset”? Let’s talk about it. Creating Structure That Feels Like Support 101 1. Think Framework, Not Rulebook Structure is not about creating 127 rules you’ll break by Tuesday. It’s about giving yourself anchors in your day. Instead of, “I must  journal at 6:00 a.m. sharp,” try: “I’ll make space to journal sometime before lunch.” Now I know I say I journal daily before bed, & I mean every sense of that: BEFORE BED, whether that's 7pm or 2am. Flexibility = freedom. 2. Build Around What Already Works You don’t need to reinvent your whole life. Already make coffee every morning? Pair it with a quick gratitude check-in. Already scroll your phone at night? Swap one scroll for a 5-minute reflection. Structure that slides into what you’re already doing will actually stick. It's how I started back working out. Most days I can read or listen to my devotionals as I'm working out. 3. Use Gentle Reminders, Not Alarms from the Underworld Supportive structure feels like a nudge, not a panic attack. So instead of blaring alarms that make your heart race, try calming reminders: sticky notes, soft chimes, or even a friend accountability text. My alarms & alerts aren't blaring, annoying sounds. They're very calm & help set the vibe for the morning. 4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection If your structure isn’t perfect, that’s normal (spoiler: no one’s is). The goal is to create habits that help you feel grounded & cared for, not to win gold in the Olympics of Productivity. If only I'd learned this back in elementary school... 5. Make It Yours Some people thrive on planners. Others thrive on voice notes. Some people want a 20-step morning routine; others just want coffee & quiet. Your structure should match your season of life—not Instagram’s version of “perfect.” Mine may look like chaos & way too much to some, but it gets the job done with minimal stress. Final Thought Structure should never feel like punishment. It’s here to hold you up, not hold you down. Start small, give yourself grace, & build a system that feels like a supportive friend—you’ll find it makes life a whole lot lighter. Creating structure that feels like support is a work-in-progress that can be tweaked any way, at any time, & for any reason. Do you! And hey, if you need a tool to guide you? Intentionally Evolve journals & planners  are made exactly for this: structure that feels like support, not stress. 💛

I’ll be honest with you—I used to think structure was basically just a nice way of saying “boring routine” or “being super rigid in life.” You know, the kind of life where you eat the same breakfast every day, work out at 6:00 AM sharp, & have your entire week planned down to which sock you’ll wear on Wednesday. But then life happened. Kids, work, relationships, bills, laundry piles that seem to multiply on their own (whew chile, the mountain I seem to have every week since a certain daddy-daughter duo must be modeling clothes several times a day)—basically, the circus of adulthood. And I realized something: structure isn’t about restricting yourself, it’s about freeing yourself. And no, I’m not about to tell you to color-code your closet (unless you want to, in which case—please come do mine because I just don’t have the time or energy to do it anymore #neatfreak ). What I’m talking about is building a rhythm that keeps you from feeling like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Because let’s face it, we’re already doing enough. ⸻ Why Structure Feels Scary 😱 If you’re anything like me, the word “structure” makes you think of spreadsheets, rigid schedules, & zero room for Netflix binges or spontaneous coffee runs with a friend. It feels like the fun police is moving in, ready to write you a ticket for not sticking to your plan. But here’s the twist: structure doesn’t take away your freedom—it gives you the freedom to enjoy life without the guilt of everything else falling apart. ⸻ My “Flexible Structure Routine” Formula 👩🏽‍🔬 Here’s what’s been working for me (& yes, it’s still a work in progress because hello, life stays lifin’): 1. Pick Your Non-Negotiables These are the anchors of your day—the things you know keep you grounded. For me, that’s devotionals in the morning, journaling in the evening, & making sure I actually eat while I’m working (because apparently I zone too far out & coffee isn’t a meal, who knew?). You deserve to have certain things be sacred & necessary to be your best self! 2. Use the 80/20 Rule Structure 80% of your day around what needs to get done, & leave 20% open for life to happen. Because life will happen. Sometimes that “life” looks like traffic jams, surprise school projects, or realizing you forgot to defrost the chicken. Leave some cushion between your obligations so you have time to decompress, transition, or just breathe. 3. Plan Your Flex Time Yes, you read that right—plan your flexibility. Maybe that means leaving an open hour in your calendar a couple times a week. Sometimes you’ll use it to catch up on chores, sometimes you’ll use it to binge a show guilt-free, & sometimes you’ll just stare at the wall in silence (highly recommend). Make it worth your while & even use it as a reward for accomplishing a task. Regardless, don’t stay on go mode 24/7. 4. Stop Aiming for Perfect Spoiler: no one has their structure 100% together. Even the friend who swears she wakes up at 4:30 AM to meditate & juice celery has days where she’s crying in the car eating drive-thru fries. The point isn’t perfection—it’s finding something that works for you . Remember: na'y one of us is Jesus so… (excuse my Southern-ness). ⸻ How It Feels in Real Life 🙂‍↔️ Life may be lifin', but it won't break us! Since giving myself permission to create a structure that bends, I feel lighter. I don’t spend my days drowning in to-do lists, nor do I feel like my life is chaos on wheels. It’s somewhere in between—a little messy, a little organized, & very much mine. And honestly, that’s the sweet spot. ⸻ Your Turn 🫵🏽 So here’s my challenge for you: think about one area of your life that could use some gentle structure. Start small. Maybe it’s setting a bedtime (yes, even for grown-ups), doing a Sunday reset, or blocking out 15 minutes for something that actually recharges you. Because structure doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you have a solid base to land on when life throws you curveballs. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll still have enough wiggle room for a spontaneous trip to get a sweet potato pie from Bojangle’s. ⸻ ✨ Here’s to finding the balance between structured & spontaneous—the adulting version of having your cake & eating it too.

You know how everyone talks about “having a morning routine?” For the longest time, I rolled my eyes at that. Between work, family, and trying to keep life from completely spiraling, the last thing I thought I needed was another to-do list before 7 a.m. (yes, I’m an early riser 🥱). But then I realized—I didn’t need a routine. What I really needed was a ritual. Something sacred. Something that felt like mine. Something that was going to shift my mind from sweet dreams to locked in almost immediately. That’s how my mornings slowly shifted into what I now call my sacred mornings. I decided in l Sacred Mornings to Begin Serene Days 2023 that I needed a game changer & jumped head first into something I never miss out on. Honey, I used to snooze that alarm until the VERY LAST minute I could spare to stay tucked into the warm covers before I risked being late for work. Then I’d be flying around the room with the grumps, groaning about having to get up.  Straight up “don’t talk to me, don’t look at me, don’t think about me” mode. Side note: this is where my silence for the first hour rule emerged (which still stands cuz I just can’t before the sun wakes up). Now, I don’t jump out of bed & run into the day anymore. I give myself permission to move slowly. First thing I do is grab my phone…not to check texts/emails/social media, but to start my devotionals. Not hours, just enough to reconnect with God & center my heart. I follow that up with 5 minutes of meditation to clear my mind. Those quiet moments have become the anchor to my whole day. After that, I roll out my yoga mat. I’m not doing an intense workout here—it’s just some simple stretches, a way to wake up my body gently. When you get older, you have to stretch waaaaaaay more than before. A few days a week, I’ll follow that up with a real workout, but I never force it. Some mornings, stretching & breathing are exactly enough cuz Pilates will kick yo 🍑! Before I turn my computer on to start working, I sip water—because somehow that feels like a reset button. Actually the “experts” say that drinking water does help your body to restart, so may as well add it in before I start eating up everything in sight. This ritual isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. About reminding myself that I don’t have to start my day in a rush or pour from an empty cup. I feel like I stay in fast forward 90% of the time, but it’s good to remind myself that life is a marathon, not a sprint. When I move through this flow—meditation, devotionals, stretching, water, movement—I show up to work & life calmer, clearer, & way more grounded. And here’s the thing: I don’t do it to be “productive.” I do it because it’s sacred. Because it reminds me who I am before the emails, the meetings, & the noise. More importantly, it reminds me Whose I am & what’s really important. If you’ve been feeling like your mornings slip away before you even take a breath, maybe it’s time to claim them back—not with a strict routine, but with a sacred ritual that feels like yours. Nobody’s ritual will look the same because none of us are the same. The more personal, the more effective! Because busy as we are, we still deserve mornings that nourish us.

🍂 Why Fall Can Feel Like a Lot Friend, let’s be honest: fall can feel like a juggling act. Between school drop-offs, business deadlines, family gatherings, & the never-ending holiday prep, it’s easy to slip into burnout mode before the pumpkin spice lattes even cool down. But here’s the thing: fall doesn’t have to be about pushing harder. It can be about slowing down , getting intentional, & creating rhythms that work for you—not against you. That’s why I want to share how to build an intentional fall strategy—one that feels grounded, life-giving, & actually doable. Try these on for size: 1. 🍁 Choose Intentions, Not Overstuffed Goals Instead of writing a mile-long to-do list, think of fall as a chance to anchor into 2–3 soul-centered themes. ✨ Examples: • “More presence with my family.” • “Simplify my work routine.” • “Protect my energy & rest.” This becomes your north star. Everything you commit to either supports it—or it’s a gentle no. 2. 🌅 Ease into Cozy Fall Routines Forget perfection—let’s talk about tiny, cozy rituals that reset your energy: • A 10-minute morning stretch while the air is still crisp. • Writing 3 lines of gratitude while sipping your coffee. • Lighting a fall candle before diving into emails. The magic isn’t in doing more—it’s in creating rhythms that feel nurturing. 3. 📅 Batch the Busy Work One of the quickest ways to burn out in fall? Trying to do all the things every single day. Here’s the hack: batch your tasks. • Dedicate a block of time to meal planning for the week. • Schedule a content day if you run a business (photos, posts, emails). • Choose one “errand day” instead of scattering trips all week. This gives you more brain space & frees you up to enjoy the season. 4. 🕯️ Create a Cozy Atmosphere for Yourself Fall is meant to feel warm, not rushed. Something as simple as switching out your mug, adding a blanket to your chair, or keeping a playlist of calm autumn vibes nearby can help you reset. Little cues remind your body: we’re safe, we’re cozy, we don’t need to sprint. 5. 🙅🏽‍♀️ Protect Your “No” Here’s a truth we don’t hear enough: “no” is a full sentence. You don’t have to sign up for every fall festival, host every gathering, or volunteer for every school event. Instead, protect your “yeses” for what truly matters to you & your family. 6. ✨ Track What Actually Matters This isn’t about checklists—it’s about noticing how you feel. Try ending the week with these three questions: 1. Did I feel calmer or more rushed? 2. Where did I feel the most present? 3. What do I want more of next week? That’s how you know your fall strategy is working—not by how many boxes you check, but by how supported you feel. Prioritize your self-care throughout the fall 💛 Final Thoughts Sis, you don’t need to hustle through fall just to collapse in December. You can create an intentional fall strategy that gives you breathing room, joy, & more connection to what really matters. So light the candle. Say no where you need to. Choose cozy rhythms over chaos. This fall is yours to savor.

We've all been there, right? You've got your planner out, your to-do list is a work of art, & you're feeling on top of the world. Y'all master list-makers know what I'm talking about! Your goals are perfectly aligned, & you're ready to conquer the week, never planning for the unexpected. Then, bam! The universe throws a wrench in your perfect little plan. The unexpected happens—a sick kid, a sudden work crisis, or maybe you just wake up feeling totally drained. Major side-eye loading... It's so easy to feel like a failure when this happens. You might look at your perfectly organized plan & feel frustrated that you couldn't stick to it. But here's a thought: what if the plan was never meant to be a rigid blueprint, but more like a compass? A compass gives you direction, but it doesn't map out every single bump or detour on the journey. It's something I'm learning to come to terms with & release some of the control I strive to have over my life. Being "aligned" doesn't mean being perfect. It means your actions, even the small, imperfect ones, are still moving you in the direction of your goals. Maybe you didn't finish that huge project, but you managed to send one important email. Maybe you didn't get to the gym, but you took a walk around the block. That’s not a failure—that's staying aligned. Some progress is better than no progress! Being thrown off of my schedule/checklist can cause my whole being to go down the toilet. Anxiety immediately goes to 1000% & the attitude can go to rude real quick because of the pressure of being a perfectionist. Releasing control can be scary, but it's super necessary to getting through life. Everything won't go as planned every time. So, next time life throws you a curveball, don't ditch the plan completely. Adjust it. Be flexible. Celebrate the small wins & give yourself some grace. Remember, the goal isn't to be a perfect planner; it's to keep moving forward, even when the path (& your planner) is a little messy. Alignment isn't always pretty What's a time your plan went sideways & you had to adjust? Share in the comments!