Photo found on Pinterest
Ever since I re-started this newsletter and my podcast, the weeks have been going soooo slow - in the best way. I find myself eagerly waiting for Mondays and Wednesdays because I’m just so excited to chat with you all and to read your thoughts on my thoughts.
This little corner of the internet feels like a piece of sanity amidst all the fast-paced chaos, and honestly, I’m so grateful you’re here.
Today, I want to share some things I’m letting out and some things I’m letting in, inspired by this past month of July. If you like this letter, I might even make it a little series.
Letting Out
Expectations. I’ve been so let down lately - by friends, acquaintances, by people who just don’t stay true to their word. I really loathe this about our generation: we don’t seem to have principles like the generations before us. We say we’ll call, but never do. We’re always late. We don’t value other people’s time, money, or attention. Like, if you know you’re not going to show up or call or whatever, just… don’t say you will?
Anything... New. I’m sorry, but I just can’t connect to almost anything recent. No music, no movies, no books - it just doesn’t speak to me. Am I saying it’s all bad? Of course not. But anything after 2016? I just struggle. The storytelling, the scripts, the acting… it just doesn’t hit like the old stuff. Most of it feels empty, like cash grabs. Where’s the love? The passion? The blood, sweat, and tears that go into a project? I, as the audience, need to feel it. otherwise, I just can’t connect.
Cheap clothes made from cheap fabrics. Ugh. Take this from your fellow 30-year-old-senior citizen who has spent way too much money on that stuff: quality clothes will improve your style and your confidence. Polyester doesn’t let your body breathe, it doesn’t look good, it doesn’t last, and the list goes on. I’ve spent the last few years turning over my closet, and at this point, my closet consists of about 90% natural fabrics.
Toxic independence. Kind of related to expectations, but this one deserves its own callout. I used to think needing no one was a flex. Now I realize it’s actually a trauma response. Somewhere along the line, we decided being completely self-sufficient was the goal - no help, no weakness, no softness. But it’s lonely. It’s rigid. It doesn’t leave room for being human. I’m letting go of the idea that I have to do everything alone.
Letting In
Asking for help. This one kinda goes against the expectations I mentioned, because asking for help does come with some expectations, but I’ve realized how important community really is, and how much we need each other. Traveling and need someone to water your plants? Ask your neighbor! Out of milk but stuck at work? Ask a friend to grab some. Worst case, someone says no (which they totally can and that’s of course completely okay). But sometimes, people say yes - and sometimes they even follow through! Anyway, at least ask.
Parks. One of my favorite travel rituals is grabbing a coffee or any little treat, finding a spot in the park, and just watching the world go by. Kids playing, people walking dogs, couples chatting on benches - it reminds me that life is simple and beautiful in its everyday moments. Parks give me space to breathe, to slow down, to be present. They’re like little oases of calm in a noisy world, and honestly, they’re where I feel most connected - to the place, to people, and to myself. I’ll definitely use this recent realization when booking upcoming trips.
Low-effort joy. Sometimes it’s the smallest, simplest things that brighten our day - a message from a friend out of the blue, the perfect avocado that’s ripe but not too soft, or finding a pad just when you desperately need one. There’s a kind of magic in those everyday moments that don’t demand much but give so much. For me, it’s also the familiar comforts I keep coming back to: the Harry Potter film score, or those chick flicks I grew up watching. I’ve seen them all a hundred times, but somehow, they still feel like a warm hug. I’ll put on the music, read a chapter from the books, or rewatch a scene or two - and just like that, a wave of calm and joy washes over me. It’s easy, it’s effortless, and it’s exactly what I need.
What are you letting out and letting in this month?
Some links before I let you go:
My latest Youtube video about my trip to Greece
My latest podcast episode exclusive on Substack
:)
Huggies
Lana
This letter felt like a deep breath I didn’t know I needed. The part about expectations really hit home. I’ve been feeling that same disappointment lately. It’s hard not to take it personally when people don’t follow through, even when you try to keep your hopes low.
And the “letting in” section? Total heart balm. Parks, low-effort joy, asking for help… it’s like you put words to everything I’ve been craving without realizing it.
Would love to see this become a series. It’s honest, grounding, and genuinely comforting please keep sharing. 💖
This month, I’m letting out: perfectionism. Letting in: slow mornings and giving myself grace. 😌
This was so calming...like a gentle hug <3