Breaking My Procrastination Cycle
Bringing you my 2025 favorite things
My life is currently defined by our move to Portland (as you know from my last post). And with our move came the much appreciated advice and guidance from friends, family, and others who have recently made big moves. In some form or another the sentiment of the advice was to go slowly, take one day at a time– the reminder that I’m not going to conquer all of the things the first month or even the second or third. Get the kids settled then focus on yourself.
Over the first few months, I listened to their advice and channeled all of my energy into the kids and their needs (don’t worry, I didn’t completely let myself go). I wanted to get their rooms set up and their things in place so that they could have the softest landing possible. I wanted to get them settled in school and into activities and all the things that make their world’s go around. My needs weren’t as important as theirs and I was okay with that, even grateful for that perspective because it meant I wasn’t torn in different directions and could really focus my energy in a few places rather than scattered all over. And as cheesy as it may sound or cliche or whatever, it really has brought me so much joy to see and hear how good they are– happy and in a groove.
Until the last few weeks, I haven’t felt the strong pull that I’m all too familiar with to establish a routine. I have the staples and have loosely filled in the hours with the usual. I’ve used my free time to “explore” Portland. Read: find my go to grocery store(s), workout class, the post office, the specialty grocery store that I can wander through for far too long and leave purchasing only one thing even though I could have bought a bajillion. The list goes on. I can get to a few places without using Google maps and that’s a huge win!
It’s the mundane, simple things that have slowly added up to begin to allow me to feel more like I live here (Portland) and less like I got dropped out of a space ship.
The beginning of a new year does something to all of us. For me, it was a realization that I could shift my energy back towards myself. That I needed to. That it was time. While definitely uncomfortable, I have slowly started to do it. It’s been subtle but awakening.
Things I’m doing to return to myself:
Purge my closet. Like actually do it– not just sort of kind of do it like I did while packing up for the move.
Move my body. My goal is 4+ times a week again even if it’s just 30 minutes, although ideally more. It helps that one of my favorite workouts from Chicago is now available on-demand!! And I’m really digging this pilates studio here in Portland when I need to find energy through group movement.
Read books. I read People We Meet on Vacation just in time to watch the movie on Netflix – do both. Just finished Wreck the sequel to Sandwich– love the writing and dialogue and raw honesty. I’m now on to Heart the Lover which has been buzzing around and I’m excited even though I’ve heard it’s a massive tear jerker. Up next I want to read the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. Drop your recommendations in the comments!!
Write regularly. I can procrastinate no longer. I hope to have a newsletter in your inbox every two weeks again. Please hold me accountable.
Cook or bake a new recipes. Not every night! But weekly, bi-weekly, as often as it feels good. I have found that when I need to calm my nervous system, cooking with a podcast on in the background really does it for me. Good Hang with Amy Poehler has been the newest addition in my lineup. Go listen!
This is a start, my start, and I’m by no means claiming that any of the things are ground breaking— let’s be honest they really are not. But for me, they are the small adjustments I need to begin to feel more me. And with these small changes and reintroductions, I have already noticed that I’m able to show up for my family in a way that feels calmer, more present. Still exhausted at the end of the day and ready for bed at 8pm, but now with a stronger sense of accomplishment. Curious what you do to come back to yourself?!
During my purge (this is has been happening over days/weeks just to keep it real), I have been focused on letting go of the things that I’ve been holding onto but not actually wearing. The things that don’t fit even though I’ve convinced myself they do, the things that I don’t love but I’ve been letting come along for the ride because maybe I’ll like them again or maybe I didn’t get much wear out of them and am disappointed I bought them in the first place. I hold on hoping they’ll have their moment in the sun. They do not.
The bonus is that underneath all of the layers, my most worn items have revealed themselves– the things I reach for because they are staples, are easy to put on, the most comfortable, the tried and true.
So here they are, the things I’m most excited to bring into 2026 from 2025. My favorite, foundational pieces and a few things I can’t go a day without.
Donni silk pants (good for all seasons)
JCrew button down (do not leave home for a trip without it, warm or cold weather)
Mansur Gavriel mini mini fortuna bucket or the mini
Kroma matcha AMILLIONTABS15
Nike field general or dunk high
Jenni Kayne crewneck sweater (loose and oversized but doesn’t take over)
Left On Friday bikini top or this one is great and bottoms (I’m a high waisted for life but all their suits are amazing)
Harley T or Mother lil goodie goodie (or both, in a few staple colors)
Nili Lotan Shon jean (obsession is an understatement, splurge for sure but worth it)
The Row boots (slightly late to the game, had to do it finally this year and not looking back)
Agolde Luna jeans (if I live in one pair forever, these are them)
Leset Margo long sleeve t (not tissue, structured and perfect length)
The Row ballet flats (there are so many this style, these happened to be the ones I got a couple years ago and am still in love with today)
Nike Vomero Plus (my favorite for walking and gortex because PNW)
Clare V tote (have in a green from years ago, bring it everywhere because it packs perfectly into a suitcase and can carry all of the things)
Almina concept cardigan
Roz milk hair serum (finally replaced my Bumble n Bumble after all these years and I’m hooked)
Roz shampoo and conditioner (the scent alone is enough for me, added bonus that my hair has never dried better)
As always, if you purchase something from my links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I’m so grateful to have you all here (and feel free to share with your friends)— xoxo