ately, I’ve been
overwhelmed by the
sheer beauty that
life has to offer. I’m talking about the simple, everyday wonders that often go unnoticed in the hustle of our daily routines. It’s the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you, like the morning glories that decided to claim my tomato plants as their own. What started as a small nuisance soon turned into a daily reminder that nature will always find a way to surprise us—those delicate purple blooms, wrapping themselves around the green vines, seemed to tell me to stop and appreciate the unexpected.
This summer, more than ever, I’ve been in awe of these little things. Whether it’s the soft, multicolored toe pads of our kittens or the dramatic rise of the sun over the Grand Canyon, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These moments of beauty have grounded me, especially when the grind of daily life feels like it’s too much.
Gratitude is something I try to practice regularly, but sometimes—let’s be honest—it’s hard. Between work, the never-ending stream of news, and everyday demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. That’s why this summer, I made a conscious effort to step away from it all and give my brain a chance to reset.
The summer kicked off with a family beach week in Florida. We headed south to spend time with my mom, my siblings, and all the cousins. There’s something about being by the ocean that instantly relaxes you—the sound of the waves, the feel of warm sand, the endless horizon. But the real magic was in the moments we spent together. Floating in the water, laughing with my siblings, and watching our kids play while Grandma looked on—those are the memories I’ll cherish.
Being offline at the beach meant no distractions, just pure, unfiltered time with the people I love most. We had lazy mornings with coffee together, afternoons filled with swimming, and evenings of laughter and conversation. It was the perfect way to start the summer, a reminder that the best moments in life don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be shared.
L