Do you ever feel like life is a bit of a jumble? You manage the essentials—getting to your job, paying the bills, and keeping some bread and milk stocked up. Sure, the laundry might be in the dryer or piled in a basket waiting for some TLC, but that’s just a small part of your busy life. You may have missed the last three episodes of your favorite show, and those four new books on your to-be-read list might be gathering dust, but there’s always time to catch up when you’re ready! Looking back at your 2025 goals, you might feel like a different person from the one who wrote them, but that’s just personal growth in action! I’m here to remind you that this is perfectly okay, and you are doing wonderfully!

Summertime is still here, which in May meant storms for my area in this big, wide world, and yes, we sit on the stoop and watch as the tornado gets close. Raise the window in the living room so you can listen to the local news to know when to get to your safe space. Let us explore how the storms of life can make you feel like you have nothing together, knowing you have to get it together, or things are going to blow up like a can of biscuits whopped on the side of the counter.

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

I have a planner and a daily carry journal that are with me at all times. I am the one who plans my week on Sunday, noting what things need to be taken care of and on what day of the week. I have three sections that are ongoing in the notes section of that week: what needs to happen, what I need to consider making happen soon, and a section for quotes and thoughts. I meal prep my breakfast and lunches on Sunday, trying to make my work week easier. Although, I am prepped and ready, I still have the daunting feeling of being out of sorts.

If I catch a quote, I’ve got to write it down or it’ll slip my mind. I end up scribbling quotes on post-it notes and random bits of paper. Eventually, I tape them into my daily journal or slide them in there. But sometimes, they just stick to my dry-erase board above my desk. It’s a bit of a mess until I finally gather them all back into, you guessed it, my journal.

After all the planning, writing a list of things to do, highlighting the most important, checking things off daily, with hopes of not forgetting to do one of those tasks, your girl can feel like she does not always have it together. You heard me, I do not always have it together, and this is okay.

Let me give you an insight, News Flash Freda, you will not have it together every single moment of your life. If you are an influencer and only highlight the best of the best of your life, you can make people think you have it all together. Although seasoned individuals know the truth. During times you think you are the only one in chaos and disorganization, the truth is, you are not. It is the journey of life, and if you think you will only go through troubles one time, this is you telling yourself a lie. Troubles come and troubles go, but life is always evolving and changing. There are good times, bad times, and other times.

In May, June, July, and August, I chose to extend myself some grace during the sweet summertime. While I continued to plan and engage in my regular journaling, I eased the pressure I typically placed on myself to complete certain projects and reach specific goals. I minimized my planning with family and friends, recognizing the importance of taking a moment for myself. Taking that breather, especially when it comes to expenses, turned out to be a surprisingly positive choice for my bank account as well. This journey is deeply personal, one that only I can navigate. I find comfort in knowing that I don’t feel guilty or behind; instead, I believe that what is truly meant for me will always find its way. That’s why I rarely feel left out, even when I’m not invited to events or gatherings—it’s simply not my priority. If I do receive an invitation and choose not to attend, I still maintain my peace. I’m sure you can relate to that perspective. I understand that everyone holds their own views on this topic—and you have every right to them.

As summer draws to a close, with June, July, and August fleeting by, I’m ready to shift back into my normal rhythm as we transition into fall. My goals are now clearer, and I’m looking forward to embracing some enjoyable activities to wrap up the summer and gear up for the excitement of football season.

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, June, July, and August, 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 during the summer months, I did not read or write as much as I normally do. Nobody was hurt, and I am here to tell about it.

With this blog, I aim to inspire you to keep moving forward. If things don’t unfold as you envisioned, or if you find yourself facing hurdles, take a deep breath and be kind to yourself. You have the power to create a new plan whenever you choose. After all, it’s your life, and you’re in the driver’s seat. Signal your turn, explore the scenic routes instead of speeding down the highway. Step back and see if there’s a fresh perspective on how to reach your destination. Life can be less about pressure and more about appreciating the journey. There’s nothing wrong with the simple and the everyday; in fact, it can be quite beautiful. Just be present in this moment and appreciate where you are now. Sometimes, that’s all you need to do. Yes, I understand we all have responsibilities, and the three pieces of furniture I discovered at the second-hand store may take their time to get refinished, but trust that they will eventually shine.

I absolutely love snow cones, snowballs, or shaved ice—whatever you call them! This summer, I enjoyed plenty of them to stay cool in the South, and I have no regrets. Sure, I might grumble about my electric bill, but I happily pay it knowing I’m keeping cool. I’ve been diligent with my daily sunscreen, which makes me feel great. Even in my chilly office, where it feels like you could hang meat, I embrace the cold as a refreshing contrast to the heat outside. And when it comes to the lemonade I savor and the iced coffee I indulge in, it’s all part of my joyful summer experience!

I hope in your upcoming days that you will be good to yourself, enjoy yourself, and be more grateful, even if you are not where you thought you would be in 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 I am living life, and so are you. I believe in you, and I believe in me; we’ve got this.

Thank you for stopping by the stoop.

Kindness starts with me.

t.l.ramsey