Personal Essays

Exploring the art of intentional living through personal essays, photos, and thoughtful reflections. If you're craving authentic connection and deeper meaning, join me for honest storytelling where every photograph holds a piece of our shared human experience, and every reflection invites you to slow down and see the beauty hiding in ordinary days.

How Art Helped Me Survive the Hardest Year of My Life

When everything felt like it was falling apart during my mom's illness, art became the one thing that made sense. Here's how art became my survival tool through the hardest year of my life, and what research says about why creating helps us heal.

Oct 84 min read

woman standing in front of a lake at dusk

You Don't Need Your Life Figured Out by 25 (And Here's Why That's Actually Good News)

Your timeline doesn't need to match anyone else's, and that's not just okay, it's often better. The pressure to have your life figured...

Oct 14 min read

Deinfluencing, Autumn Edition: What You Don't Need This Fall

Fall marketing wants you to believe you need a complete seasonal makeover: new clothes, new decor, new routines. But what if the coziest autumn comes from appreciating what you already have? Here's your permission to skip the seasonal shopping spree and embrace a more intentional approach to fall.

Sep 184 min read

Bride holding a white and pink floral arrangement

How to Plan a Wedding Without Losing Your Sanity

Planning a wedding turns you into a temporary event planning expert, but most people only use that knowledge once. Here's everything I learned about staying sane, saving money, and handling disasters so my hard-earned wedding wisdom doesn't go to waste. From unconventional venues to the truth about vendor pricing.

Sep 167 min read

Navigating Grief After Losing a Parent: A Journey Through Loss and Healing

Losing a parent changes everything, but losing them to dementia means grieving twice: once for the person they were, and again when they're gone. Here's an honest reflection on navigating the complex journey of grief, from anticipatory loss to finding ways to heal and honor their memory.

Sep 104 min read

A bride and groom pose for a photo on a rustic farm.

How to Plan a Wedding in 2 Weeks

When time became precious, we planned our entire wedding in 2 weeks. Here's how we created a meaningful celebration on short notice, with practical tips for last-minute weddings.

Sep 35 min read

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