August 2026

Summer is all about spontaneity and a little bit of chaos, but as the month comes to a close, I find myself wanting to fall back into the comfort of a routine again. I’m ready to be consistent with my healthy habits, establish some structure, and set myself up for success in this next season.

One mindset shift that has helped me stay motivated and disciplined, even on the harder days, is to take actions that are aligned with the person I want to become.

The best version of me wouldn’t leave dishes sitting in the sink or waste hours mindlessly scrolling. She wouldn’t let laundry pile up for days. She takes care of herself and her space, even when she doesn’t particularly feel like it.

I’ve also been reflecting on the idea that the universe rarely allows us to move on to the next chapter until we’ve learned to truly appreciate the one we’re currently in.

For example, I need to appreciate living at my parents’ house and having the time and space to get on my feet and save some money before the adult bills and responsibilities come flooding in, rather than comparing myself to peers who have moved to big cities and are living on their own.

Instead of dreading going to my food service job and wishing I had already pieced everything together and found something more aligned with my career path, I can choose to be grateful that I have a source of income that gives me a flexible schedule and allows me to establish some savings.

This shift in perspective has helped me cope with the uncertainty that comes with changing seasons and has kept me focused on my goals during the periods when I start to wonder if all of my hard work is paying off.

At the same time, I think there is something special about August. The sunshine and good weather give us a little more time to reconnect with nature and with ourselves before the year begins to wind down. August has a sort of golden hue to it, one that illuminates all of the good we already have surrounding us. It feels like a little boost of appreciation to carry us through the rest of the year.

There’s also a sweet sentimentality that comes with summer coming to an end. People are going back to school, wrapping up vacations, or welcoming the beginnings of new chapters. It feels like the perfect time to lay the foundation for healthy, proactive systems that will carry us through the colder and busier months ahead.

I had no idea what my summer would look like, but in retrospect, I can see just how much I’ve learned and how many good memories I’ve made. I’m thankful for the opportunity to travel and spend as much time with friends as I did, but more than anything, I’m thankful that I’ve had the time to get quiet with myself and reflect on what I truly want.

And now that the lighthearted season is coming to an end, I think it’s time to get serious and really chase after my goals.

I do believe that the path has a tendency to reveal itself when the time is right, but you also can’t sit around waiting for everything to fall into place. Sometimes you have to be aggressive. You have to ask for the opportunity, put yourself out there, and chase after the things you want. The answer is always no if you never ask. 

As we head into fall, I want to remember both sides of the equation: gratitude for where I am and ambition for where I want to go.

To myself, and to anyone who might be reading this: I hope you take a second to feel proud of how far you’ve come, the wisdom you’ve gained, and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Good things are on the way, but so many wonderful things are already right here. 

Keep pushing. Stay grounded. And appreciate where you are while you build where you’re going.

With love,

K

Monthly Favorites: 

• Kiwis

• Oatmeal

• Blackberry Vanilla Olipop

• Podcasts - Call her Daddy, The Sunshine Daily, and Don’t Depend on Daddy

• Reading before bed

• Old Navy Vintage Tee

• Tubing Mascara