The Small Paws That Shape Our Lives
When I look back on different seasons of my life, I don’t just remember the houses or the milestones or the places we traveled. I remember the pets. The ones who sat at my feet while I cried. The ones who greeted me like I was the greatest person on earth. The ones who quietly became part of our everyday rhythms until I couldn’t imagine life without them. What Being a Dog Mom Taught Me In The Unexpected Mental Health Boost of Being a Dog Mom, I reflect on how my dogs have become more than companion. They’ve become daily reminders to slow down, protect my energy, and live more intentionally. In a world filled with constant distractions, stress, and endless work hours, their joyful interruptions encourage me to step outside, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. Through stories about Dixie and Loki, I share how pets naturally embody mindfulness. They celebrate small moments, greet each day with excitement, and remind us to pause instead of escape into screens or stress. This post explores how choosing presence over distraction, gratitude over burnout, and love over negativity can reshape our mental well-being. The Unexpected Mental Health Boost of Being a Dog Mom The Calm I Found at the End of a Leash In Why Even Just 15 Minutes of Restorative Time Is Worth Your Time, I explore how what we call “relaxing” often isn’t truly restorative at all. In a world dominated by screens, scrolling, and constant stimulation, many of us mistake distraction for decompression. After a long, draining day, I discovered that my version of rest looks very different from my husband’s. While he unwinds with shows and snacks, I found that lying in complete darkness for just fifteen minutes with my pups completely reset my body. According to my Oura ring, those 15 minutes were the only truly restorative time I had all day. Why Even Just 15 Minutes Of Restorative Time Is Worth YOUR Time The Accountability Partner With Four Legs Whether it’s a spouse, a parent, a friend, or even a pet, having someone in your corner changes everything. Accountability doesn’t have to be loud or formal. Sometimes it’s a phone call. Sometimes it’s advice. Sometimes it’s simply someone reminding you to slow down. The message is clear: you don’t have to carry everything alone. Life feels lighter, healthier, and more balanced when we allow others to walk beside us. You Don’t Have To Do It All Alone: The Road To Finding Your Accountability Partner Be Where Your Paws Are In Unlearning a Fixed Mindset, I reflect on a lifelong pattern of fearing there’s never enough time. From childhood bike rides to college transitions to sitting in a quiet cabin with my husband and dogs, I’ve carried a subtle but persistent fear of missing out. Even during moments meant for rest and joy, my mind calculates how much time is left instead of soaking in the present. This post explores how FOMO, overthinking, and decision fatigue can quietly steal the beauty of the moment. Through personal stories, breathwork techniques, mindfulness practices, and intentional habit shifts like stepping away from alcohol, I share how I’m actively unlearning a fixed mindset and choosing presence instead. Unlearning A Fixed Mindset: Leaving Old Habits Behind Benefits of Being a Dog Owner When I zoom out and look at the bigger picture, I see a pattern I can’t ignore. My dogs weren’t just background characters in these seasons of growth. They were steady anchors. In the chaos, the burnout, the FOMO, the overthinking, and even the moments of quiet healing, they were there. Tails wagging. Eyes steady. Fully present. They didn’t need five year plans or productivity hacks. They just needed the next walk, the next cuddle, the next moment. And maybe that’s the lesson all along. Be where your paws are. Protect your energy. Rest when you need to. And never forget that sometimes the most profound teachers in our lives have four legs and a heartbeat that matches ours.
Day 4 of Our Southern Road Trip: Ghost Vibes, Bourbon Street, and Burnout
Hey guys! Thanks for tuning in today to hear all about Day 4 of our Southern Road Trip. Keep in mind this was done with two adults, no pets or kids, (yet)…but just because you want to take your kiddos or furballs along doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a similar trip! Of course it would vary slightly, but all in all, I believe most of this journey would be amendable with adding additional family members in. We had no plan, no sure idea of what this all would entail, so if you’re up for following along further with us, I’m happy to have you here! 🥳 Oh! and stay tuned for the end of these posts which include a breakdown of our expenses for the day. Let’s get into it! Staying at Destrehan Plantation Mmkay. So this day was such a beautiful start being that we were on the Destrehan Plantation, and the morning there was just absolutely stunning. With the droopy giant trees and the old buildings around the property, it was truly blissful to walk outside to in the morning. (Catch a future post where I’ll dive more into this place in specific!) I didn’t sleep super well, since I have a slight fear of the ghosts…and although I pride myself on being spiritual and all…your girl still gets the heeby jeebies when nighttime rolls around. 😅 And!! And and and! In the morning? When I was writing in the guest book? There was a mention that a horror movie was filmed there. COOL.🙃 Needless to say, I did not meet any ghosts of the plantation. I was very content with our stay but also enjoyed my morning there writing and packing up for our next adventures. (This was about the time Ben started getting sick, which as you’ll see in the future, was going to be with *both* of us for the next many days). 🥲 We had grand plans to walk the levee in the morning, since the Mississippi River was literally like, right there across the street. But unbeknownst to us, it was a chilly 30 some degrees when we woke up! (This was basically the same as back home in PGH), so we were super bummed out that we were legit in the bottom of the states and still freezing our tootsies off.🦶 We ended up walking a little anyhow, because when else will we be so close? And by the time a short walk was done, my toes were absolutely frozen numb. Saying goodbye to our stay and the property was bittersweet, because it was such a fun amount of things in such a short amount of time, but we were ready to begin the rest of the day and moved onto New Orleans herself to enjoy some breakfast at Two Chicks Cafe. Breakfast was good, but the location was a little frustrating to get to. (I do believe they have more than one location if you’re interested in checking them out!) I loved their juice options and the food was tasty. We parked in the nearest parking garage which came out to about $20 for the day in case you were wondering.💁♀️ World War II Museum in New Orleans Once we finished up, we walked to the nearby World War II Museum, and spent about 2 hours exploring the many exhibits, which were absolutely incredible. It was jarring, eye-opening, and a little hard to handle at times, but we both enjoyed it very much and would definitely like to share it with kids someday when they’re older and can appreciate it as well. *Check out this link if you’re interested in learning more about their pricing and hours! And stick around til the end of this series for a post all about the museum! From Ghosts at Destrehan Plantation to Voodoo Shops in the French Quarter After that we kept going to Bourbon Street, and the nearby attractions that everyone comes to New Orleans to visit! We walked for a few hours viewing the chapel, reading the plaques on the outsides of the old buildings, stopping quickly in a cool voodoo shop for a souvenir, and eventually to the river to see the boats and events going on. On the way back to the truck, we passed the Audubon Aquarium, and decided that will be next on our list when we come here again, but we may skip the busy streets and stick to the outskirts of the city instead. (Check out my last post to see our favorite family owned restaurant!) The city was a whole vibe, lots of music, people, even kids which we were surprised by on the tourist streets, as parts of it could be pretty vulgar. 🙈 Since we were getting pretty pooped from the overwhelm of people and noise, we should have rested this day and just went to nearby Biloxi, like a bunch of the locals told us to. However, we wanted to continue on south since we were tired of being cold! After we started out, realizing that we’d have to catch dinner on the way, so we opted to see what Mobile, Alabama had to offer and was *not* disappointed. We grabbed some more delicious catfish and seasoned fries (OMG THEY WERE BOTH SO FREAKING GOOD), and of course, an NA beer for yours truly. This was a really cool stop, called the “Icebox.” It had delicious everything and the service was really great as well. We even got greeted by a pup at the door that a local had chilling on one of the barstools across the way! He was the coolest, but it made me miss our pets even more! 🙁 Panama City Nights & The Road Trip Reality Check So once finding our next stop in the truck while having a snack, we made our way a few hours further to Panama City, Florida.
Notes From A Season of Change
As the year unfolds, I’ve found myself looking back at a few moments that quietly shaped the way I think about growth, balance, and the life I’m building. These reflections explore what it means to slow down, push through uncertainty, challenge overthinking, and redesign a lifestyle that truly supports mental well-being, relationships, and future chapters in my family life. Together, these posts aren’t about having everything figured out, they’re about honoring the process, learning from where you’ve been, and stepping into what’s next with a little more clarity and confidence. Lifestyle Transformation Becoming your best self isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about being honest when you feel stuck and brave enough to keep going anyway. This post explores stagnation, failure, and the slow process of designing a lifestyle that truly supports who you are and who you’re becoming. With reflections on relationships, work, mental well-being, and preparing for a future that may include parenthood, it’s a reminder that growth happens step by step and that creating a life that works for you also means creating one that supports the people you love most. https://habitualbalance.com/lifestyle-transformation-your-environment-matters/ Appreciating The Now This post reflects on slowing the pace, understanding personal stressors, and learning to appreciate the present moment without guilt or pressure. Through nostalgia, travel, and honest self-reflection, it explores how burnout, expectations, and mental health can quietly shape our days and relationships. It’s a gentle reminder that growth doesn’t always come from doing more, but from embracing who you are now and allowing space for new memories to take root. https://habitualbalance.com/moving-ahead-and-appreciating-the-now/ Perseverance Perseverance isn’t just about pushing through hard seasons, it’s about learning how to move forward with intention when life feels uncertain. This post reflects on trusting the process, navigating anxiety, and finding steady ground through small, consistent steps. Whether you’re thinking about your future, preparing for parenthood, or simply trying to show up more calmly for yourself and your family, this piece offers grounding encouragement and practical ways to keep going when the path feels unclear. https://habitualbalance.com/perseverance-in-life/ Calling All Overthinkers What happens when you stop staying busy just to avoid thinking and start choosing growth on purpose? This reflective piece is a call to overthinkers who feel stuck in a life that no longer fits. Through honest self-examination, mindset shifts, and small daily actions, this post explores how letting go of overthinking and redefining your status quo can open the door to real change, clarity, and confidence in your next step. https://habitualbalance.com/calling-all-overthinking-overthinkers/ Thank You For Reading Notes From a Season of Change Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and walk through these moments with me. Revisiting these thoughts has been a reminder that growth isn’t linear and that every season, even the uncertain ones, teaches us something valuable. If any of these reflections resonated with you, know that you’re not alone in navigating change, balance, and the next chapters of life. I’m grateful you’re here, and I hope these words encourage you to keep showing up for yourself, one small step at a time.
Day 3 of Our Southern Road Trip: Mississippi History and Louisiana Charm
So! Welcome back. If you’ve arrived to hear some more about the Southern Series, then you’re in the right place! (And if you’re thinking, hey Shelby, you totes forgot to finish the Half Dome/Mt. Whitney Series, I got you. We’ll tie up that series after this one, so be sure to stick around while my brain figures out which direction to go in). 😂 Anywhooo, thanks for joining me today to talk about Day 3!! It was a longer one with a bit more adventure packed in! So let’s get into it shall we? Vicksburg, Mississippi We got up early (with little sleep but sleep nonetheless), and made our way to Vicksburg, MS, which was about a 45 minute drive from our Airbnb in Jackson. It was actually nice to be so close to our next stop since the last two days held a bunch of driving. Once we got there, we realized that they didn’t open for another half hour or so, (Vicksburg National Military Park hours are 8:30am-4:30pm CT), so we used that time to walk around the front of the park on foot. It was cool to see the monuments up close, which really gave the feeling of being there instead of just driving by. Unfortunately, it was still super cold outside this day and so when 8:30 rolled around, we headed back to the truck and started on the 16 mile stretch that is a loop around the park. It was surreal to be there in the early morning with the sun shining over the monuments and trees. It’s definitely somewhere we’d like to go back to one day with kids to teach them more about our country’s history. You could easily spend a long weekend there going up to all of the monuments one by one and reading them in full, then enjoying picnics on one of the many benches along the way. Check this post out from my social media if you’re interested in learning more in depth about what we experienced there!👇 One of my favorite meals on this trip was the one we had when we finished the loop on the tailgate of the truck. Even though it was cold and windy, it was freeing to know we were doing ourselves a favor by saving some moolah and getting to actually enjoy “life on the road” style eating and making what we had out of the cooler on our little portable MSR stove we use for camping. It was also the first time we used the portable Ninja smoothie maker I got on Amazon as well, and OMG I use it basically everyday now. I’m obsessed. 💁♀️ Check that out here if you’re into easy smoothies and quick cleanup! From Vicksburg Down To The Big Easy From there we drove further south onto New Orleans, stopping at a few rest stops along the way to take bathroom breaks and grab some snacks from the back. (We kept the bigger bins strapped down in the back of the truck so that we had extra space in the cab). Peep these retractable ratchet straps the hubs found so I don’t have to struggle getting them open and closed anymore! 😂 PS! If you’re wondering what all we took along for the ride, check out my first post in this series where I go in depth about what we decided to pack. One of my favorite parts of this drive was getting to move across the land portion and into more of the water crossings. Several times when looking to either side we saw houses on stilts in the water and boat paths to parking lots underneath the bridges. It was really cool to imagine living like that and although it would be super aesthetic and amazing, I’m not sure if having to take a boat to a parking lot and then a vehicle to where else I wanted would be the most efficient way of getting around…then again maybe that is the peace that a lot of us are always looking for…living with less objects, less stress, and less worry about why our DoorDash app isn’t working. (Me this morning)🙈 Our Airbnb Located on a Plantation The Airbnb we booked for this evening happened to be located on an actual plantation! It was insane when we got there to see the beautiful old home and property with the most gorgeous trees I’ve ever seen. (Check the pics above!) I wish they had these up north because they were just so awe-inspiring to take in. I talk a bunch about the plantation in more depth on the socials, (and just like with the Vicksburg part of our trip, I’ll be dedicating a blog post solely to the plantation as well at the end of the series). Please come back so we can be forever friends. 🤓 Once checked in, we decided to stroll the grounds a little and stumbled upon a tour that was happening in like, 4 minutes!😂 We grabbed our tickets and were immediately immersed in the history of the property and even got to walk the rest of the grounds on a self-guided tour after the guide was done speaking on the inside of the home. It was definitely one of those happen-stance moments where we really felt like winging it was the way to go. Which kind of travel do you prefer? St. Rose Tavern and My First Catfish Meal Once we finished the tour we asked the visitor center for some local food recommendations, and were *not* disappointed when we drove down the road a few minutes to the St. Rose Tavern. This was one of those little gems that you only get to stumble upon once in a while when traveling, and it was one of our favorite stops during the entire trip. We had a blast talking with the
Looking Back at January 2025 Posts
January 2025 came in hot and slightly chaotic, in the best way. Between sore legs, big feelings, deep thoughts, and a whole lot of reflection, this month felt less like easing into the new year and more like being gently shoved into growth. Looking back now, it’s clear that January wasn’t about resolutions at all, it was about awareness, honesty, and letting experiences do what they do best: change you. January 10, 2025 Escape Vs. Experience After returning to work and hitting total exhaustion, I realized how much my mind needs quiet moments to slow down and actually think. Stepping away on a sabbatical to Kauai, and spending days camping, hiking, and backpacking the Kalalau Trail, gave me the space to reconnect with creativity and myself. Being fully immersed in nature pushed me physically and mentally, challenged what I thought bothered me, and forced a deeper level of self-awareness. It wasn’t just an escape from routine, but a transformative experience that reshaped how I think, create, and show up in my life. Escape Vs. Experience: The Journey To Becoming Self-Aware: Kauai, Part 1 January 16, 2025 Dry January I reflect on my complicated relationship with alcohol and question why quitting drinking carries such a stigma, especially when it was once such a normalized part of my life. Choosing sobriety in my life felt right immediately, even though navigating social situations without alcohol brought its own discomfort. By focusing on alternatives like sparkling water, mocktails, and NA options, I’ve learned that it’s the connection and memories that matter, not the drink itself. Ultimately, this journey is about breaking generational habits, reclaiming clarity, and honestly asking whether alcohol is something I’m consuming or something that was consuming me. Dry January…What About A Dry Life? 3 Cheers For Breaking The Generational Habit Of Alcoholism Part 1 January 24, 2025 How To Put Pain First Looking back, I realize how much my relationship with pain has shifted over time. What once felt like something to avoid became a teacher, especially in moments of grief, physical challenge, and quiet reflection, like listening to my grandmother’s old voicemails. I can see now that the pain I tried to push away was often the very thing strengthening me and expanding who I was becoming. In hindsight, embracing discomfort instead of numbing it helped me grow more confident, more grounded, and more willing to stand in my truth. Figuring Out How To Put Pain First: Looking Through A Different Lens January 29, 2025 Time To Start Thriving Part 2 of our Kauai trip. I can see how clearly it reinforced my belief that life is meant to be lived, not just endured. Being fully present on the Na Pali Coast, unplugged from routine and distractions, reminded me how much richer everything feels when I prioritize connection, adventure, and rest. Returning home made it obvious how easily we slip back into survival mode and how intentional we have to be to keep that sense of freedom alive. This trip didn’t just give me memories, it reshaped how I think about time, work, and the kind of life I want to keep building. Time To Start Thriving In Life Instead Of Simply Surviving: Kauai, Part 2 January 31, 2025 Letting Go Of My Past Self I can see how much my perspective on parenthood and identity has evolved from who I once thought I needed to be. Letting go of my past self and the expectations others placed on me has made space for more presence, trust, and intention in this season of life. As I’ve learned to quiet overthinking and focus on what truly grounds me, the idea of preparing for parenthood feels less like pressure and more like a natural unfolding. This chapter, including the launch of my first book, has taught me that growth doesn’t come from having everything figured out, but from showing up fully and trusting the process. Focusing On Letting Go Of My Past Self And Trusting The Process Of The Present (Including The Launch Of My First Book) As I flip through these moments now, I’m grateful for how each one built on the last, from adventure and exhaustion to clarity, discomfort, and trust. January reminded me that growth doesn’t follow a straight line and that sometimes the most meaningful shifts happen quietly, between trips, conversations, and internal reckonings. If this month taught me anything, it’s that showing up, staying curious, and allowing life to unfold is often enough. Here’s to carrying that energy forward, a little more grounded, a little more intentional, and a lot more open to what’s next.
Southern States Road Trip Day 2: Nashville to Mississippi (Food, Miles & Lessons Learned)
Hey hey!! So as we move through the days of the Southern Series roadtrip, I’ll be breaking some posts up into smaller ones because a few of the days were *super* packed full of awesome things to talk about. While the first couple days were more about just getting situated and a including a lot of miles, which is why we’ll be keeping today’s post similar to Post #1 in that it’ll be all about Day 2’s activities and adventures. Legoooo! Breakfast in Nashville and Our Attempt at Travel Routines So! After enjoying our first airbnb (stay tuned til the end of the series where we decide to ditch the airbnbs for another option), we packed up, loaded the food back into our cooler, then quickly foam rolled and stretched…the only day we managed to keep this habit…boo to that! Part of something I was just talking about on socials yesterday was that keeping consistent routines and habits throughout traveling are of utmost importance. (You can read more about that over on FB if you’d like! I share daily updates there as well).💁♀️ So speaking of that, I am really sad that we only instilled these for one singular day and then completely avoided it the rest of the trip. Oops. We decided to grab breakfast nearby at a place called Sweet Milk, where the hubs grabbed a hot honey bowl (we were in Nashville, after all), and I went with the protein powerhouse, steak and eggs. I may or may not have grabbed like two or three delicious drinks here, and we also scooped up a GINOURMOUS cinnamon roll for the road. (It lasted *days.*) I wish I snagged a picture of it to show you guys. 🤦♀️ When it came to meals out on this trip, we had the intention of treating ourselves to once per day. We actually stuck to this pretty well except for a few days, but we’re planning to do more cooking next time after seeing our overall spend for restaurants despite our rule! 😳 (I’ll touch on this in the end of the series as well). Since we’re working on packing less and less each time we travel, we opted to wear a few fits more than once. Driving days got their own outfit, and we’d wash them once we found the first set of machines. Judge if you will, but sweats take up a TON of space in a backpack, mmkay. What do you prefer to wear while traveling? Road Trip Grocery Stops and an Airbnb Check-In in Mississippi This day, we drove through Birmingham, AL all the way to Jackson, MS, where we stocked up on groceries and some more water. Where did we shop at you ask? Dollar General, of course! These are everywhere, and have basically everything you need if there’s no box stores around. We got the essentials from here for just a few bucks, and with that savings, went to the Whole Foods about 5 minutes away to grab some of our favorite snacks and drinks…guys. You *can* have savings AND your favorite things, too. 💁♀️ PS! Don’t forget to add your Amazon Prime discount when you shop at Whole Foods, it adds up! We checked in after that to our next airbnb, assessed the place and unloaded the necessities, then decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood enjoying the warmth of the 80 degree weather we were not used to in December back home. It was a short treat, since it would soon be in the 30s again!! 🙈 We have always like the option of airbnbs for easy booking and fun locations, but not all of them are as awesome as they look in the photos. The bed was a little rough, and there was hardly any space to cook, but we still managed to heat up leftovers from the night before (check the last post if you wanna read what we got!), and with the new chicken from the grocery store, we prepped it for the next days lunch. Although we planned to hit the hay early because we were wanting an early start, dog sitter issues arose last minute and kept us up until late. Because of this, and the bed sitch, we slept terrible but it was only Day 2! So we got back into the “we’re on vacation” mindset, grabbed some caffeine and hit the road. Looking back, this was the start of the downhill burnout that was snowballing into getting sick. 🤧 Dividing Tasks, Communicating Well, and Traveling as a Team Now the start of Day 3 we’ll cover briefly since I want to share with you how we utilize both of our time wisely (so far, this was the best trip for that!), so that we can keep moving and not waste time getting sucked into doom scrolling or having one person do all the work. I think after having this experience in particular, it’s very important to note while traveling like this (without a plan and driving a bunch), to ensure effectiveness and communicating well with your partner so that you can keep forging ahead with the least amount of stress as possible. We did still manage to get up decently early despite the fumbles the night before, so we got packed up again, and made our way to the next place. (Which we usually decided after we were already on the road). I thought this part was really fun. It was a little overwhelming some days when it was nearing 3 or 4pm, but we always found a good spot and enjoyed the location we ended up in. If you have a partner with you while traveling, I recommend having one person pack and one person load the vehicle. This way, both of you have a specific system for that specific area, and things will always be put back in their proper place so that you can relocate them
The Southern Series: Day 1 of Our Southern States Road Trip
Hey friends! You may have noticed a slight shift in how the posts have been looking lately, and that’s because we’ve been on a 2-week road trip to the southern United States. It’s been amazing, but it’s also been hella busy. There’s been lessons learned, highs and lows, burn out, debates about which place to stay or how far to go, or what to eat or buy in the grocery store…it’s a whole thing. A whole thing however that I want to share with you! My hopes by doing so is to encourage you to get out there and road trip on your own, with a loved one, or even with a family if you’d like. So here’s the first part of this series, (maybe we’ll call it the Southern Series, eh?) 🧐 Although a little complex at times, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Let’s get into it! P.S.!! Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook or Instagram! I post daily updates there each night sharing piece by piece what each day entailed. You’ll find more details about everything we did in the day, along with videos and more pictures. Thanks for your support along the way! Now let’s dig in! ✨ Planning Our Southern States Road Trip Route We had planned this trip for a few months. Nothing was quite set in stone, not even the actual route, so we just landed on “we’ll just start driving south and figure it out from there.” We had attempted planning different routes for weeks, months even, just to not be 100% sure on which way we actually wanted to go, (at first we’d planned to go all the way to Florida (we’re in Pgh, PA for context), and then head west through Big Bend (Texas), out a little further and then back up. THANK FREAKING GOODNESS WE DIDN’T DO THAT. 😅 Although it sounded like a fantastic idea to start, we eventually realized that we’d have to drive between 8-9 hours per day to realistically get through all the states that we had planned. (That doesn’t include stopping for refreshments, food, fuel, and bathroom breaks). It also didn’t account for places we’d like to stop and explore, or hike. So after much discussion, we determined that heading directly south would be the best bet….until like, the night before. LOL. More Travels: Sequoia National Park Highlights: Tunnel Log Drive and the Moro Rock Climb We were going to go straight to Florida first, so that we had ample time there, since we knew that state itself would deserve the most time. But alas, it became the plan to go through West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, where we stopped outside of Nashville in a super cute airbnb. (Check the social pages for what it looked like!) 😌 But of course, as you know I’m a five star over-thinker, which means when the next morning came, we had already changed our minds. 😂 Packing, Pivoting, and a Not-So-Early Start We usually leave the day after Christmas to go on trips, but instead we used that day to prep, pack, and load the vehicle for the day after, so that we could just get up and hit the road early. …rightttt. After further debating on if heading straight to Florida would be the best route, we knew we didn’t want to miss out on stops like Vicksburg, TN and New Orleans, LA. (The main reason for wanting to go straight to FL was because of the weather. It was going to cool down which meant we’d escape the cold front and be in warmer weather, faster. So instead of beginning our drive in the dark around 5-6am, we didn’t get on the road until about 9:15am after stopping for a pastry and coffee nearby home since we were hungry by that point because it’d been so long. 🙃 Tips for the Road: Meals, Snacks & Memories: Eating Healthy While Traveling Let me also mention that we fully planned to rent a full size SUV from Enterprise, right up until the point of being in the parking lot. It was at that time that we realized the back of the SUV didn’t look like what we thought it would, (we were planning to use it to car-camp), so it was basically null and void at that point. We also liked the idea of having our things in the back, unlike the truck where they’d be exposed. After this decision to save a whopping $1,500, we figured we were on the right track to engage in our longest, budget-friendly road trip. We managed to pack everything we thought we’d need for our Southern Road Trip into: 2 large totes (sleeping bags/tent/camp chairs/camp pillows/pillowcases & sheets & cooking food and cookware) 3 small totes (road snacks, self-care items, electronics, shoes, a med-kit and a few small games) 3 normal sized backpacks (coats, clothing, last minute items) 2 duffel bags (clothing separated into cube zipper bags) 1 cooler (cold items or regular food storage) This allowed us to not only save more on the trip in snacks, drinks and food, but clear out the things in our home that would have sat during this time and gone to waste. Yay us! Ending Day One of Our Southern States Road Trip We had a few pit stops along the way this day, particularly at the rest stop in Belmont, Ohio, and again before the Tennessee border to stretch, use the bathroom and refuel with anything from the cooler. We crossed into the time zone change as well around this point, which always seems fun for some reason? 🤷♀️ During the drive, I used my passenger seat time to search for the best stays, work on the laptop, and find cool places along the way. At this point we were also realized that we made a good decision to use our truck instead of renting the SUV, because we know how
New Year Weight Loss Journey: Lessons in Health, Strength, and Sustainable Change
Beyond the Scale: How AI Helped Me Understand My Body (and Lose 11.8 Pounds) After years of trial and error, I finally learned how to eat in a way that worked for my body, not against it. By combining fasting education, structured workouts, and personalized nutrition guidance built around my real schedule, I lost nearly 12 pounds in just four weeks while improving energy, strength, and recovery. This post explores how using AI intentionally, without giving up personal responsibility, helped me build sustainable habits and finally break through a long-standing plateau. It is proof that the right tools, paired with mindful effort, can create real and lasting change. Calling All Women! How Introducing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Can Be Life-Changing What started as something completely outside my comfort zone quickly turned into a lifestyle that challenged my body, sharpened my focus, and pushed me to grow in ways traditional workouts never had. From balancing training with real life to learning when to push and when to slow down, BJJ has taught me discipline, humility, and confidence. This post is a reminder that fitness does not have to be boring or intimidating, and that women absolutely belong in combat sports. If you are looking for a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and self-trust, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might be exactly what you need. Overcoming Negativity On The Scale: How I’m Learning To Be Okay With My Body In this look-back post, I share a deeply personal health journey that began with an unexpected doctor’s appointment and a wake-up call to lose weight in order to reverse fatty liver disease. Despite staying active and believing I was eating “well enough,” I discovered how easy it is for hidden health issues to exist beneath the surface. Through a short but eye-opening experiment, I learned just how quickly weight can return when balance slips, and how closely energy, fatigue, and food choices are connected. This post is not about perfection or chasing a number on the scale. It is about listening to your body, understanding your habits, and redefining health in a way that feels sustainable, realistic, and mentally healthy. I invite you to focus less on the scale and more on how you feel, making small, intentional changes that support long-term wellness. Learning To Walk Through Struggle: Realizing My Journey Is My Own What began as an exciting adventure quickly turned into a lesson in perseverance, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through physical exhaustion, mental doubt, and moments of frustration, I was reminded that struggle is unavoidable, both on the trail and in life. This experience reinforced the idea that growth often requires slowing down, going inward, and choosing to push through discomfort rather than avoiding it. The hike was difficult, but the lessons and clarity gained along the way made every step worth it. Three Day Fasting, Big Reset: How It Jumpstarted My Weight Loss and Nutrition Journey I reflect on my experience completing a three-day fast, sharing the real highs, the difficult lows, and the surprising results that came from it. This was not a simple challenge or a quick reset. It pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I did not fully expect. I also explore what it truly means to “fast like a girl,” listening to my body rather than forcing extremes, and honoring balance over perfection. Three days was not easy, but the clarity, discipline, and insight I gained made the experience deeply impactful.
The Posts That Make Me Thankful
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been looking back on all the moments that shaped me- the big adventures, the quiet wins, the unexpected lessons, and the people and places that made life feel full. Gratitude has been the thread running through every experience, even the hard ones, and revisiting these posts reminds me just how much there is to be thankful for. From early-morning trailheads and cold canyon waters to the soft nudge of a dog’s paw or a lesson learned from my little sister, each moment added something to my story this year. So here’s a look back at the posts that held meaning, growth, and a whole lot of gratitude. Personal Growth I’m so thankful for the HB community and the way you’ve supported both your own growth and mine. This post reflects on how uncomfortable seasons push us forward, why our passions matter, and how important it is to stay grounded in gratitude while we figure out who we’re becoming.Personal Growth We Backpacked Rim-River-Rim Of The Grand Canyon In 2 Days One of the biggest adventures we tackled this year was our two-day Rim–River–Rim trek, and I’m so thankful for everything it taught us. From landing the permits to packing ultralight gear and navigating the heat, the prep alone was an experience but hiking down into the canyon and climbing back out gave us memories we’ll never forget. I’m grateful for the little lessons along the way: how quickly electrolytes disappear, how the scenery shifts from desert to lush greens near Havasupai Gardens, and how good it feels to push past what you thought you could do.Backing Rim-River-Rim Personal Growth Through Family Relationships Here, I’m especially thankful for my little sister. I’m so thankful for my little sister and the way she constantly reminds me what growth really looks like. Watching her face fears, push through tough times, make new friends, improve her nutrition, hit new milestones, and slowly step into her confidence has been one of the greatest gifts.My Sister Becomes A Baddie My Life As A Dog Mom I’m so thankful for my dogs and the way they pull me back into the present when life gets too loud. Their barks, paws, and endless enthusiasm remind me to get up, stretch, breathe, and step outside when I’d otherwise stay glued to a screen. I talk about how grateful I am for Dixie and Loki – my built-in energy protectors – who’ve taught me to choose peace over chaos, presence over distraction, and joy over burnout. They help me notice the simple things, reset my mindset, and find gratitude in everyday life, whether we’re traveling, walking the neighborhood, or just cuddling on the couch.My Life As A Dog Mom The Narrows in Zion National Park I’m so thankful for our whole Utah adventure from snagging that cozy, budget-friendly Coral Springs resort with its giant kitchen, to the peaceful mornings kayaking around St. George. The Narrows brought its own kind of magic with chilly water, towering canyon walls, and the lessons that come from an unplanned 8-mile river trek. This trip grounded me in all the best ways and reminded me how good it feels to travel simply, cook our own meals, chase sunsets, and take every adventure at a pace that feels right.The Narrows Finding Myself As I Travel In this post, I share how thankful I am for the way travel has reshaped my life and my attitude toward the world. I talk about the small steps that led me from casual walks to hiking, camping, backpacking, and eventually standing on mountaintop ridgelines with the love of my life, surrounded by oceans, mountains, pine trees, and even condors flying beside us. I’m grateful for how these experiences made me feel grounded, connected, and more open to others listening without judgment and finding joy in their stories. I also express gratitude for where Habitual Balance is headed, the adventures still to come (including our first beach campground in Kauai!), and the amazing community that continues to grow alongside me.https://habitualbalance.com/finding-myself-as-i-travel-another-trip-around-the-sun/ Practicing Gratitude in 2023 I’m thankful for the slow, simple moments that make life feel fuller like watching storm clouds drift away on a summer evening, feeling the wind on my face with my eyes closed, or listening to cows and birds as the world calms itself down. I talk about being grateful for nature, for stillness, for the chance to breathe deeply and remember that gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m thankful for the reminder to let go of the chaos the red lights, the spilled-milk arguments, the noise and instead pay attention to what actually matters. This post is my heartfelt push to appreciate the good and the bad, to be fully present, to breathe intentionally, and to choose gratitude every single morning, even if it’s just for ten seconds.https://habitualbalance.com/practicing-gratitude-in-2023/ Thankful For YOU! Looking back at each post reminded me how lucky I am to have a community that grows with me, and embraces the beauty of becoming better one small step at a time. I’m so so thankful for every reader who travels this journey with me, who finds comfort or just a tiny bit of inspiration in these stories, and who’s choosing their own version of growth right alongside me. Here’s to carrying this gratitude into the days ahead, creating more memories worth looking back on, and continuing to build this little corner of the internet into a place where we can all feel seen, supported, and excited for what’s next.
10 REI Gear Upgrades I’d Buy Again — Especially During Black Friday Sales
If you’ve spent any amount of time on a trail — whether it’s wandering through your local state park or hauling a pack up switchbacks in the middle of nowhere — you already know this: good gear matters. And not just in the bougie, “cute new outfit for the woods” kind of way.I’m talking about the stuff that keeps you safe, dry, warm, and sane when everything around you is testing your patience. With Black Friday rolling through, I wanted to share the gear that has actually earned its spot in our packs — the things we’ve dragged through rainforests, deserts, mountain passes, and way too many “how is this STILL uphill?” trails. These aren’t wish-list items. These are the things we use constantly, trust fully, and would buy again even if they weren’t on sale. So here are my 10 favorite REI gear upgrades — the ones that have carried us through some of the toughest miles yet. 1) Osprey Eja 48 Pack (men’s version: Exos) This pack is the reason my shoulders haven’t filed an official complaint with HR. We’ve taken our Eja/Exos packs through the Nā Pali Coast, the Grand Canyon, and plenty of “why did we think this was a good idea?” training hikes — and they’re still going strong. They’re lightweight, breathable, and durable enough that I’m pretty sure mine will outlive me. Truly the definition of a workhorse pack. 2) Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Sleeping Pad We switched to this pad because of the wider top section… and honestly? Never going back. The extra space makes sleeping with a partner way less annoying, and the insulation keeps us warm even when the temps drop. It packs smaller than our old pad and gives us a way better night’s sleep — which is priceless on long backpacking trips. My sister uses the single version and loves it just as much. 3) Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent This tent has seen everything. Rainforest moisture, desert dust, freezing mountain nights — and it has handled all of it like a champ. We bought it for backpacking because it’s insanely lightweight, but quickly realized it outperforms our heavier car-camping tent too. It dries fast, packs tiny, and we’ve never had issues with leaks or wet gear. Basically, it’s the tent we bring for every single style of camping now. 4) Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles These poles literally saved me from falling off a cliff on the Nā Pali Coast. I grabbed them on a whim before that hike, and thank goodness I did. There are a few different styles, but the durability across the board is solid. I won’t go on a backpacking trip without them anymore — they’re more than worth their ounces. 5) Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX Trail-Running Shoes If you’ve been around here long enough, you already know: I LOVED my Speedcross 5s. Like… favorite shoes of my entire wardrobe. Then I upgraded to the 6s and somehow loved them even more. They stay dry, hold up for long miles, and after hundreds of trail miles I still haven’t gotten a single blister. I even converted my husband to Salomon — and he’s never looked back. 6) Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket This is the rain jacket I compare all other rain jackets to… and they never win. It’s lightweight, packable, wind-blocking, actually waterproof, and warm enough to layer when the weather turns on you. I bring it everywhere now and will keep using it until it falls apart (which, given Patagonia’s track record, might be never). 7) Garmin inReach Mini 2 We used the larger Garmin for years, but the Mini 2 has completely replaced it. It’s lighter, easier to clip onto the front of your pack, and just makes more sense for long backpacking trips. Yes, it requires a monthly subscription — but when you’re off-trail, off-grid, or just out longer than planned, that SOS button becomes priceless. 8) Petzl Swift RL Headlamp We love these headlamps so much that we now bring four instead of two. Our older headlamps would toggle on accidentally inside the pack (and drain the battery, of course). These newer Swifts actually stay locked, keep their charge, and have a great red-light mode for camp so you’re not accidentally blinding everyone around you. They’re small, bright, reliable — basically everything you want in a headlamp. 9) Rab Xenair Alpine Flex Insulated Jacket We bought these before prepping for Mt. Whitney and had no idea what to expect since we didn’t know the brand well. Turns out… Rab is a premium outerwear company and now one of my absolute favorites. This jacket is lightweight and packable but blocks wind like crazy. It’s lightly water resistant, fits beautifully, and has slowly replaced several other jackets in my closet. I wear it for backpacking, hiking, errands — everything. 10) MSR Switch Stove System Hands down our favorite stove setup so far. It’s compact, easy to use, and nestles together perfectly in the pack. The little measuring marks inside the plastic piece are a game changer — no more “soupy mystery meals.” You can actually measure your dehydrated meal water accurately, which makes dinner at camp so much better. Final Thoughts If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your gear — or replacing something that’s been driving you nuts all year — Black Friday is the time to do it. These are the 10 REI items we reach for again and again, the ones that survived some of our toughest miles, and the ones I’d buy again (full price!) without hesitation. And honestly? Upgrading your gear isn’t about being fancy — it’s about making the miles feel easier and the whole experience more enjoyable. When your pack fits right, your tent holds up, and your shoes aren’t plotting your downfall, you get to focus on the good stuff: the views, the conversations, and the quiet moments you’ll remember long after your legs stop burning. May your pack