Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, without really having it all together? You manage to tackle life’s essentials—getting to work, paying bills, keeping some bread and milk stocked in the fridge—but it often feels like that’s all there is. The laundry might be clean, yet it sits in the dryer or a basket, patiently waiting to be folded. Perhaps you’ve missed the last few episodes of that show you love and have a stack of new books longing for your attention, gathering dust as you struggle to find the time. As you glance back at your 2025 goal list, you might not even recognize the person who wrote it—because, honestly, that was a different you, six months ago. I want you to know it’s perfectly okay to feel this way; you’re not alone, and you are truly doing just fine.

Summertime has arrived, bringing along with it the storms that seem to sweep through our area, and I can relate to that tension as we sit on the stoop, watching the tornado approach. It’s important to open the window in the living room, allowing the sound of the local news to guide us on when to retreat to our safe space. We all know how the storms of life can leave us feeling unsteady, as if we’re losing control. It’s a reminder that while we may feel overwhelmed, it’s vital to gather ourselves, or else we might burst apart like a can of biscuits smacked against the counter.

Meet you on the stoop, pal…bring a cool drink with ya…

I always carry my planner and daily journal with me, as they help me navigate my life with intention. Each Sunday, I take a moment to thoughtfully plan my upcoming week, reflecting on what needs my attention and when. Within the notes section for that week, I keep three important categories: the tasks that need to be completed, ideas I’m nurturing for the near future, and a collection of quotes and thoughts that inspire me. This practice not only organizes my tasks but also brings clarity and motivation to my days.

If a quote pops into my head, I gotta write it down or I’ll totally forget it. I usually scribble them on post-it notes or random pieces of paper. Then, they either get glue-taped or tucked into my daily journal. But sometimes, they end up stuck on my dry-erase board above my desk at home. It’s a bit of a mess until I finally gather them all into, you guessed it, my journal.

I usually throw together my breakfasts and lunches on Sundays to make my workweek a bit easier. Even if I’m all set and ready to roll, I still get that annoying feeling of being a little off. After all my planning, making lists, highlighting the important stuff, and checking things off every day, it’s easy to feel like I don’t always have it all together. You heard me right—I don’t always have it together, and that’s totally fine.

Let me drop a truth bomb on you, News Flash Freda: you will not be a walking Pinterest board every moment of your life. If you’re an influencer showcasing only the highlight reel of your life, you might convince people you’ve got it all figured out—spoiler alert: seasoned folks can see through your Insta-glam facade! When you feel like you’re the only one swimming in a sea of chaos and disorganization, guess what? You’re not! Welcome to the rollercoaster of life, where thinking you’ll only tackle troubles once is just you pulling a serious fast one on yourself. Troubles pop up like unexpected guests at a party, but life? It’s the ultimate drama queen—always evolving, always changing. You’ve got your good times, bad times, and that weird, confusing time when you wondered how you ended up with three different kinds of mustard in your fridge.

In May, I took a moment to show myself some kindness and understanding. Then this spilled over into June. I continued with my usual planning and journaling, but I eased the expectations I placed on myself regarding certain projects and goals. When it came to planning activities with family and friends, I chose to simplify things. It’s completely okay to take a breath and prioritize your own well-being from time to time. I even decided to cut back on spending, which turned out to be a blessing for my bank account. This journey is deeply personal, and it’s yours alone. I truly don’t feel guilty or as though I’m falling behind. I want to emphasize this feeling: what is truly meant for me will never pass me by. That’s why I rarely feel left out if I’m not invited to an event, party, or trip. Even if I choose not to attend an invitation I receive, I find comfort in knowing that my worth isn’t tied to those moments. I believe you can relate to this perspective. Everyone has their own beliefs about such matters, and it’s essential to honor them. As July arrives and the summer becomes more vibrant, I’m excited to refocus on my goals and embrace some enjoyable experiences that will make this summer truly special.

I can feed you a line of hash and say Stay in the moment, don’t lose your momentum, you can do it, and no days off. All of which can be true, but in May and June, I would have been telling you a lie. I like to write; I love to write, let me be brutally honest. This is the one thing I constantly think of, even when I am not doing it. I like to read a lot, but in May, I did not read as much as I normally do, June was not much better. Nobody was hurt, and I am here to tell about it.

With this blog, I want to inspire you to keep moving forward! If things don’t go as planned or if accomplishments seem elusive, take a deep breath and give yourself some grace. You have the freedom to create new plans whenever you desire. After all, it’s your life, and you’re the one in control. Turn on your blinker and explore the backroads instead of rushing down the interstate, as the journey is just as important as the destination. Take a moment to step back and discover fresh perspectives on your path. Life doesn’t always have to be a whirlwind of pressure; there’s beauty in the simple and the mundane. Remember, just being present in the moment is sometimes the best thing you can do. While we all have responsibilities, those three pieces of furniture I spotted at the second-hand store might take time to refinish, but eventually, they will shine in their new glory!

I plunge into the world of snow cones, snowballs, or shaved ice—whatever delightful name tickles your fancy! There’s an exhilarating joy in relishing these frosty delights during the scorching Southern summer, where the sun blisteringly roasts me like a juicy rotisserie chicken. Sure, my electric bill might waltz with glee as the AC whirs away. I will slather on sunscreen like it is some kind of magic potion. While at the office, I bundle myself in a jacket as if I’m braving the Arctic chill, and I am beyond cool with this. And don’t even get me started on the zesty lemonade I sip and the invigorating iced coffee I guzzle—those are my little indulgences! This summer, I’m wholeheartedly committed to living intentionally, not intensely.

I hope that in the upcoming days you will be good to yourself, enjoy yourself, and be more grateful, even if you are not where you thought you would be in the first six months of 2025. Regroup, focus, make a new list, refresh your goals, and keep grinding. I believe in you, and I love you. You are important and unique, like no other human. We are all a work in progress. After all, this is the first time at this living-life thing.

Thank you for stopping by the stoop.

Kindness starts with me.

t.l.ramsey