It’s been a whirlwind lately. We moved into our new home about a month ago (more on that soon), we’re planning a small civil ceremony, and somehow, I haven’t even paused to enjoy the crisp fall air—yes, even in South Florida, where I was shocked to find it wasn’t 90 degrees this time of year.
Somewhere between unpacking boxes and making to-do lists, I realized the year is almost over. The holidays are right around the corner, and a new year will be here before we know it. That thought sent me spiraling into reflection—looking back at what I’ve done, dreaming ahead to what’s next, and feeling the weight of wanting to do more. In the process, I forgot one very important thing: to be present.
So I asked myself a few honest questions: What’s truly important to me right now? How can I make more space for those things? And what beautiful moments have I let slip by in the name of “productivity”?
For a long time, I resisted slowing down. Movement felt like progress, and progress meant I was on track—even if I was running myself to exhaustion. But when I looked at how my fiancé and closest friends were navigating the same uncertainty and pressures this year, I noticed something: they leaned into patience. They embraced positivity. They managed change with calm and fervor.
And that was my lightbulb moment.
A Shift in Perspective
I realized what I craved wasn’t more doing, but more being. More of life’s simple pleasures—the ones that leave you grounded, nourished, and at peace.
For me, that looks like lighting a candle and journaling in the evening. Taking a few minutes to meditate. Learning a new recipe (where, let’s be honest, I’ll play the role of sous-chef). Meeting my best friend Jen, knowing our time together will end with sore cheeks from laughing too much. Snapping perfectly imperfect photos on my iPhone—moments that don’t need to be staged or filtered to matter.
It also means giving myself permission to do things simply for the joy of it—not for a checklist, not for content, not because I “should,” but because it makes me feel alive.
So today, I’m logging off early. I’m setting aside the unnecessary pressure I’ve been carrying. And I’m reminding myself that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind.
Style That Endures
Of course, I couldn’t resist styling one of my newest fall favorites before heading out. Lately, I’ve been reaching for timeless pieces that add a little spark without demanding much effort—like the Emmy by Brahmin.
Brahmin has been a part of my wardrobe for years because their designs get better with age. The leather develops character, and the shapes feel versatile season after season. The Emmy is no exception: polished but with just the right amount of edge. I love that I can carry it as a top-handle while heading to meet Jen or switch it to a crossbody when I’m waving at neighbors from across the street. It’s the kind of piece that fits effortlessly into real life—reminding me that style, much like life, doesn’t need to be complicated to make an impact.
Choosing Presence Over Perfection
At the heart of all this reflection is gratitude. Gratitude for the people who inspire me daily to be more patient with myself. Gratitude for the reminder that uncertainty can be softened with simplicity. Gratitude for small joys—journals, candles, laughter, handbags—that tether me to the present moment.
This season, my goal is not to chase perfection or fill every hour with productivity. It’s to let the process unfold. To linger in the imperfect moments that make life feel full. To choose presence, over and over again.
Here’s to slowing down—not as a setback, but as a way forward. Here’s to noticing the fleeting, beautiful details before they pass. Because at the end of the day, it’s the process, not perfection, that makes the story worth telling.