Romanticizing the Everyday

This summer has looked a little different for me. Rather than chasing the next goal or trying to completely overhaul my routine, I’ve been focusing on the small habits that help me feel my best day after day. None of these things are revolutionary, but together they’ve made a meaningful difference in my energy, my mindset, and how I move through everyday life.

Here are a few of the things I’ve been loving lately.

Starting My Morning Slowly

Every morning starts the same way: taking our Havanese, Willow, out for a walk and getting a little morning sunshine before the day begins.

Lately, I’ve also been prioritizing hydration first thing in the morning (rather than coffee the second my eyes open!). I wake up feeling a bit puffy some days, so I’ll ice roll my face while I sip on electrolytes. One of my favorites has been Relyte by Redmond Salt, it’s become one of those little habits that I genuinely look forward to.

I’m also incredibly spoiled because my husband loves to cook breakfast. My current hyper-fixation meal is simple but so satisfying: eggs, avocado, fresh strawberries, and lately, homemade turkey sausage patties. It’s one of those breakfasts that keeps me full, energized, and makes weekday mornings feel a little more special.

Movement I’m Loving

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my wellness journey is that the best form of movement is the one you actually look forward to.

During the first part of my weight loss journey, my main goal was simple: get outside and walk. Hitting around 10,000 steps a day (plus the occasional barre class) helped me build consistency without feeling overwhelmed.

More recently, I’ve completely fallen in love with Hot Pilates. I love that every class challenges me, helps me feel stronger, and somehow has made working out something I genuinely look forward to. I still prioritize my daily walks, but adding strength-based movement has been such a fun next step.

Meals I’m Making On Repeat

Instead of trying complicated recipes every week, I’ve found myself coming back to a handful of simple meals that make healthy eating feel easy.

Some favorites lately include:

• Grilled chicken with roasted potatoes and vegetables
• Big kale salads with avocado and pumpkin seeds
• Turkey burgers with sweet potatoes
• Salmon bowls
• Smoothies packed with spinach and Just Ingredients protein for busier mornings

I’ve realized that having a few meals I genuinely enjoy makes it so much easier to stay consistent than constantly searching for something new.

Learning How to Support My Hashimoto’s

Getting diagnosed with Hashimoto’s changed the way I think about wellness.

Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, I’ve become much more interested in supporting my body in ways that help me feel energized and balanced.

That has looked different for everyone, but for me it meant paying closer attention to nourishing foods, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and choosing movement that leaves me feeling better, not depleted.

I’m still learning every day, but I’m trying to approach this season with curiosity rather than perfection.

The Little Rituals That Make a Difference

One thing I’ve learned is that wellness isn’t just about workouts and healthy meals.

Some of the habits that make me feel my best are also the simplest:

• Reading before bed instead of scrolling
• Fresh flowers on the kitchen counter
• Opening windows whenever I can
• Going for an evening walk with my husband and Willow
• Making coffee at home
• Spending time outside

These little moments remind me that feeling well isn’t only physical, it’s also about creating a life that feels peaceful and intentional.

One Thing I’m Still Working On

If there’s one thing I’m still learning, it’s giving myself grace.

Some days my energy is lower than others. Some weeks I don’t stick to every habit. Sometimes I order takeout instead of cooking or skip a workout because my body needs rest.

I’m realizing that wellness isn’t built through perfection, it’s built through showing up for yourself over and over again, even when it doesn’t look exactly the way you planned.

That’s the mindset I’m trying to carry with me this summer.