Can we talk about how wild this year has been? One minute we were making vision boards & sipping spiked hot chocolate in January, & now suddenly…it’s August. AUGUST! Where did the time go? I swear I blinked & it went from Memorial Day to August 1st! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been juggling work deadlines, family needs, that “just for me” project you promised yourself you’d start (still counts if it’s on the to-do list, right?), & about 6,000 random life things in between. Somewhere along the way, those beautiful goals you set back in January may have gotten buried under everyday life. Here’s the good news: August is the perfect time to press pause, take a deep breath, & realign. Embrace the journey through your August mid-year goal reset Why is it the perfect time for an August mid-year goal reset? 1. You’ve got clarity now that you didn’t have in January. Back at the start of the year, we were all riding on that New Year’s energy. If you’re like me, you swore you were gonna live a healthier, stress-free, financially sound, outside on a regular basis life, but how long did those plans really last? Now, after living through seven months of reality checks, we know what’s working…& what’s just not worth the stress (like making too many goals for 1 person to do in 12 months). 2. Summer slowdown = mental reset. Even if life is still busy, the summer vibe has a way of slowing things down a bit. The days are longer, the evenings feel softer, & it’s easier to imagine new routines or revisit old dreams with a calmer mind, especially when you don’t have to worry about checking homework & making sure kids are here, there, & everywhere. Not to mention, the beautiful weather just does something positive to the soul. 3. You can still finish the year strong. August is your “sweet spot” — enough time to make meaningful progress, but not so much time that you procrastinate (139 days, 20 weeks, 4.5 months, or however you prefer to view your deadline…can y’all tell I work better under pressure???). A few intentional shifts now could have you looking back in December like, “Wow, I really did that.” And I SHALL! So here’s your gentle nudge: Pour yourself a cup of coffee (or whatever your happy drink is, *cough Stella Rosa), grab your journal, & ask yourself: What’s still important to me right now? What can I release without guilt? What small, doable action can I take this week toward my top goal? My newfound motivation 2 weeks ago still hasn’t worn off. There hasn’t been a day that I haven’t done something for at least one of my businesses. Seems so long ago that I felt that spark in Mexico, but in less than 2 weeks I’ve: Took & passed my student loan mentorship test, Came up with a business name, Applied for the LLC, Purchased a phone line, Designed 3 logos, Started a website, Written the mission & vision statements, Composed affirmations for a journal collab I’m doing with a dope chick I met in Atlanta, Finished reading 3 books, Created social media content, Hosted a H.E.R.E. Unfiltered live session, Got the kids ready to start school this week, Had IDK how many meetings… & somehow was still able to handle my usual routine of working full-time, wifing, mothering, & everything else in between. Side note: no wonder I’m tired AF #sheesh You don’t need a Monday or a new month to start over — but August sure feels like a great invitation to do just that. You just have to know where that invitation leads. Let’s realign, re-focus, & finish this year feeling proud of ourselves. We’ve got this!

Last weekend was an adventure, a whole vibe, & something that was long overdue. I did 2 things: something new & something old. #1 : I hopped on a plane to Cancun solo to meet people I’d never met (& yes I was cringing before I met the first person 😬). We’ll get into that a bit later. And #2 : I pressed pause on almost everything. ⏸️ I traded my to-do list for turquoise waves & stepped away from my planner—just for a moment—to realign with my purpose. Now y’all know I take my journal & planner everywhere, so leaving my planner at home meant I was all in for this new adventure. Turns out, it was necessary for a busy woman’s reset routine. I spent the weekend in beautiful Cancún for mentorship, masterminding, & momentum to help guide me down the right path for my next endeavor & let me tell you: it wasn’t just a getaway, it was a reset…a reset I desperately needed! A few glimpses of a busy woman resetting The Power of Stepping Away ✌🏽 As busy women, we wear many hats—caregiver, professional, friend, visionary. And often, we equate rest with falling behind. But Cancún reminded me that stepping back can actually propel us forward. The "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mentality is real (& real stupid). In the quiet moments between masterminding & margaritas, I had the space to reflect on my goals, my energy, & what truly matters. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is breathe ! What the Mastermind Sparked for My Business 🧨 Mentorship in Mexico wasn’t just about business—it was about alignment, clarity, & stepping fully into your purpose. Surrounded by powerhouse women & 1 brave man doing impactful work, I felt my fire reignite. There’s just something about being around people who are like-minded but also have so much you can learn from. The group was EVERYTHING ! I left with more than notes & strategies—I left with a renewed mindset. I don’t think I’ve been to a business event that sent me straight to my laptop, fully charged & having to make myself turn down. In just 8 hours of receiving so many gems over 3 days, I felt a complete shift. I came back deeply motivated, focused, & clear about how to serve with even more intention through Intentionally Evolve & my new baby that I’m birthing in the near future. I have not stopped working or run out of mental steam since Friday. Business-wise, I got poured into by every person in that group. I was blessed with so much from those 3 days. Whew, the things I walked away with were right on time & has kept me deep in reflection. What the Mastermind Sparked for My Life in General 🧨 The weekend vibes ran deeper than just business; they put my entire being in perspective. It has me evaluating every person, place, & thing around me. A shift comes when you begin to question whether your relationships are transactional, one-sided, or mutually beneficial. If you don't have at least 1 person around that can help you level up in any capacity, it's time to do a relationship audit. There is some truth to the saying "you are the company you keep." Cancun forced me to embrace the power of traveling alone (which I found that I probably need to do at least quarterly for a few days so I can disconnect from the world to focus on business & rest). My alone time left me distraction-free, outside of connecting with some dope people, & gave me time be highly introspective. The beach or mountains always flip a switch in me. Pisces + Water = Heaven! This experience proved to me that I can enforce boundaries by telling people that I wasn’t accepting any calls/texts except from my husbae & kids & NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT. It was weird how I received way less calls & texts when I made it clear that I was unavailable. Not even paying attention to my phone was a breath of fresh air. I really only needed it to communicate with the group about meals. It showed me what’s possible when we stop surviving & start thriving; a whole other world. How I’m Resetting Now That I’m Back 🧘🏽‍♀️ Going home was bittersweet. I missed my family & my bed, but I also enjoyed not having to cook, not setting an alarm to get up, not having a jam-packed schedule, not having to clean, & having complete silence the majority of the weekend. I knew it was back to business when I touched down, but I was on such a high that none of it even mattered, especially after I realized I’d taken Tuesday off too. The mental reset I experienced left me with a few ideas to keep this energy flowing — & I’m committing to tweaking a few things so I can continue to thrive: ✨ 1. Morning Stillness Over Morning Scrolls Before the emails & chaos hit, I take 60-90 minutes to check in with God, stretch, & workout. The only reason I even touch my phone is to read my affirmations & devotionals. Now, I’m going to start simply sitting in silence for 5-10 minutes. Nobody & nothing is getting a thing out of me before I fill my cup. My mind needs nurturing before it starts pouring into others. ✍🏽 2. Journal to Clear the Mental Clutter I use my Intentional Journal every evening to process the day, release what’s heavy, & write anything that centers me. Nothing is changing with that. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But I’ll be adding more mindfulness before writing. A few things I’m going to start meditating on before I write are: Where do I need to give myself more grace? What’s 1 thing I can do tomorrow to honor my peace? What would it look like to move through this week aligned? 🌱 3. Weekly Mini-Reset Every Sunday, I want to do a mini “reset ritual”: Block off time to just breathe Review my goals Plan 1 joy-filled activity for the week Figure out what kind of support I need so I can move closer to achieving my goals 🧠 4. Mindful Focus Hours I’m stopping glorifying busyness. You never know how tired you are until you take time to do a self-check-in. To hell with being “booked & busy.” That mentality is physically & mentally exhausting. Although I can’t cancel the majority of the things on my calendar this month, I can carve out 90-minute “focus blocks” where I work without distractions, followed by real breaks. No guilt. Just presence…with a hard stop at 90 minutes. 💞 5. Community Keeps Me Grounded Connecting with like-minded women (like the ladies who also attended the mastermind event) reminded me that you don’t have to do it all alone. It showed me how I’m not the only woman who carries an overflowing plate (this kind of buffet is no bueno). It showed me that it’s ok to be vulnerable & that there are safe spaces outside of my immediate circle. Most importantly, it reiterated the power of community. Whether it’s checking in with a sister-friend, joining a journaling session, or participating in an Intentionally Evolve challenge, community keeps me accountable & inspired, & I'm going to embrace the new communities I've been blessed with over the last year. The Busy Woman's Reset Routine Is Ongoing—But Worth It 💯 Resetting isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a practice. And the beautiful thing is—you don’t need a plane ticket to get started. You just need intention. If you’re feeling scattered, burned out, or just not yourself lately, I invite you to join me in hitting reset. Not to hustle harder, but to realign smarter. Because when a busy woman chooses balance, everything shifts. ✨ Your Turn: Grab your journal & use this prompt to reflect: “What would it look like for me to reset this week?” And if you need a tool to guide you back to yourself, explore our journals & planners. Intentionally Evolve collection . Here’s to balance, breakthroughs, & becoming!

Welcome to August, a time to reset Let’s be honest—July started off with a bang… & not the fireworks kind. For so many of us, the demands of life were loud, fast, & overwhelming. That’s why the July theme “From Overwhelmed to Organized — Planning for Peace” resonated deeply. We slowed down…well I did to plan but I was in fast forward physically & mentally most of the month. We assessed what truly mattered, & I’ve found that my top 2 are my family & creating a legacy. We gave ourselves permission to plan—not perfectly—but peacefully, which has made the hustle & bustle way less chaotic. Through journaling, weekly resets, & intentional scheduling, we created space to breathe again. But now? It’s time to build on that peace, & I’m kicking off the month amongst beauty: beautiful places, beautiful people, beautiful minds that will help me reset & head to the top. And I need all of these to get my mind right for a nonstop month for me. August brings its own set of challenges: 🎒 Back-to-school season (A gift & a curse: gift because the house will be quieter & food can stick around a bit longer; curse because shopping breaks my pockets & my kids’ schedules will only get busier.) 🎯 Mid-year goal realignment (Much needed & right on time. I’m determined to snatch these goals by the throat for the rest of 2025.) 💼 Work-life balance shifts (I definitely will need to rework this part out because I’m trying to step on necks for the rest of the year. These ideas can’t stay in my head any longer.) 🧘‍♀️ Mental & emotional check-ins (These will need to be prioritized, & I’ll need a few accountability partners to make sure go mode has some pauses in between…starting this weekend!) This month, we’re leaning into the theme: “Aligned & Intentional”—resetting our routines with mindfulness, reconnecting with our goals, & supporting each other in the process. We’ll focus on: ✅ Routines that actually work for your lifestyle ✅ Mindful goal setting without the hustle culture ✅ Journaling through transition periods ✅ Self-care check-ins for moms & busy women Let’s move through August with the same energy we built in July: rooted, reflective, & ready. I’m so excited to begin the next season of my life & to see you guys blossom in this season too! Stay tuned for live journaling sessions, blog tips, & tools to make your month feel aligned—without the burnout. We might even throw in a self-care & journaling challenge in the next couple of weeks.

Ah, the life of a woman with multiple responsibilities! It’s a beautiful chaos, isn’t it? Between juggling family, work, friends, hobbies, & the crucial self-care moments, it can feel like we are in a high-stakes circus act. But here’s the truth: planning like a boss lady is where the magic happens! So grab your favorite drink, settle in, & let’s explore strategies to manage our fabulously full lives...& look just as fabulous as we handle all of it! Embracing the Chaos 🤗 Life can be unpredictable. It often feels like I’m trying to direct a tornado of tasks while standing in its path. Instead of letting this whirlwind throw me off balance, I've learned to embrace the chaos. Mindset Shift #1: Shift your view of responsibilities from burdens to badges of honor. Each task reflects a part of your life that you value, from career ambitions to nurturing relationships. Celebrate that chaos! When we change our perspective, we unlock new possibilities. For instance, I used to dread my weekly grocery shopping. Me + too many people (especially strangers who want to hold convos) + throwing stuff in the cart that had no business being in there = a recipe for an expensive, annoying hour. Now, I see it as a chance to have some me time, turning a chore into time to pour into myself (while picking up snacks I have no intention of sharing with dem chirren of mine). Don’t get me wrong, having to put on clothes, drive (even if it’s just 1 mile to Walmart), & be around people still isn’t the most enjoyable thing for me. However, having that hour or so to be alone, headphones in, & taking my time browsing every aisle is still relaxing in a way. Prioritize Like a Pro 💪🏽 Let’s get real: not every task holds the same weight. Some need immediate attention, while others can wait. So, how do we effectively prioritize? Tip: Use a notebook or index cards to make a list of everything you need to do, categorizing into three groups: Must Do, Should Do, & Nice to Do. By visualizing your responsibilities, it becomes easier to focus on what truly matters. For example, during my busy weeks, I prioritize knocking out content for the following week over less pressing tasks like organizing my closet. Another tip: Choose no more than 3 tasks to complete per day. Setting a limit doesn’t leave much room for you to be overwhelmed. Only add the most important tasks, focus on completing those, & use the leftover time to do whatever, whether it’s crossing off another to-do or kicking your feet up to rest. Scheduling: Your Secret Weapon 🤫 A solid scheduling system is crucial. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a classic planner, choose what resonates with you. Personally, I love color-coding my commitments in my phone calendars & keeping a written log in my Intentional Planner. It’s tough being the primary person who makes sure 4 kids, husbae, MIL, & my aunt all are where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be. Add those schedules to my job, my business, & the nonprofit I’m involved in…well, then you understand why I need more than 1 way to hold it in the road! Mindset Shift #2: Your schedule isn’t a set of chains; it's a roadmap to a fulfilling life. Tip: Dedicate an hour each Sunday to plan your week ahead. Schedule time blocks for work, family, & even personal time. This can be a game changer for your stress levels. And it lessens the amount of planning you have to do each day. Future-you will thank you for this little investment of time! Don’t Forget Self-Care 🗓 Busy boss ladies, this is important: self-care should not take a back seat. In the frenzy of daily duties, it's easy to forget about your well-being. But self-care is essential! Mindset Shift #3: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Recharging yourself is a necessity. Tip: Schedule “me time” just like any other appointment. Set aside 30 minutes for reading, going for a walk, or enjoying a bubble bath each week. Regular self-care can improve mental health, so it’s important to not skimp on it. Delegate & Outsource 🫵🏾 Let’s talk about delegation. You don’t have to do everything alone. Pot, meet Kettle. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of wisdom (something I have to learn to do more often)! Mindset Shift #4: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Tip: Identify tasks you can share with family, friends, or professionals. Maybe your partner can handle dinner one night a week, or a friend could help with carpooling. Delegating can improve productivity & lessen stress. Take that cape off sometimes, sis! #winwin Simplify, Simplify, Simplify 🤏🏾 In our quest to do it all, we often complicate our lives unnecessarily. Simplifying can lead to incredible freedom. Tip: Assess your routines & find opportunities to streamline. For example, meal-prepping on Sundays can cut down on daily cooking stress. A simplified wardrobe, like a capsule collection, can even reduce decision fatigue, allowing you to focus your energy elsewhere. Breaking up your cleaning & chore list per day helps to keep your house clean without feeling so overwhelmed. Celebrate Small Wins 🥳 Let's not overlook the power of celebration! Each small success deserves recognition, whether it’s finishing a task or completing a project. Mindset Shift #5: Celebrating can be simple yet uplifting. Tip: Create a "win jar" where you document your small victories & revisit them on tough days. This can boost your motivation & remind you of your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging small wins can increase your overall productivity & keep that fire lit under your feet. Finding Joy in the Journey 🕵🏽‍♀️ Finally, let’s remember why we do all the things we do. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so take time to savor the little moments. Tip: Start a daily journal to note one thing you’re grateful for. It will remind you that happiness can be found in the simplest things, helping to balance the chaos with joy. Helloooo, Intentional Journals with gratitude sections… A cozy spot for relaxation after a busy day Plan Like a Boss Wrap-Up So there you have it, fellow boss ladies! It's all about embracing your full life & finding strategies that work for you. With these mindset shifts & practical tips, you can plan efficiently while still enjoying the ride. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey! Now, go out there & tackle your life like the amazing woman you are. You've got this! 🌟 With a little planning, a sprinkle of self-care, & a whole lot of love, we can navigate our busy lives effortlessly. Let's continue supporting each other as we conquer all the things!

Let’s be real: by Friday, my brain is like 47 browser tabs open at once—half frozen, a few playing music, & one yelling “don’t forget the laundry!” Honey, when you’re making sure meals are cooked (most days), children making it to work & practice on time, fussing at the Mr. to slow down, keeping up with Intentionally Evolve, & working full-time in mental health, you start reaching for the nearest life preserver to stay a little afloat. That’s why I created a weekly reset routine that helps me feel like I’m in control (or at least pretending well enough 😉). Every Sunday, I have this routine that makes me feel like I’m ready for whatever. And it goes a lil somethin' like dis... Act 1: The Prep I grab my planner, journal, & white boards (if you know, you know, but if you don’t, I’ll explain below) & write until my hand hurts. Let me break this down a little: The White Boards: I snatched this gem a few years ago from a podcaster. One white board is a blank calendar. I record whatever I did that day for self-care. And on the rare occasions I find that I did nothing, I know I need to find something before climbing onto that pillowtop. The other white board is blank (temporarily). I write the affirmation for the following day at the top. The bottom half is for my Plan A & Plan B. Plan A is no more than 3 things I’ll strive to do the next day. Plan B is other things I may find important but won’t press myself to overdo it. Then that goes on the dresser where I can see it as soon as I roll out of bed. Planning: I grab my planner (Intentionally Evolve, of course), my phone, & my goal planner. I jot down everything that I’m supposed to do the next day in my planner. I set gentle goals (like drinking water on purpose), plug in appointments, & schedule guilt-free self-care. I make sure all alerts are set in my phone. And Ms. Thang aka the goal planner is put to work: tracking progress, pivoting, & setting the next steps. Journaling: The Piece De Resistance, Soulful Serenity, gets busted wide open, & my pen goes to work. I start by journaling the good, the messy, & the “did-I-really-send-that-text?” moments from the day. No pressure—just a brain dump with heart (cuz I actually use a piece of my heart to write prayers & gratitude there too). Can’t go to bed with heavy head. Plus it’s a must to-do before beginning a new week! Act 2: The Mood After all the preliminary stuff is taken care of, it’s wind down time! I grab some pjs & head into the bathroom. I hit the lights, pop a shower steamer in, & light candles like I’m about to cast a productivity spell. ✨ The hot water gets turned up, & I take time to hide from the family, uninterrupted, to exfoliate & breathe. That white tea & peach Dove bodywash followed by some Ashanti Naturals Whipped Shea Butter & Nivea Peach Blossom lotion is a beast! As if it wasn’t obvious, ya girl’s summer scent is peach.🍑 The Final Act: Power Down I have to hype myself up to go to sleep, so either I break out the yoga mat or climb up on the bed to stretch. After a long day of sitting (yes it can be physically tiring too), I need to stretch. Once I’m under the covers, I read my Bible passages for the day, & slowly (most nights unfortunately) drift off the sleep. Now, all of that can seem like Team Too Much, but when you always seem to be powered on, you have to find what works for you to relax. Here’s the magic: I walk away feeling grounded, less chaotic, & mildly prepared for Monday. I might still have my scarf on with my cow print robe when it’s time to punch the clock, but I glide in with peace being the motive. The Pisces can’t come out of me every day choosing violence. This isn’t about having a Pinterest-perfect life—it’s about making space to breathe, reflect, & remind myself I’m doing okay. After all, if you don’t remind yourself, who’s going to remind you to take care of YOU? If your weeks feel like a blur, I dare you to try a reset. Journals, planners, & a dash of humor might be just what your soul (& schedule) needs.

Let’s be real—life doesn’t always go as planned. One moment you’re moving forward with a clear vision, & the next, you're staring down a completely different reality. Whether it’s a personal setback, a sudden change in plans, or a season that feels heavier than expected, navigating life’s challenges requires more than just pushing through—it calls for emotional honesty & intentional grace. Being a creature of habit, when life throws a curveball, it can go in one of two ways for me: either I shake it off with a "who cares" attitude, or I kirk out & go off the deep end stressing. Both of these have its pros & cons. Shaking it off: On one hand, not sweating the change gave me more of an easygoing vibe. I don't give it any energy...great! On the other, not caring can come off negatively. Everyone cares about something, & your reaction can determine how a person deals with you from that point on. Crashing out: Some may think there's nothing positive about crashing out. However, release is needed by EVERYONE. We're human & not immune to having emotions, so we have to express them or disaster strikes (i.e. crashing out). It's part of being a healthy person. When it's not released, you end up either internally destroying yourself or bottling it up & the buildup explodes on someone who didn't deserve the brunt of all of your frustrations. When it comes to navigating life's challenges, you have to move strategically. Not only that: practice makes perfect. A few pointers on navigating life's changes are: The first step? Breathe & feel.  Don’t rush to “fix” everything or force a new plan. Give yourself permission to sit with your emotions. Whether it’s frustration, disappointment, confusion, or grief—acknowledge it. Processing what you feel helps you avoid emotional burnout & gives you clarity for your next move. For the most part, I take my time when I need to make a decision, especially if it can have a negative impact. I'm pretty good at staying away from being impulsive. The only rare times I'm impulsive is when it comes to my family's safety & well-being. You think about doing either, & Mocha Monster comes out to play HARD. HARD meaning "when they go low, I got the devil sitting on my shoulders in his dank basement in the deepest pits of Hell" low. I know how lethal my mouth can be, so when that other side of me comes out, you've gone waaaaaaay too far for waaaaaay too long with me. Tolerance & grace are gone; all bets are off! My two superpowers of my breathing & feeling step are journaling & my circle. Daily journaling allows me to get everything off my chest & not have to carry it into the next day. My circle knows how to listen & reel me back in or suit up & be ready for war. Both keep me grounded, & for the most part, cool...hence the names my sisters have deemed me: Zenny & Zennamin (Don't even ask. Just know the Miles sisters have made up their share of words that probably will never be in Webster's or the Urban Dictionaries). From there, step two is adjust without shame . Flexibility doesn’t mean failure. It means you're choosing to evolve in real-time. Maybe your timeline shifts. Maybe your goals look different. That’s okay. Adapting isn’t a setback—it’s a strength. This is a lesson I've learned as I've gotten older. If something doesn't happen when you expect it, it wasn't meant to be. That doesn't always equal a final "no;" it just means "not right now." An even better saying I heard a few weeks ago was from Coach Stormy Wellington: "I already have it; time just hasn't caught up to me yet." #powerful At Intentionally Evolve, we believe that healing & growth happen when you create space for the messy moments, too. When life throws the unexpected your way, remember: you can pause. You can pivot. And most importantly, you can keep moving forward—on your own terms. There are no rules set in stone so set your own. Do what's best for you as long as it doesn't hurt others intentionally. Breathe. Feel. Adjust. Every. Single. Time! So the next time life detours, do this: Breathe. Feel. Adjust. You’re not off course. You’re evolving.

Let’s be real: as busy women, we’re no strangers to lists, calendars, & planners that promise productivity but often feel like just another weight. I used to buy a new planner every year, doing my best to customize it & make it motivating…only to waste money on not staying consistent & the pretty lil book ends up buried in some corner. But what if planning wasn’t just about doing more—what if it was about feeling better ? I believe planning is more than organizing tasks—it’s an act of self-care . It’s about making space for what matters, protecting your energy, & giving yourself permission to breathe between the “shoulds” & “musts.” I’ve always been overly organized, but once adulting set in & I became a mother, my use of planners increased big time. Being able to add important tasks into my electronics is great, but I’m still old school with the pen & planner. If technology shuts down, ya girl still has everything on paperrrrrrr (in my Shawty Lo voice). 😂 Somehow planning my day is less negative  & is an essential part of my wind-down routine each night. Being proactive lessens my anxiety & challenges me to go hard when necessary. Plus, it’s such the opposite of being stressful. Here’s how to shift your mindset & make planning feel like a joy—not just another job. ⸻ 🌿 5 Ways to Make Planning Feel Nourishing 1. Romanticize Your Planning Ritual 💞 Make it feel good. Light a candle. Pour your favorite drink. Put on calming music. This isn’t a work meeting—it’s quality time with you . Turn your planning time into a ritual that grounds you & feels sacred, not rushed. I know when I start planning each evening, it’s my brain’s & body’s way of saying “aiiiite now; it’s time to chill out & shut it all down.” Between journaling & planning, most of the thoughts that fly through my mind at the speed of light are spilled onto the paper. 2. Use Tools That Inspire You 🧰 Ditch the plain planner & use something that reflects you . The Intentional Journal & the Intentionally Evolve Planner are designed to nurture your well-being while keeping you organized. The emotions that I feel when I’m most stressed out are erased when I pull those items out. Staying motivated, especially with planning, was one of my reasons to birth Intentionally Evolve. When you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, & feel like the world is against you, you need uplifting tools. This is why all Intentionally Evolve products include affirmations, self-care prompts, & space to reflect. 3. Focus on How You Want to Feel 🤔 Instead of starting your day with tasks, ask: How do I want to feel today? Let that guide your priorities. Maybe it’s “peaceful,” “focused,” or “energized.” Planning with emotions in mind creates flow, not friction. My physical, mental, emotional, & social feelings dictate the way I move each morning. I already prefer silence the first hour or 2 after waking up, but if more than one of those categories is thrown off, it shows across the board. My night-before planning sessions help motivate me when I glance at my planner & the dry erase board on my dresser. A little goes a long way! 4. Don’t Overplan—Create Margin 🗓️ Planning every hour of your day? That’s a fast track to burnout. Leave space between appointments. Build in buffer time. Add in some dance breaks. Planning should protect your peace, not steal it. I’m notorious for blocking off time in between appointments. Running late gives me anxiety & carrying the weight of the world puts my attitude on rude, so I have a 3 task limit per day. If I check them off my list, fine. And if I don’t, it’s not the end of the world either! 5. Reflect Often 🪞 At the end of the week, check in: What worked? What drained me? Celebrate the wins—even the small ones. Reflection turns your planner from a to-do tracker into a growth companion. Intentionally Evolve Planners have goal planning sections at the beginning & end of each month; space to jot down important tasks per day, week, & month; & a budgeting tool. Making my planner into more than just a calendar is a win-win situation. ⸻ 🪞Planning Isn’t Just Productivity—It’s Permission Planning with intention reminds you that you are in control of your time. It gives you permission to slow down, say no, & choose rest without guilt. It’s not about squeezing in more—it’s about making space for you . So the next time you pick up your planner, don’t just plan to get things done—plan like you love yourself. A glance into the Intentionally Evolve Planner & how it’s essential for self-care

Life moves fast, especially for women juggling careers, families, & personal ambitions. It’s easy to get caught in the current, feeling like you’re constantly reacting rather than intentionally creating your life. But what if you could press pause, just for a moment each month, to ensure you're still heading in the direction you truly desire? At Intentionally Evolve, we believe in the power of conscious living, intentional living. That's why we're introducing a simple yet profound practice: the Monthly Self-Audit. This isn't another item on your to-do list; it's an opportunity to check in with yourself, recalibrate, & ensure your actions align with your deepest values & goals. Your Monthly Self-Audit: A Journal-Based Reflection This practice is designed to be personal & flexible, using a journal as your guide. Think of it as a dedicated "you time" — a quiet space to reflect on the past month & intentionally plan for the next. Here’s how to get started: * Find Your Sanctuary: Choose a time & place where you won't be interrupted. Brew a cup of tea, light a candle – make it an inviting ritual. It's imperative to set the mood so you can really focus on the task at hand. The candlelight & some relaxing music always does the trick for me. * Reflect & Release: Open your journal & start by looking back at the past month. I have so many journals that I look back on occasionally, & it tells a tale of someone who has evolved so much & slayed a lot of dragons along the way. You really don't think about how far you've come on a regular basis, but you should start. Ask yourself the following questions:    * What went well? What were your wins, big or small?    * What challenges did you face? How did you navigate them?    * What lessons did you learn?    * What are you ready to let go of? (It could be a worry, a bad habit, or an unfulfilled expectation.) * Align & Intend: Now, shift your focus to the month ahead & answer the following:    * What are your top priorities for the coming weeks, in different areas of your life (work, relationships, well-being, personal growth)?    * How do these align with your long-term vision & values?    * What small, intentional steps can you take to move closer to your goals?    * What kind of energy do you want to cultivate this month? This monthly self-audit is your secret weapon against burnout & overwhelm. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. It’s about ensuring that while you're conquering your daily tasks, you’re also nourishing your soul & building the life you truly want. Now it may take you a nice amount of time to complete, but be honest with yourself & let your pen do the talking. You can do this in small sections or push through the entire exercise. But, if you're short on time, shoot us a message or comment on this post. We have a shorter version that is just as effective. Grab your copy of the Monthly Check-In Ready to start your journey of intentional evolution? Grab an Intentional Journal , set aside some time, & begin your first Monthly Self-Audit. Your future self will thank you.

Life can feel like a whirlwind, especially for busy women balancing multiple roles—whether as a wife, mother, business owner, or employee. In our pursuit of balance, we often push our own needs aside, thinking that making time for ourselves & our goals requires too much effort. What if I told you that progress can come from small, manageable steps? That’s where micro-goals come in—the practice of achieving big changes through tiny actions, all within just 15 minutes a day. Understanding Micro-Goals Micro-goals are small, specific tasks that contribute to larger objectives. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by ambitious plans, we can break them down into actions that fit easily into our daily routines. For instance, if your goal is to exercise more, a micro-goal might be doing 15 minutes of stretching or walking, rather than a full workout. For busy women, this approach is transformative. Dedicating just 15 minutes a day to a personal project or self-care can turn into significant progress over time. Micro-goals have definitely helped me lately. I used to feel like I had to go full-out when it comes to goals. It was do or die. Now that I've smartened up & gained some new jewels, I know that even the smallest step is a step in the right direction, & breaking big goals down into smaller ones make the end game look a bit more attainable. The Importance of Self-Care In our busy lives, self-care often takes a backseat. I've been notorious for skimping on it when I have a lot on my plate. Playing mommy, wife, employee, business owner, caregiver, or a combo of all of the above often sits at the top of our list of priorities. There have been plenty of times where I'm at my wits end but push through when it comes to any of the above roles. However, prioritizing our mental & emotional health is crucial for our overall well-being. Incorporating micro-goals into self-care means we can nurture ourselves without added stress. For example, instead of considering self-care as another task on your to-do list, view it as an opportunity to treat yourself: enjoy a calming cup of herbal tea, take a 15-minute walk, or read a few pages of a book. My Kindle app gets worn out on this iPhone, you hear me? I keep a new book to either read or listen to (easy self-care & a great way to escape). That extra hot shower with an aromatherapy shower tab comes through in the clutch. They're easy ways to "reward" myself for handling business each day. Why 15 Minutes? Fifteen minutes may seem minimal, but it can yield meaningful progress. Whether you’re waiting for dinner to cook or taking a break at work, these small windows can be used for your micro-goals. The multitasker in me loves the ability to get something done in a few minutes so I can maximize my time. When I think of 15 minutes, I don't think of it being a huge chunk of time that will delay other things. It's a just piece of an hour where I can focus. When you accomplish even a tiny task, it significantly impacts your mindset. These little victories build momentum, inspiring you to tackle larger tasks as time goes on. A little win is still a win, so it tends to motivate me to do & want more. Like with exercising...how to we have a love/hate relationship, but when we're lost in love, I'm on a roll. Creating a Micro-Goal System There's a method to the madness, people! Here's the cheat code: Identify Your Goals : Determine which areas of your life need improvement. It could be self-care, fitness, personal development, or hobbies. Break Them Down : Once you have your primary goals, break them into smaller, actionable parts. For example, if your goal is to read more, aim for reading just one chapter a day instead of an entire book. Set a Timer : Commit to your 15-minute session by setting a timer. This will keep you focused & help you recognize this time as important for your well-being. Use a Planner or Journal : Tracking your micro-goals is key. A planner or journal not only organizes your thoughts but also acts as a reminder of your progress. For example, note how you felt after spending 15 minutes meditating or planning a meal. Y'all know my planner helps me stay on track & my journal helps me stay sane while I work on those goals. Journaling is a powerful tool on this journey. It helps clarify your thoughts & offers a space for reflection. Each time you complete a micro-goal, write down what you did. This practice builds a record of your growth. Celebrating wins makes you hungry for more wins. It's all about keeping the momentum. Check things off your to-do list with micro-goals Staying Accountable Sharing your micro-goals with a friend or joining a support group can enhance your commitment. Knowing that someone else is aware of your plans makes it easier to stay accountable. For anything that I know I need to do but don't necessarily want to do, I definitely can use an accountability partner. Here's when 2 people come into play: husbae & one of my sisters. Those two have no problem gathering me & reigniting the fire I need to push through. We all need at least one person like that in our circle. Incorporate this accountability into your planner. Allocate space to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may be. A supportive cheer from a friend or group can encourage you to keep moving forward. Celebrations are also a form of self-care. No shame in tooting your own horn! From time to time, take a step back to evaluate your journey. Reflect on which micro-goals have positively influenced your life. What activities brought joy into your week? Make a habit of celebrating your wins, big or small. Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big Embracing micro-goals can transform your busy life. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by self-care & fitness goals, focusing on small tasks makes meaningful changes achievable. Remember, often it’s the little things that result in the biggest transformations. As busy women, let’s prioritize our mental health through these small steps. You can create time for yourself, while empowering your journey in significant ways. So, why wait? Choose one micro-goal today—just 15 minutes—& watch how it opens the door to greater & more fulfilling changes in your life.

In a world that constantly demands more of us—more time, more energy, more achievement—it’s easy to feel scattered and overwhelmed. For busy women especially, juggling careers, families, & personal growth can make goal-setting feel like just another task on the to-do list. But what if there was a way to bring clarity, purpose, & peace into the process? At Intentionally Evolve , we believe that your goals should nourish you—not drain you. That’s why we created the Intentional Goal Map: a simple, reflective journaling tool that helps you slow down, focus, & set goals that are rooted in who you are & what you need right now . Why Journaling Helps You Focus 👀 Journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s about pausing long enough to hear your own thoughts. When you take time to reflect, you can: • Clear mental clutter • Realign with your values • Recognize patterns that help or hinder your progress • Get honest about what truly matters Instead of setting surface-level goals based on outside pressure, journaling helps you go inward—& that’s where real focus begins…a place I’m starting to discover more in 2025. Introducing the Intentional Goal Map 📢 The Intentional Goal Map is a step-by-step journaling framework designed to guide you through the process of setting goals with intention, clarity, & self-compassion . These reflective prompts take you beyond “what do I want to achieve?” & help you uncover why it matters & how to make it happen in a way that supports your well-being. Here’s how it works: Grab your journal or even the Notes app on your phone. Sit somewhere quiet & distraction-free. Take some time to answer each of these questions as honestly as possible: 🌱 1. What season of life am I in? Start by grounding yourself. Are you in a season of rebuilding, blooming, rest, or reinvention? Knowing your current life season helps you set realistic, relevant goals that meet you where you are. You won’t always have the answer to this off gate. It takes some real self-reflection to figure out which one (a combo of some) you’re in. Journaling daily can assist with that as well. 💖 2. What matters most to me right now? This question pulls you back to your core values. Instead of chasing goals that look good on paper, focus on what genuinely feels important in this moment—your peace, your growth, your family, or your health. This part has to be deeper than monetary gain. I mean, that’s great & all, but what happens after you get the money? You might surprise yourself a little by the answers to your current values. ✨ 3. What do I want to feel as I work toward my goals? Your emotions are your compass. Whether you want to feel empowered, calm, fulfilled, or free—this answer shapes how you pursue your goals & helps you stay connected to your “why” when challenges arise. When we say “how do you want to feel,” the answer shouldn’t be stressful. Like last week’s blog says, your goals should be self-care, & self-care ain’t stressful! 🎯 4. What is one meaningful goal I want to set this month? Now that you’re aligned with your season, values, & emotions, set one clear, meaningful goal. Keep it focused, manageable, & rooted in what you need most. This is where I tend to struggle because I set too many goals at one time. I’m starting to realize that some things need to sit on the back burner so you can accomplish one big thing. I’ll be cutting my 2026 goals in half & making them more centered around my values. 🔍 5. Why does this goal matter to me personally? This is your anchor . Understanding the personal significance behind your goal keeps you motivated—& helps you return to purpose when distractions or doubts show up. You won’t put effort in if it’s not personal. You have to feel it in your soul. Allow the passion to fuel you. ⸻ 🌸 6. How will this goal support my well-being? Every goal you set should uplift you. Consider how it will improve your mental health, emotional peace, physical energy, or spiritual alignment. I usually set goals for each category of self-care. I just do too much at one time, which leads to burnout. Goals are to elevate your life, not to keep you stuck on Stressed Out Street. 🛠️ 7. What are 3 action steps you can take, what’s your deadline, & what kind of support do you need? Here’s where intention meets action: • Break your goal into 3 simple steps • Set a realistic deadline • Identify what support you need—whether it’s accountability, resources, or rest My struggle fest lies here: the realistic deadline & support needed. I put too much pressure on myself in too little time. And to make things worse, asking for assistance is not my strong suit. However, coming out of my shell has had its perks of me crossing paths with some pretty dope people who have educated me on so much. Journal Your Way to Alignment ✍🏾 When you use the Intentional Goal Map, you’re not just planning—you’re connecting, healing, & aligning. You’re moving forward with clarity & compassion, not pressure & perfectionism. So grab your journal, light a candle, & take 15 intentional minutes to reconnect with your goals—on your terms…or join us Saturday, June 14th at 10am EST for our live journaling session H.E.R.E. Unlimited. We’re going to work on this there too. Ready to map your next meaningful goal? 🎁 Email us to download your free Intentional Goal Map & start journaling your way to focus today. Because when your goals feel aligned, your life begins to flow. Elevate your goal planning sessions with the Intentional Goal Map

We set goals to grow, to thrive, to live with intention—not to run ourselves into the ground. But somewhere along the way, many of us start treating our goals like pressure cookers instead of passion projects. (Who else has their hand raised cuz honey, I overdo it every year 🙋🏽‍♀️) If chasing your dreams feels more like a burden than a blessing, it’s time for a reset. Here’s the truth: Your goals should feel like self-care , not stress. They should light you up, not weigh you down. When your goals are aligned with your values, energy, & capacity, they become a form of nourishment—not another thing on your never-ending to-do list. I guess this is why I always end up making so many goals at the beginning of each year (meaning my goals aligning with my values). I’ve been in my bag lately to align more with my values, so the passion is on 10. I’m usually laser-focused, but the problem arises when I don’t have enough lasers to handle all of my goals at the same time. I’m learning this year that there’s nothing wrong with slowing down & not doing the most. And since I’m in the lesson learning season, it’s time to pivot…without feeling like I punked out. Here’s how to shift the vibe: Make it meaningful: Choose goals that feel good in your soul, not just ones that look good on paper. Everybody wants the summer bodies & big bank accounts, but the extremes aren’t necessary. Nothing wrong with striving to just be healthy & working your way out of debt. Break it down: Progress doesn’t require perfection. Small, steady steps are still steps. This is something I’ve mastered for working towards my annual goals. I break the big goal down into smaller ones each quarter of the year, then even smaller steps I can do within each month. When I plan the next day, I use the monthly goals to determine what I need to do that day to make progress towards the pot at the end of the rainbow. Build in rest: If your goals don’t leave space for breathing room, it’s time to rework the plan. My👏🏽 Problem 👏🏽 Child! 👏🏽 I’m not sure if I’ll ever learn how to truly rest. Either my brain, my body, or both are always on the move. This is probably my biggest challenge, so I’m working on a master plan so I can maximize my goal steps & rest at the same time. Celebrate often: Every win counts. Don’t wait for the “big one” to honor your growth. What seems to be such an insignificant thing actually is the way I celebrate my progress the most: checking off boxes on my to-do list that are steps towards my goals. When I plan my tomorrow, I cross off what I accomplished from that day. Go me, go me, go me *in my Cardi B voice Self-care isn’t always bubble baths & spa days—it’s also setting goals that support your well-being. Let your goals be a source of joy, not exhaustion. Your dreams should be limitless but without the stress. I created the private Facebook group because community matters. We’re stronger together & need our tribe. Through Intentionally Evolving Together , we can join forces to cheer one another on, hold each other accountable, & drop some valuable gems on our sistas. ✨ Because your peace is the real flex. ✨ Want more support creating goals that feel good? Grab an Intentional Journal or Planner & start aligning your hustle with your healing.

This past weekend, husbae & I hit pause on the hustle & took a much-needed staycation. In the past 4 months, we’ve transitioned from a house of 4 to 7: my MIL had to move in, my 2 bonus baby boys are here permanently (🥰 love it when all my chirren are under 1 roof), & my oldest came on back into the nest. We’ve also had to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there, tried to keep our mental & physical health together (that thang is HARD when you’re never alone in the house), & sprinkle a little self-care in when we could. Schedules could never align between his on-call schedule, me running a business, & navigating the rocky waters of managing a household of 7.  The leader of the family made an executive decision, said “we’re disappearing for a day,” & gave me the green light to book whatever. I booked a 2-hr massage, a room at the Renaissance South Park, & got hyped up to go off the grid. No phone calls, no texts, no emails, no obligations. Just intentional time to rest, reconnect, & reset — & it was exactly what we needed. Rest, Reconnect, Reset Loading… We set the tone from the start: phones on DND except the kids, no working after leaving the house, & no set plans outside of the massage & checking into the hotel. Setting DND for everyone is something I rarely do unless I know exactly where all my people are, mainly the Fab 4. However, I chose to step out of Anxiety Alley & declare that if anyone NEEDED to contact me, they had boo’s number. Otherwise, it was gonna have to wait. The only every-day-life item that went in my backpack was my journal . #NeverLeaveHomeWithoutIt 😉 After my live journaling session, we hit the road for brunch. Food is one of the ways to snatch my soul, & Eggs Up Grill didn’t disappoint. We didn’t care how long the wait was; time was a non-factor for once. We ate mindfully & just enjoyed each other. It reminded me of how powerful a change of pace can be when it’s done with intention. Eggs Up Grill in Gastonia Technology is a beast & allowed us to know that our room was ready around noon, so we headed to the Renaissance . We had a little over an hour before our 2-hr couples massage, & miraculously I took a nap. 👀 If that wasn’t an indicator that ya girl was exhausted, I don’t know what is! That hour refilled my cup enough to feel reenergized for the rest of the day. Renaissance South Park in Charlotte Our couples massage melted the tension away, even though I didn’t feel as zenned as I usually do when I have one. The knots weren’t as bad, probably because we’d just had massages on the cruises in March & December, but they were present. The experience helped me wind down even more & prepare for dinner though. Not having plans made it a challenge for me because I can rarely pick a place to eat. I can pick something off of almost any menu, but I rarely ever have a taste for anything specific. I just go with the flow once that decision is made…by someone else. Surprisingly for a holiday weekend, it wasn’t overcrowded wherever we went. But to keep our good parking space & since it was nice weather, we walked to the mall & ended up at the Cheesecake Factory . (Don’t judge me! I ain’t here for the frou-frou food with unnecessarily complex names & 2 bites to eat for $100. I wanna EAT!) The end of the night: eating turtle cheesecake with a coffee stirrer in the bed watching a ridiculously horrible Lifetime movie. The phone stayed on DND, & we were able to sleep uninterrupted for once. What better way to end an action-packed lowkey day? We ended our 24-hr date at Snooze , which was a whole vibe. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, & a great experimental drink called Rejuvenate (pear, lemon, ginseng, agave, prickly pear coconut water, & Himalayan sea salt…see below). The whole day date seemed long, but it was exactly what we needed to rest, reconnect, & reset! Needless to say, we’ll be making it a monthly ritual. Rejuvenate Why Planning for Self-Care Matters So often, self-care gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists—something we’ll get to “when we have time” - especially for us women. But here’s the truth: we won’t have time unless we make time. Just like we plan meetings, appointments, & goals, we have to plan our self-care, too. This staycation wasn’t spontaneous. It was scheduled, protected, & prioritized—& that made all the difference. It reminded me that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s strategic. When we pour into ourselves, we show up better in every other area of life—marriage, work, parenting, purpose. I definitely returned home & to work on Monday like a new zenned creature in Christ. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Since we decided that we’ll make some sacrifices & put a staycation on our schedules monthly, we’ll need a few ideas so it doesn’t get boring. 5 Staycation-Inspired Tips to Reset If you’re feeling drained or disconnected, here are 5 simple but powerful ways to reset—no plane ticket required: Schedule a day (or weekend) to unplug. Block the time in advance & treat it like a sacred appointment with yourself (or your loved ones). Chile, I had 20 missed calls in that 24 hrs & who knows how many texts, emails, & DMs, but IDGAF!!! I cleared them (mostly without reading) & kept it moving. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Create a cozy environment. Light your favorite candle, put on relaxing music, declutter your space, & slip into something soft. Ambiance matters. Although we didn’t do any of the above, it’s the perfect way to prepare your space if you’re staying home. Getting away to a neutral space was more than enough! 🏩 Journal your way through it. Use this time to reflect. What do you need more of? What’s no longer serving you? Journaling brings clarity, & I sure got some during my time away from the hustle & bustle. An easy mind-clearer & mirror that reinforced to me that I need stronger boundaries! 📝 Connect intentionally. Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or yourself—be fully present. Talk, laugh, & enjoy moments without distraction. Sometimes you need a staycation for each one of the above. Regardless, make it count! 🥰 End with a plan. After your reset, jot down 2–3 small habits or boundaries you want to carry forward. This helps extend the benefits beyond the weekend. One of my definites is more time using my DND, outside of during sleep hours. That disconnect was sooooooo refreshing! Final Thoughts from Our Rest, Reconnect, Reset Our staycation reminded me that rest doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate—it just has to be intentional. So here’s your gentle nudge: plan your next pause before burnout plans it for you. Your body, your mind, & your relationships will thank you for it.