If you’re reading this, it means you’ve been part of this community in some way. Maybe you’ve been here since the beginning or maybe you’re brand-new. Either way, you chose to spend a few precious minutes of your day here with me, and I don’t take that lightly.

This little corner of the internet, which has been around since 2008, has always been about more than articles or tips. At its best, it’s been about connection: reminding each of us that we’re not alone in the messy, beautiful, exhausting, hilarious business of trying to build a life we love.

For a while, I stepped back from publishing in this format so I could focus on writing books and creating the podcast. I’ve dreamed about rebuilding the site for years, but I hesitated. Not because I stopped caring, but because I needed time to reimagine what this could be.

The truth? Our world has changed a lot since this site first began. Your world has changed. Mine has too.

But here’s what I know for sure: people like us still need places we can go to feel seen. We still crave ideas that are practical enough to help on a Tuesday afternoon, but expansive enough to remind us of what’s possible. We still want beauty, humor, wisdom, and truth—all in one place.

That’s why we’re back.

Not Just a Return, But an Evolution

This isn’t a relaunch for nostalgia’s sake. It’s not about recreating what once was. It’s about building what’s needed now.

Because here’s the thing: lifestyle editorial used to be everywhere. A magazine at the checkout line. A bookmarked blog on your laptop. A favorite columnist whose words felt like they were written just for you.

Now? Most of those spaces are gone. Remember when lifestyle sites used to be about stories and ideas? Now too many of them are just online shopping in disguise—content built to sell, not to serve. 

That’s not what we’re building here.

This is a space of intention. Every article you’ll find here takes more time, more thought, and more care to create. It’s not fast food content designed to be consumed and forgotten. Instead, it’s a home-cooked meal. It’s slower, richer, more nourishing.

That’s why we love it—and why we think you will, too.

What You Can Expect

Over the next few weeks and months, you’ll find:

• Regular articles on everything from mindset to meal prep.
  
• Stories and spotlights that remind you of the power in everyday life.
  
• Practical how-to’s that break down big ideas into doable steps.
  
• Plenty of humor, heart, and honesty.
  

All of it created with the same guiding principle: content that’s intentional, curated, and hopeful.

Why This Matters

I believe there’s something quietly radical about choosing to slow down: about choosing to read an article that was written with care instead of swiping past a 20-second video that was tossed off in seconds.

I believe in holding onto places that encourage us to pause, reflect, and grow deeper roots so we can have expansive branches.

Life is full of noise. Full of hurry. Full of demands that pull us in a dozen directions at once.

This site is meant to be the opposite of that. A steadying force. A reminder that even in the chaos, beauty and wisdom are still available to us—if we make space for them.

And that’s what gives me hope: that spaces like this can still exist. That they should exist. That we don’t have to accept the way things have become as the way they will always be.

The Heart Behind It All

At the end of the day, my goal for this site is the same today as it was in the beginning: to help you create a better life in small, achievable steps.

Not the kind of life Instagram tries to sell you. Not the kind of life where everything is curated and perfect. The kind where you still spill coffee on your shirt, where the kids are loud, where the deadlines are real—but in the middle of it all, you feel grounded, capable, and joyful.

Because here’s the truth I keep coming back to: your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

And if this site can remind you of that—while giving you tools and ideas to make things a little easier, a little brighter—then it’s worth every ounce of effort.

A Closing Word

So here’s my invitation: come with us. Think of this as the modern version of flipping through your favorite magazine—something you curl up with on a quiet Saturday morning, coffee steaming beside you. Check back often. Let it become part of your rhythm, the gentle reminder that a better life is built in small, intentional steps.

I’m so grateful you’re here at the beginning of this new chapter.

With love,

Rachel

OK, maybe that last one is just me. 

But if you’re looking for days that feel more grounded it might surprise you to hear that you should actually start with your evenings: a better evening routine to be more specific. 

When you create an intentional evening routine, you set yourself up for smoother mornings, better sleep, and a calmer mindset. 

The good news is you don’t have to follow some rigid, picture-perfect checklist. I’m talking about an evening routine that feels comforting, achievable, and designed for your real life. So grab your tea, and let’s talk about how to build an evening routine that actually works.

1. Create a Power-Down Hour

If you want a better evening routine, start by setting limits with technology. Yes, we know it’s hard to put the phone down but, we also know that the blue light from your screen delays melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

Here’s what helps:

• Set a “screens off” alarm. About an hour before bed, shut everything down.
• Swap scrolling for soothing. Pick up a book, journal, or listen to a calming podcast. We love That Was Us, Girls Night With Stephanie May Wilson and She’s So Lucky.
• Signal your body. Light a candle, slip into your favorite pajamas, or make a cup of herbal tea. These small cues tell your brain it’s time to wind down.

2. Build a Self-Care Sequence

The best evening routines include some form of self-care. I don’t mean complicated 10-step regimens (unless that’s your vibe). I mean rituals that remind you, “I matter.” Below are a few ideas to add to your nighttime self-care routine. Even five minutes of this evening ritual can transform how you feel.

• Wash your face and moisturize.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Massage in lotion. Add a layer of your favorite body oil for extra moisture.
• Slip into your softest, coziest pajamas. Treat yourself to the kind that feels like a hug.
• Burn some palo santo or turn on your diffuser. Scent is a powerful signal. We love lavender essential oil
• Stretch or breathe deeply for a few minutes to calm your nervous system.

3. Prep for Tomorrow 

A strong evening routine doesn’t just end the day, but it sets up the next one. This isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about giving your future self a smoother start.

• Lay out your clothes. Yes, it really helps.
• Pre-set the coffee maker. Waking up to the smell of brewing coffee is everything.
• Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow. More than three will overwhelm you.

4. Set the Stage for Sleep

Your bedroom is the backbone of your evening routine. If it’s cluttered, bright, or noisy, it’s going to work against you. Ask yourself: “Would I want my best friend to sleep here?” If not, it’s time to make some changes.

Try this:

• Invest in bedding and pillows that feel amazing.
• Use blackout curtains or a white-noise machine if needed.
• Keep your room cool. Ideally, between 65–68 degrees.
• Leave work and laptops out of the bedroom.
  

5. Choose a Personal Wind-Down Ritual

The best part of any evening routine is the ritual you actually look forward to. This is where you create a moment that’s just for you. Think of this as the heart of your nighttime self-care routine. Pajamas, candlelight, and a good book? That’s not just cozy—that’s grounding.

Some of my favorites:

• Reading a nonfiction book. Think of something that stretches your mind but doesn’t keep you awake with suspense.
• Journaling a few lines to celebrate wins, express gratitude, or let go of worries.
• Sipping tea in bed while a candle flickers.

Spending 10 minutes on a hobby—knitting, sketching, tending to plants.

It made me realize that there were people who had gone through hard things and didn’t just survive—they shared the lessons, the tools, and the wisdom they picked up along the way. That book didn’t just change how I saw myself; in a way, it set me on the path to becoming a writer of those types of stories, even though I didn’t know it at the time.

Since then, personal development books have been a huge part of my life. But over time, my definition of “growth” has evolved. In the beginning, I was mostly focused on self-improvement—”how do I get better?”, “how do I level up?”, “how do I fix what’s broken?” Now, I see growth as something much bigger. It’s not just about growing up—it’s about growing deep roots, it’s about growing your branches in all directions, in a way that’s more holistic and connected to every part of life.

That’s why I put together this list of my favorite personal development books for spiritual people. These books aren’t just about getting better at life—they’re about growing in a way that feels aligned, meaningful, and soul-nourishing. If you’re someone who wants both wisdom and practicality, both mindset and faith, this list is for you.

1. You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay

Louise Hay was one of the first authors to introduce me to the idea that our thoughts literally shape our reality. You Can Heal Your Life is a cornerstone of spiritual personal development, showing us how negative self-talk and unresolved emotions manifest in our bodies, our relationships, and our circumstances.

Also, if you’re not familiar with Louise, she was incredible! A total maverick– Louise started Hay House (the preeminent publishing house for spiritual books) decades before that was a popular category. See if you can find a YouTube of her speaking or teaching, her voice is so soothing and she always makes me feel like everything is going to be OK.

2. What If You Are the Answer – By Me

OK I have to include my new book too because, honestly, this one is personal. What If You Are the Answer? is the book I wish I had when I was going through the biggest transitions in my life.

So often, we look outside ourselves for the answers—waiting for a sign, searching for validation, hoping someone else will tell us what to do. But what if the answers you’re looking for have been inside you all along? What If You Are the Answer is about learning to ask yourself the right questions—ones that help you grow your intuition, understand yourself on a deeper level, and finally trust that you already have what it takes to create the life you want.

3. The Astonishing Power of Emotions – Esther & Jerry Hicks

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a rut emotionally, The Astonishing Power of Emotions is a game-changer. Esther and Jerry Hicks, channeling the wisdom of Abraham (yeah, this one gets really woo-woo, just go with it) explain how our emotions serve as a kind of internal GPS, constantly guiding us toward alignment with our highest self.

The key lesson? Instead of resisting “negative” emotions, we can learn to use them as a guidepost—helping us shift toward thoughts and feelings that bring us closer to joy, abundance, and ease. It’s a radical shift from the “just think positive!” mentality to something much more nuanced and powerful.

4. Ikigai – Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles

Okay, let’s talk about purpose. Because if you’ve ever sat around wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do with your life, Ikigai will make you rethink the whole question.

This book explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, which loosely translates to “reason for being.” It teaches that true fulfillment comes from the intersection of four things:

• What you love
• What you’re good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for

If you’ve been struggling with feeling lost or wondering if your passions could ever align with your career, this book is full of insights to help you uncover the deeper purpose behind why you do what you do.

5. The Power of Intention – Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Wayne Dyer’s work has shaped so much of how I think about manifestation, mindset, and showing up for my life. The Power of Intention takes the concept of manifesting to a whole new level—not just wishing for things to happen, but aligning your energy and actions with the intention of what you want to create.

The biggest takeaway? We don’t attract what we want; we attract what we are. If you want more love, become more loving. If you want success, align with the energy of possibility. This book is a beautiful reminder that when we show up with clarity and purpose, life starts showing up for us in return.

6. Super Attractor – Gabrielle Bernstein

I had to include Super Attractor because Gabrielle Bernstein is the queen of blending spiritual principles with real-world practicality. This book is all about co-creating with the universe, stepping out of the cycle of fear and control, and allowing things to flow rather than forcing them.

One of my favorite lessons from this book is the idea that joy is a magnet for abundance. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to grind ourselves into the ground to “earn” the life we want—sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is raise our energy, release resistance, and trust that what’s meant for us is already on its way.

Have you ever woken up one day and realized that the life you’re living just doesn’t fit anymore? Maybe the things that used to light you up now feel kind of… meh. The conversations you used to enjoy seem repetitive. The goals that once excited you? Not so much anymore.

If any of that resonates, it’s not a sign that you’re lost. It’s a sign that you’re outgrowing your old life—and that’s a good thing. Growth is supposed to happen. Evolution is part of the process. But that doesn’t mean it always feels great.

I’ve been through this many times—changing careers, ending relationships, stepping into new seasons—and let me tell you, outgrowing your old life can be confusing, scary, and even a little lonely. But knowing the signs makes it easier to recognize when it’s happening so you can step into your next level with intention.

So let’s get into it: 6 signs you’re outgrowing your old life—and what to do about it. (And if this topic is hitting home, be sure to check out the full podcast episode here for the deeper conversation!)

1. The Things That Once Excited You No Longer Do

Remember when you were obsessed with a certain TV show, a hobby, or a goal? And now? You just… don’t care anymore? That’s not laziness. That’s evolution.

Your interests, values, and passions shift as you grow. And while that’s normal, it can be unsettling—especially if people around you don’t understand why you’re not excited about the same things anymore.

What to Do:

Instead of forcing yourself to care about old interests, get curious about what excites you now. Try new things, explore different hobbies, or read books outside your usual go-to topics. Who you are today isn’t the same as who you were five years ago—so allow yourself to evolve.

2. Certain Relationships Feel Forced or Draining

One of the hardest parts of outgrowing your old life is realizing that some relationships no longer fit. Maybe a friendship that once felt effortless (like the girls from high-school) now feels like an obligation. Maybe conversations feel repetitive or surface-level. Ever get together with old friends but the only thing you all have in common is “the good ole days”? Pay attention to whether you feel drained rather than energized after spending time with certain people.

What to Do:

You don’t have to cut people off dramatically, but it’s okay to create space for new, aligned friendships. Seek out people, clubs or organizations who inspire you, challenge you, and make you feel excited about life. And most importantly—pay attention to whether you can be your true self in the relationships you’re keeping.

3. You Feel Restless—But You Don’t Know Why

Feeling antsy? Like something’s missing, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is? That’s a sign you’re ready for a new challenge.

Restlessness is often misunderstood. We think, I should be happy. My life is fine. Why do I feel this way? But that feeling isn’t a bad thing—it’s your intuition nudging you toward your next level.

What to Do:

Follow your curiosity. Pay attention to what excites you, what interests you, and what sparks something inside you. Try journaling, vision boarding, or even just asking yourself: What would excite me right now? Your next step might not be clear yet, but trust that it’s unfolding.

4. Your Old Habits or Coping Mechanisms Don’t Feel Right Anymore

Sometimes we keep doing things out of habit—scrolling endlessly on social media, drinking every night to unwind, hanging out with the same crowd—until one day, it just doesn’t feel good anymore.

That’s a sign you’re evolving. You’re realizing that certain habits or patterns aren’t serving you the way they used to. And while that might feel weird, it’s actually a great thing.

What to Do:

Rather than forcing yourself to keep up old habits, ask yourself: What does the future version of me need? If your usual ways of coping don’t feel aligned anymore, it’s time to replace them with something that does. Maybe that means swapping social media for reading, replacing drinking with journaling, or finding new ways to decompress that actually make you feel better—not just numb.

5. You Have a Bigger Vision for Yourself

One of the clearest signs of outgrowing your old life? You’re starting to dream bigger. You’re craving more. You’re thinking about a new job, a bold move, a shift in how you show up in the world.

And yet—when you share that vision with certain people, they just don’t get it. Maybe they dismiss it. Maybe they laugh. Maybe they tell you to “be realistic.”

Here’s the truth: Not everyone will understand your next-level dreams. And that’s okay.

What to Do:

Protect your vision. Stop sharing your 10,000-foot dreams with people who can only see 200 feet ahead. Some people are eagles, soaring at high altitudes. Some people are sparrows, content flying lower. Don’t expect sparrows to understand the eagle’s view.

Instead, surround yourself with people who are also dreaming big. Find mentors, join communities, and connect with those who believe in the life you’re building.

6. Your Old Life Feels Too Small

Maybe your job feels limiting. Maybe your town feels too quiet. Maybe your daily routine feels claustrophobic.

The life that once felt safe and comfortable now feels restrictive. And while stepping into the unknown can feel terrifying, staying in a place that no longer fits is even worse.

What to Do:

Give yourself permission to expand. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do have to be brave enough to step into what’s next. Start small—make a change, take a step, open yourself up to what’s possible.

Because you weren’t meant to shrink yourself to fit a life that no longer aligns. You were meant to grow, to evolve, and to step into the fullest version of yourself.

Final Thoughts

If any of these signs resonated, take it as confirmation: You’re not lost. You’re evolving. And that is a beautiful thing.

Instead of resisting the changes, lean into them. Trust that your next season is calling you forward for a reason. And most importantly? Give yourself permission to grow into the person you’re becoming.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Listen to the full podcast episode here for even more insights, personal stories, and tactical advice on stepping into your next season with confidence.

And if this post spoke to you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it too. You never know who’s outgrowing their old life and needs that nudge to step forward.

I don’t know about you, but Sundays are my favorite day to get organized and prep for the week ahead: that’s when I do my Sunday reset! We’re all juggling so many things that it’s easy to skip the intention and just rush to get it all done. It seems counterintuitive but I’ve learned over the years that I need to slow down to speed up. Taking the time to get outside the hustle and bustle and be strategic about how I want the week to go is a game changer. And let me tell you, a Sunday reset is the secret to feeling more grounded, organized, and ready to take on anything life throws your way.

In today’s post, I’m going to share the three key components of my Sunday reset ritual that have made all the difference in my productivity, mindset, and overall sense of calm. Whether you’re managing a household, running a business, or just looking to get your life together, these three steps are for you. So let’s dive in!

1. Declutter Your Space

Let’s start with the foundation of your reset: decluttering. Have you ever noticed how your physical space affects your mental space? It’s amazing how quickly clutter can accumulate over the course of a week—papers, dishes, clothes, books, and that one pile that you keep meaning to get to (but never do). The thing is, clutter doesn’t just make your home look messy; it also creates mental clutter that can prevent you from being fully present or productive.

That’s why my Sunday reset always begins with a quick and efficient decluttering session. And when I say quick, I mean it. I’m not talking about deep cleaning the entire house (although that can be part of your routine if you want!). I focus on the areas where clutter builds up the most, like the kitchen counters, my office desk, or the living room. You’d be amazed at how much lighter I feel when I spend just 15 minutes tidying up.

Here’s what I do:

• Pick up any stray items—clothes, mail, or anything that doesn’t belong in the space.
• Organize surfaces—clear your counters, desk, or any flat spaces that collect things.
• Tidy up your work area—highly recommend you do this one before you close up shop on Friday (or your version of Friday) so you can come back to work on Monday morning and hit the ground running.

I can’t stress enough how powerful this step is. When my space is clean and organized, I feel more at ease and ready to take on whatever the next day brings. If your home is clutter-free, your mind will follow suit!

2. Organize Your Week

Once my space is decluttered, it’s time to plan ahead. Trust me, there’s nothing more stressful than waking up Monday morning and scrambling to figure out what you need to do first. To avoid that chaos, I dedicate some time during the Sunday reset to organizing and plan my week.

Here’s how I organize my week:

• Review your goals: Take a look at the goals you’re working on for the month or quarter. What action steps do you need to take this week to move closer to them? Not sure what those goals should be? Try my annual calendar audit!
• Schedule your week: Block off time for important tasks, meetings, and personal commitments. I like to break my day into chunks so I can stay on track and avoid multitasking.
• Set priorities: Focus on the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your life, business, or personal well-being. Don’t waste time on busywork—stay focused on what matters.
• Make a Plan: I don’t just plan for the work-week, I also plan for everything I know my family will need like meal prep and groceries so I can be prepared. If you’re looking for a fun way to keep these things organized, we made these free dry erase printables years back that are still so cute!

Something I talk about in my podcast episode on the Sunday reset is how planning your week doesn’t mean you have to do everything at once. Instead of focusing on getting everything done, focus on being intentional with your time. This means saying no to things that don’t serve you, setting boundaries, and being realistic about what you can accomplish.

By organizing your week on Sunday, you’re giving yourself the gift of a clear, manageable schedule. You’ll wake up on Monday with a sense of purpose and direction instead of feeling overwhelmed.

3. Get Grounded

The final part of my Sunday reset is the most important, and it’s something I’ve really learned to appreciate over the years: getting grounded. This isn’t just about crossing off tasks or making your home look nice. It’s about taking a moment to reconnect with yourself and your intentions for the week ahead. If you’re constantly running from one thing to the next without stopping to breathe, you’re not really living—you’re surviving.

To get grounded, I carve out some quiet time for myself. This is often the part of my reset that feels the most restorative, so I’m very intentional about making space for it.

Here’s what I do to get grounded:

• Meditate or breathe deeply: I find that even just five minutes of mindfulness can make a huge difference in how I approach the week. If I’m feeling really stressed, I do a short breathing exercise (box breathing is sol helpful!) to calm my nerves and center myself.
• Journal: Writing is a powerful tool for reflection. I take some time to jot down how I’m feeling, what I’m grateful for, and any goals or intentions I have for the week. This helps me clear my head and set the tone for a positive mindset.
• Practice gratitude: I reflect on what’s going well in my life, which allows me to start the week with a sense of abundance rather than lack. Gratitude is such a game-changer!
• Move my body: Sometimes this is as simple as going for a walk, stretching, or doing some yoga. Getting my body moving helps me release any tension and shift into a more relaxed state of mind.

By taking a few minutes to get grounded, I ensure that I’m starting my week from a place of calm and confidence rather than stress or anxiety. This is essential for setting yourself up for success—not just in your work, but in your personal life as well.

Listen to My Podcast for More Tips on Resetting Your Week

If you want to dive deeper into these three steps and learn how to create your own Sunday reset routine, I recorded a podcast episode all about it! In the episode, I go into more detail on each of these steps and share some additional insights that will help you reset your mind and your space for a productive and peaceful week ahead.

If you’re feeling like your week is running you, rather than the other way around, this reset is just the thing you need. Listen to the episode, grab a cup of tea, and start building your own Sunday reset. I promise it’ll make a world of difference.

Whether you are coming out of something difficult and are ready to cast a new vision, know that you are not alone. It’s time to think about how you can take the life you are living today and make it better. Remember, keep it simple but always steady. Consistency is the key to making lasting change.

3 Ways to Elevate Your Life in 2024:

1. Understand What “Elevation” means to you

When I hear the word “elevate,” I think about how to improve myself as a person. You will likely think of something different because none of us are the same! It’s not supposed to be the same. The key is to identify what “better” looks like to you.

Now, look at your life in sections – relationships, work life, spirituality, self-education, health, etc. Regularly ask yourself, is there a way that specific area in your life could feel better? How can you elevate that area in a simple way? There are several things I do daily to raise my vibration that continually help me to elevate in the different important areas of my life.

2. Dress Better

If I’m being real, this is really a note from me to me. I got in a very loungey (read: sloppy) mode of style during the pandemic that I never really broke out of.

As silly as it sounds, there’s psychology attached to how we dress and how confident we are. Ever heard the phrase, “dress well, test well?” It really works! So if you’re looking for ways to elevate your life, consider starting in your closet. You don’t have to buy new clothes– though, if you it’s in your budget that sounds fun and you should totally do it! But when you get dressed for the day, dress like the person you want to be and not like the person you used to be.

3. Choose Your Word

Every year, I choose a my “word of the year”. I’d love to encourage you to consider it for this year if you haven’t already. It’s essentially choosing a “theme” for your year ahead, but feels a lot more attainable than setting tons of resolutions. When coming up with your word, ask yourself what you hope to attract and to manifest this year? A word is more forgiving than resolutions and can guide you throughout all the decisions you make.

I hope these tips help you as you elevate your life this year. I’m sharing four additional, non-traditional ways to elevate your life in this podcast.

Listen to the podcast HERE.

At it’s most basic level, vibration is a fancy way of describing mood. When you raise your vibration, you raise your mood, outlook and ability to see more possibility. It’s also one of the major determining factors for the kind of people, opportunity and experiences you attract into your life.

That’s why I have a few things I do at the start of each day to help me raise my vibration. Consider tapping into one of these the next time you need a boost.

My Top 3 Daily Vibration-Raising Practices

1. Praying or Meditating Before Starting My Day

We’ve all had them: those mornings you wake up and just think, “Nope. I can’t today.” Been there, done that. But have you intentionally worked toward changing this mindset? I’m telling you, it’s life-changing. 

Every day, as soon as I begin waking up, I pray. In fact, I start praying before I’m even totally conscious. It doesn’t require an intense amount of effort or mental capacity to do, so it’s perfect for a sleepy morning state. Side note: I’ve dug through a ton of research showing that we’re most connected to the universe when falling asleep and waking up, and I believe it. 

If you’re not someone who prays, meditate instead. This is simply quiet time with your own thoughts to prepare yourself for the day ahead and raise your vibration from the jump.

I use this time to call in God and my guides, ask for guidance and help throughout the day for myself and my family. I encourage you to use your time for anything that resonates with you personally, like deep breathing to control your anxiety or thinking about how you can improve a relationship.

It’s your time to connect with your higher power and control your mindset as soon as you wake, so make it your own.

2. Being Mindful of What I Eat and Drink 

It’s not up for debate: What you put into your body every day matters. Certain nutrients are necessary for overall health, but they can also make you feel better, give you more energy, and raise your vibration. Meanwhile, other ingredients make you feel tired, cranky, and sluggish. Not sure which is which? Start paying attention to the way food makes you feel about 20 minutes after you eat it. Try and add more foods that give you energy instead of taking it away.

I love starting my day out right with a light, nutrient-filled meal, like my green smoothie.

I’ll be transparent here. This smoothie doesn’t taste good but what it does do is help me start my day off on the right foot. I feel satiated, grounded and energetic when I put the right nutrients in my body that give me vitality instead of taking it away.

3. Journaling for Gratitude

I’ve talked endlessly about the importance of journaling in my life, so if you’ve tuned into any of my previous podcasts, blogs, books, etc., you could probably already guess that this would be here! 

Journaling is a must for me. It’s why I created my own journal all those years ago, sharing my love for planning and journaling with others who want to shift their mindset and raise their vibration. 

Starting my day by journaling is a practice I’ve developed for myself to express my gratitude, focus on my blessings, and get myself into a state of abundance. It brings me to the positive place I need to be in to be more intentional throughout the day. 

If you want to try journaling but don’t have a journal, grab a piece of paper. Start there. Write down what you’re grateful for in this moment, but make sure you truly feel it. Sit with your thoughts for a few minutes, so you can tap into whatever it is that’s going to lift your mood and carry you through what lies ahead.

Want more easy hacks to feel happier and have better energy or would you rather hear this conversation than read it?

Go check out the full episode of The Rachel Hollis Podcast, and be sure to subscribe to catch all the latest episodes.

There is strength in numbers and power in the community when you sift through crises. We are not meant to walk this road alone. So with that, I’m launching an in-depth and totally free book club! Every day for two weeks, I’ll be digging into each chapter in the book and sharing stories, answering questions and giving context and commentary to accompany your reading.

• What it is: Didn’t See That Coming book club!
• How it works: Every weekday starting November 2, I’ll go live on Facebook and share chapter-by-chapter insight on the book.
• When it takes place: November 2-13 at 12pm CT, Monday-Friday
• What you’ll need: We’ll be following along to the exclusive Target edition of Didn’t See That Coming so if you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, pick one up here! *If you purchased a copy from another retailer you can still follow along with pen and paper!*

Make sure you get to reading because we’re digging into Chapter 1 and 2 on Monday, November 2nd. To help you get started, I’m sharing an excerpt from the book below about the four identity shifts that can occur after a life-altering experience.

1.You had an identity and it was taken away from you—

“I was a great worker, but my company laid me off. Now I’m just unemployed.”

2. You want an identity that is denied to you—

“I wanted to be a mom so badly, but the IVF treatment didn’t work and I’m devastated.”

3. You chose an identity and no longer want it—

“I thought that I was happy as a stay-at-home mom, but actually, I’m depressed and not a good mama to my kids.”

4. Someone else chose an identity for you that isn’t who you are—

“Being in this management role keeps me from being creative, but my boss thinks I’m needed here. I feel like I’m dying inside.”

My hope with everything I write is the same: that it helps just one person to know they are strong enough to overcome whatever they’re currently facing. I hope this book does that for you and I can’t wait to dig into it in more detail on November 2nd when the book club launches!

See you there!

XO, Rach

Seriously, when was the last time you actually sat down and made a list of things that bring you total joy and contentment? Or even thought about it for longer than a couple seconds? 

In this episode of the podcast I talk about little luxuries I’m loving (they’re all either less than $20 or totally free!) and one of the greatest free luxuries is planning for more joy in your life. Meaning, actually plan time in your calendar for things that bring you joy. 

Do you have a running collection of things that feed your spirit? For most people, the answer is no. We’re moving so fast in life that we don’t have time to single out things just for the sake of contentment or peace. You know what’s worse? We’ve been programmed to believe that if something doesn’t make us money, or change the world, or get us 50K likes on Insta, that it doesn’t have value. 

SO, I’m going to challenge you to make your joy list of 10 things that make you happy even if they don’t make sense to other people! And not things that only sorta make you happy like “take your bra off at the end of a long day” happy, but TRUE JOY. 

I’ll go first! Here are 10 of mine! 

1. A slow cup of coffee while looking at a beautiful view

2. Laughing with my kids

3. International travel – after several years during the pandemic where this was near-to-impossible, I cherish trips even more!

4. Going to cute little locally-owned coffee shops and asking them to make me “the special.” EVERY place has one and I never even look at what it is. I have never been disappointed. 

5. Long multi-course dinners where it’s been like 4 hours and yet food is STILL coming out and you’re like “I am NOT, not eating this ravioli!” but then you totally do because that ravioli is delicious

6. Really luxurious sweat pants – (swear to goodness, the pure joy I get from new sweatpants is embarrassing!) 

7. My heating pad. That’s right, heating pads. Y’all…I lay on one every night like an iguana. I am always cold so I love sitting on something warm 

8 . Talking about and helping people with their businesses – I am such a geek for entrepreneurs and I love talking about every aspect of it

9. Hawaii – always and forever my favorite place in the world!

10. Learning something new in ANY subject! I’m so curious that I legit have a page in my Notes on my phone titled “Things to Learn More About”. The list currently includes: Toulouse Lautrec, the Onna-Bugeisha, and blockchain. 

My JOY list is actually much, much longer, but I’m guessing you get the idea! Here’s the point…. if you know what feeds your soul, you can schedule some time into every week to guarantee moments of joy. If you’re struggling to feel passionate, or you want more moments of joy (and trust me, you DO!) try this simple exercise! Ok, it’s your turn…go make your list!

They Don’t Apologize Unless There’s A Good Reason-

I’m sorry, but when did we all start saying I’m sorry for everything!? See what I did there? One of the habits that I’ve seen in all of my years in the business world is the tendency for women to apologize for every little thing… even when we didn’t do ANYTHING WRONG! WHY!? In our culture, we’ve even coined a term for it, “Sorry Syndrome”. Women are more likely to say sorry because of our desire to nurture. We tend to want to comfort others but while comforting others is an INCREDIBLE trait, we don’t need to apologize to do it. 

They Are Their Own Cheerleaders-

We’ve talked about this hard truth on the site before… nobody cares about your dreams the way that you do and here’s another truth bomb, YOU have to be your own biggest cheerleader. Successful women know how to confidently tell people what they do and what they’ve accomplished. It’s not bragging, it’s being proud of who you are.

They Lift Up Other Women-

The most confident women in the world know that jealousy will get you nowhere. This is a vital one now more than ever. It’s important that other women send the elevator down and help other women starting out. We should not be threatened by each other but instead, lift each other up.

They Focus on Solutions, Never Problems-

Problems are always going to come up in life and in work BUT choosing to approach them with positivity and a solution-based attitude will get you everywhere. Time is money and solutions save time. Businesses like ours love to hire and work with people who come to me with answers, not problems.

They Are Always Prepared-

Girl Scouts Style!  Being prepared will not only relax you but it’ll give you the confidence to take on a situation with poise. Be the first woman to the meeting with her pen, notebook, laptop, and figures ready to go.

They Are Comfortable in Their Own Skin-

Confident women love the way that they look because they know who they are. It’s not about being a size two or having Blake Lively worthy hair, it’s about loving yourself, flaws and all! That truth is what inspired my collection with QVC. I wanted to create clothes that looked beautiful in every size. Pieces that were versatile and that made every woman feel confident. 

They Aren’t Afraid Of Being Wrong-

Obviously, we’d all rather be right, but true leaders know that the fear of being wrong stifles creativity and can limit expression. Don’t let the fear of being wrong keep you from speaking up and being involved. Who knows what original idea may come from expressing yourself!