It was kind of hilarious of me to initially give an official recurring due date for this monthly newsletter. This is something I’m doing solely as a creative outlet, a vessel to practice writing and put myself out there, and somehow I decided to stress myself out over a fake deadline I created!!!

Last month, I started a full time job (yay!!!) but balancing that while also doing freelance work, posting on socials, and writing this has been overwhelming to say the least. Unsurprisingly, I’ve been swamped. I’m literally writing this section at 10pm in my notes app as my Hatch alarm clock transitions into sleep mode (aka brown noise). However, it’s been a good measure of how much I’ve actually enjoyed this. Despite being late to my self-induced deadline, I find myself getting pulled into my writing, into my pieces, every time I take the time to work on my whimsical life. When I go to create a graphic I can spend hours searching through fonts and color combinations, placing a square just right. This really is a labor of love, and I’m so thankful for those who take the time to read it.

But let’s get into what this edition is about, shall we? The spring equinox was on March 20th and while we are already in April, I thought I’d share a bit of how I celebrated and what I do to transition into the new season. This month I’m spotlighting two creators whose content resonates with that spring renewal and rebirth energy. And of course, I’m sharing the things I loved last month. So get your favorite mug, make a cozy beverage, and settle in for the March edition of My Whimsical Life.

As always,iIf you want the magazine experience click here or continue reading below.

In this Issue

• Color Crush: this month: sage-ish

• A Touch of Whimsy: Spring Equinox

• Small Business Shoutout: RichSport

• The Creator Economy: Laurenthelolife & Juliageezy

• Paper Goods: Punch Cards

• Monthly Report: what I’m reading, wearing, watching, and more

A Touch of Whimsy

Yes, yes, yes, I know. Whimsy is the latest buzzword being shoved in front of our faces right now. But as someone who read Fairyopolis over and over again as a kid, I do feel a genuine connection to the word.

I created The Whimsical Life Collective in January 2025, sitting in an Atlantic Tire lobby, with the intention of talking about all the things I do to make my life a little more whimsical. Yet one whole year later, I have talked about NOTHING whimsical. So now, as the Spring Equinox has come and gone, it felt like the perfect time to finally share at least one thing that makes my life feel whimsical: the witch’s new year.

Why the Spring Equinox is the True New Year

The Spring Equinox marks the official first day of spring. It’s the moment when the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight, with neither tilted toward or away from the sun. A true reset.

And that’s exactly how I see it. To me, this is the real New Year. That said, I love any excuse for goal setting, so I treat them as two distinct kinds. January 1st is about the what and the Spring Equinox is about the how.

On January 1st, I look at my goals as a picture of what I want my life to look like by this time next year. Without going too far into my whole goal-setting philosophy, the intention isn’t to become a new person but to add onto and accentuate who I already am. Then January through March becomes a season of trial and error, testing out systems and habits that actually align with that vision. By the time the Spring Equinox arrives, I have a pretty solid sense of my baseline. March becomes something of an edit.

For financial goals: what does my current income situation actually look like? Is it different from what I imagined back in January? Update accordingly. For movement: what routines have been working, and what hasn’t stuck? Adjust from there.

The Spring Equinox is about rebirth. Not to be cliche, but the birds are chirping, the bees (much to my dismay) are back, and the flowers are blooming. It’s time to hit the ground running. And below, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about how to do.

Small Business Shoutout

Richsport are the IT girls of tennis accessories. Created by two best friends who played tennis growing up decided they offer grips, dampners, clothing, and, now, a collaboration with HEAD!

I’ve been following Richsport nearly since their beginning in April of 2024 and to watch them grow has been inspiring. Their products are braeking the mold of your typical tennis accessories, normally found in blacks, blues, the occasional neon green, and maybe a touch of orange. As tennis has become a more aesthetic trend, they’ve hit a market eager for disruption and fun.

Not to mention, I am absolutely obsessed with their marketing. Their social media pages are a maximalist work of art. The bright colors and creative imagery make you want to keep scrolling through their page.

There’s so much to love about Richsport, but one thing that truly stands out above the rest is their in-person and live marketing.

They’ve built a real talent for experiential events, often in partnership with other brands. For the Miami Open, they teamed up with El Studio Miami for a clay sculpting experience, complete with drinks from Kickstand Cocktails and a showcase of Richsport products. At Indian Wells, they ran two car pop-ups featuring their line. And to launch their Head collaboration, they threw a matcha rave offering free matchas to the first 15 customers, with sets by DJ House Stereo.

That Head collab deserves its own moment. For a brand only two years old, landing a partnership with one of tennis’s biggest powerhouses is nothing short of remarkable.

Laurenthelolife

Lauren is THE girl to follow if you are looking for bright and colorful home decor inspo, all things travel, and tips on how the become a household name. I wanted to focus on Lauren this month, because Spring is the time to hit the ground running with your goals. And no matter if your goals are to travel more, finally post that video that has been in your drafts, or simply be more authentically you, then, what are you waiting for? Look up Laurenthelolife on instagram and get going!

Lauren has partnered with brands like Chase, Amika, Samsung, Naked, and Cricket. What stands out to me about Lauren’s partnerships is the diversity. From tech to beauty to beverages, she does it all.

What I love most about Lauren is that she shows us you can do it all. I feel that I often see creators saying you need a niche, but Lauren talks about in tech, beauty, fashion, content creation, travel, whatever. What is most important is that you are consistent with who you are. No matter if Lauren is talking about any of the topics listed above, you feel the same warm, confident, and fun energy in all her content.

Brands I’d Like to See Reach out to Lauren

Note: My brand recommendations are based on what I’ve watched, but I’m not claiming to have seen their entire catalog. If they’ve already partnered with someone I suggest, oops—great minds think alike!

Any Tourism Bureau - Lauren stays traveling. I would love to see a country, state, or even a city reach out to Lauren to show us around a “day in Chile” or a “weekend in Seattle.” I know she loves supporting smaller fashion brands so maybe even working with a less known travel destination could be fun!

US Open - (or any sporting event really) This one may be a bit of a stretch as I haven’t seen much sporting content, but picture it with me. Lauren dressed in the cutest tennis themed outfit drinking a Honey Deuce and showing off all there is to do at a tournament like the US Open. From all the brand activations to court side content. I dream of seeing her there.

Juliageezy

If one of your goals is to start getting more into content creation, following Julia is a MUST. I found her through her Lazy Girl Tech series and instantly hit follow. Funnily enough, I often see her and Lauren commenting on each others posts.

They both have such a similar vibe. Warm, educational, engaging, welcoming. Whether Julia is teaching you how to edit a video, do her nails, or take care of her hair you are always walking away with a little more knowledge than you had before. I love seeing her behind the scenes planning and most recently she moved into a new place. As someone who lives for home decor, I am so excited to follow along on this journey.

Julia has partnered with brands like Sony, Roadway Moving, Logitech, and Panda Express. What makes her partnerships so compelling is that she’s built a genuine reputation as a tech expert, so even when she steps outside that lane, her recommendations carry real weight. The trust is already there.

Part of what makes that trust feel earned is that Julia actually uses the products she partners with. By the time a brand deal appears in her content, it never feels forced. Her Sony collaboration is a great example: she was upfront about being a Canon loyalist, but when she was invited to test the new Sony A7V, her take felt completely unbiased. She laid out her experience and left the decision entirely in the hands of her viewers.

Brands I’d Like to See Reach out to Julia

Note: My brand recommendations are based on what I’ve watched, but I’m not claiming to have seen their entire catalog. If they’ve already partnered with someone I suggest, oops—great minds think alike!

Wilderdog- Julia has a cutie little dachshund named Illumi. I would love to see a pet brand work with Julia and Illumi. Specifically a brand that makes fun dog accessories like this “cowpoke” bandana that goes with Julia’s warm toned style.

Local Eclectic - Julia has such a fun sense of style. From bright red skirts to velvet gowns she deserves jewelry that matches her vibe. Already being a jewelry girl, a brand that puts careful thought into fun unique pieces like Local Eclectic would be a perfect fit.

reads

heated rivalry: if you know me, you know I am obsessed with the show. I recently was gifted the book and I have to say, it was a pretty true to book adaptation!

oathbringer: I am about 400 pages in! So we are chugging along. My favorite character is finally back!!!!

empties

bix sexy volumizing hairspray: this is my favorite hairspray (albeit, I’ve only used like 2 others), not too heavy, but very volumizing! I have already re-purchased.

briogio dry shampoo: y’all already know!! and of course, I already re-purchased!!!

purchased

after writing about popflex I HAD to purchase one of their skirts. so I went with this beautiful green color (shocking) and got this cutie reversable top to go with it. the material is soooo comfy.

obsessions

verb hair products: I love Verb. I have used a few of their product lines and have had a positive experience with each. Right now I am loving the hydrating shampoo. It really helps my scalp feel moisturized!

doc martin spence chealsea boots: I am wearing thesse with almost every outfit tbh.

recommending

Shameless Podcast: Aka the dumb podcast for smart people, and if you love dissecting the silly, messy, and ridiculous corners of pop culture, it delivers every time.

The Weekly Vibe by Vibeology: a Substack newsletter covering all things influencer marketing. I actually met founder Noelle at an event and followed her on the spot, so when she launched the newsletter, I had high hopes. She did not disappoint.

trying

matcha: unfortunately, had to stop drinking coffee. So far, I think I am turning into a matcha girly.

naturium salicylic acid body wash: so far I am loving it! will keep you all posted though.

Thank you for spending time with My Whimsical Life. This magazine is a reflection of the things that make life feel a little richer. Creativity, curiosity, work, rest, community, and the small moments in between. If something here resonated with you, please leave a comment, subscribe, or share. Stay whimsical friends <3

Hi, I’m Taylor! Welcome to My Whimsical Life, a monthly magazine where I practice writing and creating through exploring the millions of things I love. In honor of Galentine’s (or Valentine’s to most) I wanted to release an edition dedicated to friendships.

This month I am featuring a deep red and light pink that I can’t get enough of, talking to my bestie Anna Tomkins on her career as a biostatictian (???), featuring a small business that embodies community, and more.

Working on this months edition has been a learning lesson! I wanted so badly to write an essay that I could feature like I had in past months, but it just wasn’t clicking, and instead of continuing to push, I finally relented and you know what? With that ability to realize it wasn’t happening came the creative inspiration of writing my new feature: What Does My Friend Even Do? AND have enough brain power to write about one of my favorite local businesses.

All that to say, it’s important to know when something isn’t working and while it may feel like failure at first, it most certainly is not.

If you want the magazine experience click here or continue reading below.

Subscribe now

In this Issue

• Color Crush: this month: wine red

• What Does My Friend Even Do? ft. Anna Tomkins

• Small Business Shoutout: Damsel Book Store

• The Creator Economy: Soellegirls and Wereyourgirlspod

• Paper Goods: Valentine’s Day Cards

• Monthly Recap: what I’m reading, wearing, watching, and more

Color Crush

Each month, I’m featuring one color that’s on my mind. Whether I’m wearing it, incorporating it into projects, or just saving images featuring the color to pinterest.

This month? Wine Red. I adore this color! I recently bought these boots from Naturalizer and have been pairing them with my all black looks. It is so perfect for this Valentine’s season and I love pairing it with a paler blush pink for a chic part invite. this kind of deep red was very popular in 2025 and I am not letting it go in 2026.

What Does my Friend Even Do?

1. Anna, you’re a biostatistician—I can barely spell the word, let alone fully understand what it means. What does your day-to-day actually look like?

   Yeah, so I work for a CRO, which stands for clinical research organization, basically the middleman between a pharmaceutical company and the FDA. What I do is help review and design protocols for trials, and then we write these statistical analysis plans that detail how we’re going to analyze and present the data to the client to meet their goals and endpoints and objectives of the study.

   Day-to-day, it varies so much. I do a variety of different things, a lot of programming, document writing, SAP development, and we generate randomizations for studies. There’s a lot of project management and working with programmers too. Every biostatistician’s job looks a little different depending on their strengths and weaknesses. One of my strengths is programming, so I do a lot of that in SAS.

   But yeah, it’s really a mix of project management, working on cross-functional teams. I work with a lot of PK scientists and people from the pharmaceutical side who actually know what the drug is supposed to do. We work on a variety of studies, including a lot of phase one, first-in-human studies, which is really interesting.

2. You have a master’s in statistics. What was it about the field that made you think, “Yes, I want to spend two years deep in this”?

   So first off, my master’s degree was actually only a year. It was purely coursework, three semesters, so I didn’t write a thesis.

   I graduated from undergrad from Agnes Scott in 2018, then moved back home and was coaching volleyball and working at the EPA. I really enjoyed math, and I enjoyed the applied side of it, which is what prompted me toward statistics, because it’s more applied math and less theoretical.

   When I was applying to grad programs I actually applied to a mix of stats programs but also a medical physics program, because I really enjoyed physics as well. I’ve always been very math inclined and analytical, and I really like logic and problem solving. Once I started my grad program I took a course in clinical trials, and that was really interesting because I liked learning the ins and outs of how to apply it to something very real world. And I think that’s what really solidified it for me.

   Click through the gallery below to read the rest of the interview! 💕

Small Business Shoutout

Last month I wrote about the importance of shopping small and supporting local businesses and the impact it can have on your community. This month (again in the spirit of Galentine’s) I want to feature one of the bookstores I mentioned: Damsel Bookstore.

Damsel is the romance bookstore of your dreams. Created by Amelia Lorden—a mom, wife, and self-published author—she built this store for “readers who believe in love stories and happy endings.”

Located at The Mill on Etowah in Canton, GA, Damsel is a romance lover’s paradise with its signature pink shelves stocked full of books spanning every subgenre. Beyond the books, you’ll find stickers, keychains, and other goodies perfect for romance readers looking to show off their love of the genre.

Beyond the books, Damsel embodies community through pop-up markets where authors can promote their work and connect with readers. They also host book clubs and craft nights that bring romance readers together.

One of my favorite things Damsel has done is partner with the Atlanta Gladiators, a minor league hockey team. Amelia worked with group sales account executive Emma Harp to create Romance on Ice, where authors who write hockey romance set up signing tables and fans could purchase custom pink jerseys in advance. The event was such a hit that they’re doing it again on March 21st. I had no idea this was happening and stumbled upon it at a game when I saw a wave of pink flooding the arena.

If you’re looking for your next romance read, check out Damsel Bookstore.

The Creator Economy

Each month, I'm spotlighting two creators I love and break them down through both a fan lens and a partnership marketing lens. This month I am featuring two sets of besties that feel like what Galentine’s is all about.

Sophia and Noelle are best friends whose content strikes a beautiful balance between thoughtful and fun. One day they’re exploring meaningful hot-button issues, the next they’re sharing which women would never judge you in a bikini (Ilona Maher, obviously). Their friendship is at the heart of everything they create. As true girls’ girls, they’re genuinely outspoken about the topics they care about, bringing authenticity and warmth to every video.

What makes their brand partnerships work so well is authenticity. Their recent collaboration with Insomnia Cookies felt less like an ad and more like a natural extension of their everyday content—the kind of partnership that enhances rather than disrupts the viewing experience.

The same is true for their work with Game of Kittens to promote “Match My Freak.” Since Sophia and Noelle already feature board games like Hues and Cues and Wavelength in their content, the integration felt organic and effortless. It’s the kind of partnership that has staying power, something that can continue to appear naturally in their videos rather than feeling like a one-off promotional moment.

Brands I’d Like to See Reach out to the Soellegirls

Sneex - Okay, hear me out! The Soellegirls did a video on fashion trends they think will make a comeback, and sneaker heels were on the list. Combine that with the fact that Sarah Blakely is a true girls’ girl, and this feels like it could be such a fabulous collaboration.

AlpineButterflySwim - As previously mentioned, the Soellegirls have a series where they celebrate women who would never judge you for wearing a bikini. AlpineButterflySwim is an inclusive swimwear brand that feels like a natural fit for a partnership with the Soellegirls and the empowering message they share.

While not technically a friendship account, Tiffani and Taryn create content that’s all about friendship. From film noir-style comedy sketches to lighthearted, “dramatic” gossip sessions about friends, their videos make you feel like you’re right there with them. They post about experiences that resonate with so many women, capturing those universal moments we’ve all lived through. This authenticity and relatability has even led them to launch their own podcast, “For Divas by Divas.”

Their partnership with Josh Cellars feels like a natural extension of their brand. After all, what’s a girls’ night without a little wine? Since this video series often features a bottle of wine in the background, Josh Cellars fits seamlessly into the narrative—picture pouring your friend a glass while she launches into the saga of her latest friendship drama.

Individually, both Tiffani and Taryn have cultivated impressive brand partnerships across beauty, tech, and travel, including notable collaborations with Olay, Tresemmé, AT&T, and TripAdvisor. Beyond their comedic, friendship-centered content, both creators also share more glamorous lifestyle moments, which makes these partnerships feel authentic and well-suited to their personal brands.

Brands I’d Like to See Reach out to the Wereyourgirlspod

Fujifilm- It could be really exciting to see them create one of their signature film noir-inspired videos in partnership with Fujifilm. The aesthetic would come full circle—imagine flapper dresses, top hats, vintage ambiance, and a beautiful Fujifilm camera capturing it all.

Signal - Given how many of Tiffani and Taryn’s collaborations feature candid conversations and playful gossip, a partnership with Signal could be a natural fit. The messaging could be something lighthearted like “Keep your conversations just between you and your bestie with Signal’s private messaging.”

Paper Goods

Every month, I’ll share a printable I’ve designed: notecards, prints, gift tags, whatever I’m inspired to create. Consider it your monthly creative freebie. Download, print, and enjoy. This month: Valentine’s Cards! I know, I know, it’s almost a week past valentine’s day, but I love these color combos, so I wasn’t going to waste a change to use them. Plus, it’s never the wrong time to give someone a little physical reminder you are thinking of them.

You can download the page here.

Monthly Recap

Introducing the monthly recap. My mom told me to stop overthinking it and just post, so here we are. This is everything I loved in January (and haven't stopped loving since). Enjoy!

Thank you for spending time with My Whimsical Life. This magazine is a reflection of the things that make life feel a little richer. Creativity, curiosity, work, rest, community, and the small moments in between. If something here resonated with you, please leave a comment, subscribe, or share. Stay whimsical friends <3

A Note from the Editor

Hi, I’m Taylor! Welcome to My Whimsical Life, a monthly magazine where I practice writing and creating through exploring the millions of things I love. This newsletter is a love letter to myself. I was an OG YouTube fangirl, collected every issue of Seventeen Magazine for years, and almost designed my own journalism major.

These will go out every third Thursday of the month. I chose Thursday because it’s ruled by Jupiter (the planet that also rules Sagittarius), the planet of growth and optimism. It’s a go big or go home kind of day, which makes it the perfect day to hit send on something I’m building just for me.

This month I am talking why shopping small and shopping local can actually have a bigger impact on your wallet than you would think, my vision board for 2026, two creators I think represent New Year’s vibes, and more. So get comfy, get cozy, and enjoy this months edition.

You can find the digital version of the magazine here.

Subscribe now

In this Edition

• Why Shopping Small and Local Still Matters: Even in the Age of Online Shopping

• My 2026 Vision Board: How I Make it and Where it goes

• Color Crush: This Month: Morning Frost

• Make-Believe Marketing: Perkin’s Hardware Store

• The Creator Economy: Papernroses & Rikhi Roy

• The Campaign Brief: Morphe’s Buttery Soft Campaign

• Paper Goods: This month’s free printable: 2026 Vision Board Bingo

Why Shopping Small and Local Still Matters

From 2009 to 2020, Barnes and Noble closed over half of their New York based locations, leading to a total of 150 store closures nationwide. With Amazon on the rise, it was looking quite grim for the store I could easily spend my whole paycheck in.

Then in 2020, Covid hit. Online shopping shot up because, well, no one could go anywhere. During 2020’s second quarter, Amazon’s year-over-year sales increased significantly. The company reported quarterly revenues that exceeded expectations, and its profits nearly tripled compared to the year before.

What, at first, looked like a permanent shift to online shopping quickly became something different. The world rallied behind neighborhood small businesses, and with TikTok’s algorithm making it possible for anything to go viral, and so many people spending time scrolling due to having to stay inside, small businesses found new audiences they’d never had access to before.

Continue reading here.

2026 Vision Board

Created in Canva! I first designed an iphone/ipad wall paper layout and then expanded it to a desktop wallpaper and added more photos. I source my photos from pinterest and always include a picture of my dog! At the start of the year I spend New Year’s Day creating these. I then put them on my phone, ipad, and desktop as a reminder. I’ve really enjoyed doing this as it’s a little reminder of who I want to be and who I am.

Color Crush: Morning Frost

Each month, I’m featuring one color that’s on my mind. Whether I’m wearing it, incorporating it into projects, or just saving images featuring the color to pinterest.

This month? Morning frost. January always reminds me of a light cool blue. Something that feels like the reflection of the sky off of the snow. Perfect for icy makeup looks, frosted beverages, and mixing up the typical dark winter wardrobe color scheme. Pair it with a dark navy, deep maroon, or a cool toned lavender gray.

Make Believe Marketing: Perkin’s Hardware Store

In this month’s edition of “Make-Believe Marketing,” I present to you Perkin’s Household Hardware. Inspired by crafting stores that host “sewing 101” and other educational events, I dreamt up a hardware store that educates people on how to do simple household projects. Filled with your typical hardware products, plus some locally sourced gifts, and a dedicated learning room, Perkin’s Hardware store is your new favorite local business. The name Perkin’s was came from Frances Perkin’s who served as the fourth United States Secretary of Labor and fought for worker’s rights. I wanted the branding to feel familiar, nostalgic, and welcoming.

The Creator Economy

Each month, I'm spotlighting two creators I love and break them down through both a fan lens and a partnership marketing lens. This month I am featuring two creators I think embody New Year’s Day. From goal setting to wellness. These two creators helped shape how I planned my year.

Papernroses

If you read my post about my 2026 planner ecosystem, you know I’ve finally started optimizing my iPad usage. A big credit goes to Papernroses. Inspired by her “how to use your iPad” series, I started using mine to its full potential. Chantal is a recent follow for me, but I’m so glad I found her. She approaches digital organization and planning in an accessible way, and the way she speaks to the camera is fun, engaging, and educational.

Chantal has partnered with brands like Adobe, Best Buy, and Boox—partnerships that align perfectly with her tech-forward content and integrate seamlessly into her brand. What I love most is that these are brands Chantal genuinely uses, so it’s not just a one-off sponsored post. You see them woven into her daily life organically. Plus, I have a soft spot for Best Buy, where I used to save up my allowance to buy boxed DVD sets of Charmed.

Brand I’d Like to See Reach Out to Chantal

Logitech - Chantal has posted videos on her aesthetic desk setup, and I think a brand with sleek yet fun designs like Logitech could be the perfect addition to her content.

CanvaCreates - Chantal has attended a few tech conferences, but I'd love to see her at events that lean more creative, like Canva Create. She's the perfect person to spotlight new features and connect with other brands in attendance.

RikhiRoy

From mid-year resets to morning routines, RikhiRoy is your go-to for goal setting, wellness, and self-love. She’s a breath of fresh air in a constantly moving world, with beautifully aesthetic photos and adorable graphics that make you feel like you’re journaling alongside her.

RikhiRoy has partnered with Quince, HaverHill, and Brightland—cozy sheets, chic jewelry, and aesthetically pleasing (and delicious) olive oil that pair perfectly with her mission to build a life that feels as good as it looks.

What I love most about RikhiRoy and her partnerships is that they feel like attainable wellness: goals that aren’t overwhelming, aesthetics that are achievable, and a life we can all aspire to. I’m frequently adding her tips and tricks into my routines, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2026.

Brand I’d Like to See Reach Out to RikhiRoy

Calpak - RikhiRoy is often on the go and even has a post about how to travel with intention. I’d love to see a brand like Calpak, which emphasizes controlling the chaos with their products, partner with RikhiRoy on her next trip.

Clinique - RikhiRoy’s content gives off similar vibes to Clinique: simple, clean, pretty, and feminine. Clinique’s Take the Day Off balm would be a perfect addition to her night routine, and the Chubby Sticks an excellent complement to her morning routine.

The Campaign Brief

Sometimes a campaign comes along that just gets it right. Here's one I can't stop thinking about and why it works.

Morphe just proved that timing a trend matters less than nailing the execution.

On December 26th, 2025, the brand returned to its roots with a brush collection that’s equal parts nostalgic and brilliant. And yes, it’s butter yellow.

“seriously Taylor, another butter yellow moment?” Yes! While most brands scrambled to jump on this trend back in March when it peaked, Morphe waited. And that patience paid off.

Why this launch works:

The product authenticity is there. These brushes are described as “buttery smooth,” so the aesthetic isn’t just trendy, it’s functional storytelling. The color, texture, and messaging all point back to the actual product benefit.

The sensory marketing is chef’s kiss. PR boxes designed as butter sticks, brushes photographed with flaky croissants, branded butter carved with the Morphe logo. They didn’t just use sensory marketing (arguably 2025’s biggest trend). They fully committed to the bit in a way that feels playful, not performative.

The bigger lesson?

Trend timing doesn’t have to mean trend chasing. When your product genuinely aligns with a cultural moment (even months after its peak), you can still make it work. What matters is authenticity and execution, not being first.

As someone who’s been loyal to Morphe since the 35B palette days (still in my collection), it’s refreshing to see a brand evolve while staying true to what made them great: accessible, high-quality products with a clear point of view.

Paper Goods

Every month, I'll share a printable I've designed: notecards, prints, gift tags, whatever I'm inspired to create. Consider it your monthly creative freebie. Download, print, and enjoy. This month: 2026 Vision Board Bingo. I included a blank one and mine as an example!

Download yours here!

Thank you for spending time with My Whimsical Life. This magazine is a reflection of the things that make life feel a little richer. Creativity, curiosity, work, rest, community, and the small moments in between. If something here resonated with you, please leave a comment, subscribe, or share. Stay whimsical friends <3

From 2009 to 2020, Barnes and Noble closed over half of their New York based locations, leading to a total of 150 store closures nationwide. With Amazon on the rise, it was looking quite grim for the store I could easily spend my whole paycheck in.

The Pandemic Pivot

Then in 2020, Covid hit. Online shopping shot up because, well, no one could go anywhere. During 2020’s second quarter, Amazon’s year-over-year sales increased significantly. The company reported quarterly revenues that exceeded expectations, and its profits nearly tripled compared to the year before.

What, at first, looked like a permanent shift to online shopping quickly became something different. The world rallied behind neighborhood small businesses, and with TikTok’s algorithm making it possible for anything to go viral, and so many people spending time scrolling due to having to stay inside, small businesses found new audiences they’d never had access to before.

Enter BookTok

Okay, so what does Barnes and Noble have to do with this? They quite literally are not a small nor local business. True, the once fictionalized villain in “You’ve Got Mail” did stomp out local booksellers. But now, Barnes and Noble represents the post-Covid return to brick and mortar climate, partially thanks to BookTok.

Thanks to #booktok, 48% of TikTok users in The United States report actively reading more books, with similar trends appearing in Canada and other countries. This cultural shift contributed to Barnes & Noble opening dozens of new stores in 2024. But the big box book store's growth isn't the only sign that people are heading back to browse in person. In fact, Gen-Z, the generation that grew up online, actually prefers shopping in stores. You can see it happening everywhere. Take my area, for example.

New small businesses are popping up left and right, and longtime favorites are expanding. Bizarre Coffee, a local staple with top tier marketing, just opened a third location in Roswell (you go girl!). And when it comes to bookstores? My options are unlimited.

Shopping Small, Shopping Local

There are 5 small bookstores within 15-30 minutes of my house. One that has made an impression is Damsel, a romance focused bookstore that showcases authors of all sizes and sells products designed by small artists. The bookstore is located at The Mill on Etowah, a repurposed mill consisting of neighborhood breweries, restaurants, and shops, including a large market curated with community vendors. The Mill has become a hub for supporting small businesses through regular pop-up markets, targeted marketing efforts, and events like Small Business Saturday.

This holiday season, I made it a mission to buy at least some of my gifts from small or independent businesses. Once a week, I spend a few hours working at Frik and Frak, a neighborhood coffee shop with incredible baked goods and a curated gift section. I was able to pick up some Calabrian chili pepper relish for my dad who loves all things spicy AND repurposing his homemade chili to make chili dogs the next day, so relish was the perfect addition.

I also stopped by one of the pop-up markets at The Mill and purchased some incredible sourdough bread and sourdough snickerdoodle cookies for the family and a few cute stickers for my sister. World Market is not necessarily a small business either, but buying measuring cups for my mom there instead of Target felt like a small win, plus the quality is unbeatable and they are super cute.

The Reality Check

Of course, you have to put your own oxygen mask on first. Buying bread at Walmart is much cheaper than a $10 artisanal loaf, and you can’t take care of others if you aren’t staying afloat yourself. So prioritize yourself, your needs, and the best decisions for you. However, if there are times when you can shop small (or at least smaller), I encourage you to do so.

Why It Matters

In fact, shopping small can be a win for your wallet, just maybe not in the immediate future. When you spend at independent businesses, more money stays in the community. For every $100 spent at these businesses, $68 stays in your area versus every $100 you spend at a national chain where only $43 stays put.

This matters especially now. Unemployment currently sits at 4.4%, and in 2025, only 584,000 jobs were added, averaging about 49,000 positions per month. That figure was less than a third of the 2 million jobs created in 2024. Which brings us to another crucial point: small businesses are job creators. They employ approximately 77 million Americans, and every $10M made at independent businesses creates 50+ jobs versus 14 at Amazon.

Additionally, small businesses donate 250% more to nonprofits and community causes than larger businesses. So if you spend at these businesses, your money will go back into community programs or nonprofits that help your area. This impact is especially meaningful because 40% of small businesses serve low-income communities, meaning your support often reaches the people who need it most.

Finding Your Balance

Now, this is not meant to be a holier-than-thou post. Heck, I recently shopped at Amazon for a client event where I needed table decorations, and because Party City closed down (RIP), I couldn’t find them elsewhere. Your money correlates to what you value and can help show where your priorities lie, but the current system isn’t set up for perfection and times are tough.

Small Steps, Big Impact

However, there are many small ways you can make an impact. If you frequent Starbucks because it is easy and on your way to work, try swapping for an independent coffee shop at least once a week, or just give the baristas a bigger tip one day. Want to buy a new book? Sign up for a library card and check it out, and if you like it and want to add it to your book collection, try your neighborhood book store. If they don’t have it, try thriftbooks.com (my personal fave). Want to treat yourself but don’t have too much to spend? Go to your farmers market and buy a freshly baked loaf of bread.

Of course, these tips are for those with a little extra spending money already. There are tons of other ways to support small businesses without spending money. Subscribe to their newsletter, post about your friend’s art on your Instagram story, send your friend that is baking 40+ loaves of bread overnight an encouraging message.

It is nearly impossible to shop small for pretty much everything. But even imperfect effort beats never trying at all. The return of brick-and-mortar stores, from Barnes & Noble to the small bookstore down the street, shows us that people still crave community spaces and authentic experiences. So do what you can, when you can, if you can. Every small choice adds up.

Sources

1. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/iconic-bookstore-barnes-noble-to-open-60-new-stores-in-2026-including-in-illinois/3867618/

2. https://www.the-sun.com/money/13454058/barnes-and-noble-new-stores-opening-tiktok/#:~:text=The%20steady%20growth%20of%20Barnes,booksellers%20has%20proven%20so%20successful.%E2%80%9D

3. https://www.adyen.com/knowledge-hub/gen-z-retail

4. https://advocacy.sba.gov/2025/06/30/new-advocacy-report-shows-the-number-of-small-businesses-in-the-u-s-exceeds-36-million/#:~:text=According%20to%20this%20year’s%20release,that%20encourage%20them%20to%20flourish.%E2%80%9D

5. https://researchfdi.com/amazon-covid-19-pandemic-profits/

6. https://www.casino.org/blog/booktok-americans-canadians-reading-more-because-of-tiktok/

7. https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/barnes-noble-to-open-60-new-stores-in-2026/#:~:text=The%20effectiveness%20of%20the%20local,with%2060%20new%20stores%20planned.

8. https://grasshopper.com/blog/small-business-saturday-statistics

9. https://www.reuters.com/business/us-job-growth-slows-december-unemployment-rate-eases-44-2026-01-09/

10. https://ilsr.org/article/independent-business/amazonfacts/

I turned 30 this month, and what started as a fun magazine-inspired Instagram post quickly became something bigger: the first edition of My Whimsical Life. This newsletter is a love letter to myself. I was an OG YouTube fangirl, collected every issue of Seventeen Magazine for years, and almost designed my own journalism major. Substack has given me the chance to finally create the magazine I always dreamed of making.

Inside this issue, you’ll find everything from marketing campaigns that caught my eye to reflections on turning 30, plus all the little things that make life feel a bit more magical. If you’re here, I hope you’ll find something that sparks joy for you too.

These will go out every third Thursday of the month. I chose Thursday because it’s ruled by Jupiter (the planet that also rules Sagittarius), the planet of growth and optimism. A go big or go home kind of day, which makes it the perfect day to hit send. If you want this delivered to your inbox every month, hit subscribe.

Now, grab a coffee, get cozy, and click through the gallery below: or if you want the real digital magazine experience click here! Enjoy!

Then in July, my friends and I went to a bar downtown and unbeknownst to us, it was karaoke night. Again, I watched my friends go up to the stage with confidence and pitchy voices. I admired them, but I was also jealous. That’s when I realized how much my fear of being embarrassed was holding me back from living life. I made it a goal: by the end of the year, I was going to sing some damn karaoke.

When Did I Become So Afraid?

But I wasn’t always so afraid of being perceived. In college, I confidently did karaoke with friends, even when I picked some of the worst songs to sing publicly. Somewhere after graduation, I gained a voice in my head that told me everyone was thinking about how embarrassing I was, picking apart everything I did. In 2019, I had been making makeup videos on TikTok. Some did well, some less so, but I never posted them anywhere else, and I was constantly terrified someone I know would find my account and pick it all apart. The critical voice I was putting in other people’s heads became the voice in my head, and I became my worst critic to the point I stopped doing really anything that required stepping out of my comfort zone in almost any way. Looking back, I realize that in hiding from criticism, I also hid from support.

Taking LinkedIn Seriously (yikes)

So when I was laid off at this past July, I knew I had to do things differently. I had been unemployed before—whatever I did last time left me without a full-time job for 9 months. This time, I did what felt like the most embarrassing thing ever: I started to take LinkedIn seriously and unironically attempt to become somewhat of a LinkedIn creator (shudder, but also follow me ;))

At first, I cringed every time I hit post. It became even worse when I would get only 1 like. “People are watching me try hard at something and not be great at it!” The horror! But then, I had two posts go “viral”—or at least as viral as LinkedIn can get. I gained a couple hundred followers and decided to keep posting. Pretty quickly, I stopped really caring if my posts “did well.” I stopped feeling so worried that people were watching my posts fail, and I kept posting, trying to figure out both what was well-received and what I enjoyed talking about.

There was a transition from “I feel embarrassed for putting myself out there” to “this is all practice.” Posting over and over again felt like practicing how be okay with rejection. Not getting became more of a learning lesson than a “wow I am a failure” moment. Changing my mindset from “failing is awful” to “failing is how I move forward” led me to create more content in more places. It’s even led to a job offer as an independent contractor in marketing and connecting with creators I have followed for years and deeply admire. The support has been wonderful—though it isn’t always grand and sometimes it is just my mom, but in putting myself out there I have gained so much more than I would have had I tried to do things privately.

I think so much of embarrassment comes from the fear of being witnessed while you are trying, whether that is posting something online that does not land or stepping onto a stage without knowing how it will go.

Heads Carolina, Tails California

At the start of writing this post, I had yet to sing karaoke. But as of posting this, I am officially 30 years old! Sagittarius season, baby. My mom, sisters, and I went to Asheville to celebrate, and unbeknownst to me, my mom had reserved us a table at a karaoke bar. She had no clue that I had made it a mission to do karaoke this year, and with my birthday being in December, I was cutting it close.

Leading up to the big night, I had no clue what I was going to sing. I needed something not too strenuous but not too slow, something that would get others in the bar singing so it wasn’t just my voice. When we arrived at the bar, I realized I definitely needed something country, something a little more old school. When I told the DJ what I was going to sing, several people nearby applauded my choice. With that confidence, I took the stage and started singing “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

I was definitely still nervous as could be—you can hear that in my voice when you watch the video my sister took (which will never be released to the public). But after that first song? I ended up doing two more! One with my mom and one with my sister.

Shockingly to me, my life didn’t end when I was done. No one made fun of me, and who cares if they did? It isn’t embarrassing to have fun. In fact, I think the most embarrassing thing someone can do is make people feel bad for living their life and having fun. To be cringe is to be free.

The Art of Being Embarrassed

There is an art to being embarrassed. It’s messy and uncomfortable, but it is natural and it is a part of growing. Being able to take that feeling and sit with it will help you grow to becoming a more confident version of yourself. You cannot succeed without failing and sometimes failure is embarrassing. But if you are afraid to be seen trying, you’ll never try, you’ll never fail, and you’ll never succeed.

So go out there, be embarrassed, sing bad karaoke at a bar with a sticky floor, post that video of you doing spoken word, do a photoshoot for no reason and post it to every platform you’re on. Dance badly, talk loudly, and tell a joke that doesn’t land. Get embarrassed, get uncomfortable and live your fucking life.

Thanks for being here,

Taylor

P.S. If you’re trying something scary this week, this is your sign to do it.

(free printable)

If you read my first ever Substack post, you’d know how much A Book That Takes Its Time by Astrid van der Hulst and Irene Smit affected me. Well, I’m back with another insight from that book that’s reshaped how I view learning and the passage of time.

Why Time Feels Like It’s Speeding Up

The authors discuss something I think we’ve all felt: time seems to move faster as we grow older. Their explanation? We aren’t encountering as many new experiences or learning as often as we did when we were young.

When we’re children, much of life is brand new. We’re constantly learning, adjusting, and discovering. That newness stretches subjective time, making days feel longer and richer.

As adults, routines and patterns become familiar. Fewer moments feel new. Because so much is predictable, our perception of time compresses, and years seem to pass more quickly. But here’s the hopeful part: the book suggests that if we take time to cultivate new experiences or reclaim a “beginner’s mind,” we can find a little more room to breathe.

This insight inspired me to start paying closer attention to the nature around me. I began learning which birds were singing, what trees stood in my backyard, and which mushrooms were sprouting underfoot. I’m no nature expert (yet), but the practice helped me slow down and appreciate the world around me. It brought me back to those elementary school days when the class would take a field trip into the woods and trace leaves in our notebooks. More than anything, it reminded me how exciting it feels to learn something new.

When Learning Becomes Joyful Again

Around that same time, I noticed one of my favorite creators, Sarah Schauer, had started learning for the sake of learning. I watched story after story of her diving into topics from social justice to physics, absolutely amazed that someone would voluntarily revisit physics (definitely not my strongest subject). She’s even launched her own book club encouraging others to learn just to learn.

What stood out most was how she made learning enjoyable: highlighters, pens, sticky notes, a cup of tea or coffee, cozy lighting, the whole vibe. As someone who’s always struggled with auditory learning, her visual, hands-on approach drew me in immediately. It wasn’t just about learning for fun anymore. It was about finally having an excuse to use all the pens, stickers, and stationery I’ve been hoarding.

Learning as a Business Owner (and Human)

Building my business, Tennis with Taylor, opened me up to a world where I need to be a “thought leader.” Someone who can clearly express what they know about tennis, movement, and wellness. The truth is, I know tennis deeply, but I know it in a way that’s intuitive and physical. To bridge that gap, I realized I needed to re-educate myself to learn the language, research, and frameworks that help me communicate what I already understand in my body.

But this mission to learn more about tennis, health, and movement isn’t just about business. It’s about recapturing that sense of wonder and novelty that makes time feel expansive again. It’s about becoming a beginner in areas I thought I’d mastered. It’s about learning for fun and not for a grade.

My Fall Curriculum

Recently, I came across a post by @wellbycami who created an aesthetically beautiful “fall curriculum” of subjects she wanted to learn simply for the joy of it. It inspired me to design my own version, organized into three units that reflect where I’m growing right now.

Unit 1: Movement and The Body
This first unit is all about reconnecting with the physical side of learning. It supports my work with Tennis with Taylor and deepens my own relationship with movement. I’m exploring how the body moves, what it needs, and how joy and play can make fitness sustainable for life. My first “assignment” is to write a blog post titled Why Tennis is a Sport for Life, inspired by The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal.

Unit 2: Digital Design + Creativity
In marketing, I’ve always loved the creative process, but I’ve often held myself back because I didn’t consider myself artistic. This unit gives me permission to be a beginner again. I’m studying color theory, typography, and visual storytelling while creating a fake brand mockup for my portfolio. The goal is to strengthen my design skills and reignite the spark that comes from making something just because it’s fun to create.

Unit 3: Sustainability + Community
This final unit focuses on connection, both with people and the planet. Tennis with Taylor has always been about community, so I’m learning how sustainability, care, and collaboration intersect. Whether it’s researching climate resilience, exploring local volunteer opportunities, or writing about community care, I want to understand how we can build stronger, more intentional spaces together.

Each unit is a reminder that learning doesn’t need to have a finish line. It’s about curiosity, play, and paying attention. In a world that moves fast, this little “curriculum” helps me slow down and make time feel a bit more spacious.

You can find the full curriculum here.

Your Turn

Now I turn to you, dear reader: what are you curious about this fall?
What’s something you’ve always wanted to explore, just for the joy of it?

It doesn’t need to be ambitious. Maybe it’s learning to make sourdough, studying the night sky, or finally understanding why your houseplants keep dying. Whatever it is, let it bring you that spark of novelty we lose so easily as adults.

Here’s to learning, slowing down, and making time feel a little more spacious.

Until next time,
Taylor

I've been playing tennis for almost 18 years and coaching for a little over 5 years. The contents of my bag (and the bag itself) have both changed and stayed the same over time. So, let's take a look.

The Staples:

2 Racquets: I've had the same racquets since 2006: Babolat Pure Drive. Should I consider upgrading sometime soon? Sure. But if it ain't broke, right? Racquets can be quite expensive, so I recommend checking out Facebook Marketplace for some pretty sick deals. While not necessary, having two racquets on hand (especially if you're playing frequently) can come in handy if your strings break during play or if someone else needs to borrow one.

Grips: You never know when you'll need to re-grip (okay, you will, it's kind of obvious), so it's good to have grips on hand. My favorites are neon green or just black. I'm a little stitious and only use those two colors.

Some type of water bottle: I love my HydroFlask. I know it's expensive and I know you can "buy the same from TJ Maxx," and while I'm definitely not not a Maxxinista, I do feel that "buy it nice or buy it twice" tends to ring true. My HydroFlask has lasted me years and keeps my water cool during 3-hour lessons on 100-degree days.

Not Pictured: My inhaler (duh).

Some kind of snack: This has definitely changed over the years, but the formula typically stays the same: carbs + a little protein + a little fat. Depending on how long I'm on the court, what I eat may change, but overall I try to get a little energy from carbs (fruit or a granola bar) and some protein or fat to keep me full. Right now, I'm loving these protein bars from Quaker and Cheerios combined with two bananas.

Sunscreen: I am a girl who tans/burns very easily, so it is imperative I am able to reapply on the days I am on the court for multiple lessons and multiple hours.

A change of shoes: I typically bring either running shoes or slides. It's good to give your feet a break after putting them through so much work. I am currently rocking the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V15.

Tennis towel: Athletes sweat! When I'm playing, especially singles, I like to have my towel near me (if allowed) so I can wipe my hands between points. Similarly, while coaching, I keep it on my basket so I can quickly get any sweat out of my eyes.

Some of My Newer Additions:

Advil: As I age, it takes longer to recover. Having Advil on hand can be a lifesaver.

Vaseline: This is less of a tennis necessity and more of a life necessity. I'm obsessed with Vaseline. It's my favorite lip balm and I have to have it on me. It can also help with dry skin from being out in the sun, cold, or wind.

Wireless headphones: These entered the game in 2016 when I saw Serena Williams in a Beats commercial. While I try to be mindful of marketing tactics and not fall victim to everything, this one got me. I LOVE having these on hand. It's nice to listen to music while serving a basket of balls or hitting against the ball machine without disturbing other players.

Wireless speaker: On the opposite end, I love bringing my wireless speaker to lessons. My players love it and it helps me as a coach stay focused and not get lost in my thoughts as I'm feeding balls over and over and over again.

Hyaluronic acid spray: I bring this with me any time I'm working out. It replenishes lost moisture, helps soothe exercise-induced redness and irritation, and strengthens the skin's natural barrier to protect against environmental stressors.

Sunglasses: For obvious reasons, plus your girl hates wearing hats. So sunglasses are my only option for keeping the sun at bay.

A chafing stick: For obvious reasons!!

Deodorant: You never know when your original application will fail you, so I like having backup on hand. Right now, I'm loving the Native Coconut and Vanilla Spray Deodorant.

A notebook: I recommend a notebook for both players and coaches. For players, it's beneficial for tracking areas of improvement, gaining mental clarity after a loss or win, and jotting down goals or general thoughts. Now that I'm a coach, I use it to track players, plan lessons, and write down any other random thoughts.

Lastly, a small pouch: For all the smaller items—sunglasses, grips, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.

This is just this month's iteration. The contents of my bag change every month depending on whether I'm more coach-heavy or player-heavy. The bag itself also changes every so often, from a true tennis bag to a backpack to a gym bag (current version - Gymshark Everyday Medium Gym Bag).

Thanks for reading, and I'd love to know: what's in your athletic bag?

Leave a comment

As I began my journey through its pages, I was instantly enthralled. At that time in my life, I constantly felt like I had swallowed bees – my mind racing, skin tingling, stomach in knots almost every day – and I couldn't pinpoint why. But page after page, it began to resonate: we are trying to move too fast.

The Culture of Rush

Our culture worships at the altar of future perfection – how can we be better, smarter, richer, more successful, more powerful, have more friends? And most importantly, how can we achieve it all right now? How can we get rich quicker, lose weight faster, prevent laugh lines sooner?

Since most of these goals can't be achieved overnight, we grasp at quick fixes to satisfy our need for immediate accomplishment. Next-day delivery promises instant transformation: start using your walking pad tomorrow, begin your juice cleanse on a whim, order lunch to maximize desk time, buy those Amazon Basics to kick-start your capsule wardrobe.

But at what cost? We've trapped ourselves in an instant gratification cycle that's making us increasingly miserable – more anxious, more depressed, and paradoxically, more alone.

What I've come to realize is that we're constantly rushing toward some idealized future version of ourselves – the one who has the perfect morning routine, the best body, the dream career. We're so focused on becoming that we forget about being. And while having goals is healthy (I have several Pinterest boards dedicated to different life goals), when your entire existence revolves around living for the future, you miss the richness of the present moment. The irony is that the present is the only time we ever actually experience – yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't guaranteed, but right now? This moment is real. This moment is your life.

Taking Back Control

As I reflected on how deeply this affected me, I realized that while I couldn't single-handedly change American Hustle Culture (yet), I could begin to heal my relationship with it. The first step? Amazon Prime was officially #cancelled.

As someone who has always struggled to find properly fitting clothes in stores, Amazon had offered me a new world – clothes that fit, were somewhat cute (though less so in retrospect), and most importantly, weren't $200. Shortly after cancelling Prime, I needed an outfit for a trip with a specific dress code. Initially, I panicked – the trip was only days away, and I no longer had my next-day shipping safety net.

After taking a breath, I explored my options and discovered I could order an item to a locker near my destination. Crisis averted, and I looked great. This experience taught me something valuable: I never actually needed next-day shipping. And on those rare occasions when I did, paying the $6.99 expedited fee a few times a year costs far less than $14.99 monthly (a price that can change at Amazon's discretion).

What surprised me most after cancelling Prime was a complete shift in my emotional response to package deliveries. When I had Prime, I found myself increasingly frustrated when packages arrived even a day "late" – after all, I was paying a premium for that next-day service! But once I cancelled, something unexpected happened. I'd regularly get notifications that my package was arriving earlier than the original estimate, and suddenly I felt excitement instead of entitlement. I had switched out anger for joyful anticipation. The package became a pleasant surprise rather than a contractual obligation that could disappoint me.

The Bigger Picture

Digging deeper, I considered the headlines we regularly see: Amazon workers facing poor treatment, truck drivers getting into accidents rushing to meet quotas, small businesses being crushed by Amazon's business model. My seemingly innocent addiction to next-day delivery wasn't just affecting me negatively – it was impacting everyone around me and the environment.

Without instant gratification constantly at my fingertips, I not only felt better personally, but I also felt better about where I was spending my money. If occasionally paying $6.99 for shipping means workers receive fair compensation, that's a price I'm willing to pay.

While this isn't solely about the morality of Prime or similar services, it illuminates something profound about our relationship with time and money. Where we choose to spend our dollars represents our power as consumers – and sometimes the most powerful choice we can make is to slow down.

Rediscovering Presence

Once my addiction to Amazon Prime ceased, I started recognizing how much I was trying to make everything move faster. I found myself angrier while driving, especially when hitting every red light (I HATE being late). I grew impatient in lines and turned to my phone for distraction. I listened to music while walking so the walk would "go by faster." I ordered meals because cooking took too long.

But I began to ask myself: What was I rushing toward? What was so important that I had to "get through" these everyday activities? The answer? Absolutely nothing.

While time management remains a valuable skill, being five minutes late occasionally isn't the end of the world (even if it feels like it). By trying to "get through" my walks, I was missing the walk itself. Now, unless I'm in a particular mood for music, I rarely bring my phone on walks.

And cooking? Well, I'm not great (yet), but once I questioned why cooking's duration annoyed me, I realized I had no good answer. So I deliberately threw myself into recipes that take time. Surprisingly, even when the results taste terrible, I still feel a sense of accomplishment. Learning to make your own food is also a great way to redirect your money away from corporations with practices you might find questionable.

Even while writing this blog, I feel the pressure to finish as quickly as possible, but I've been intentionally making myself slow down and enjoy the process.

The Wisdom of Time

Early 2023, I brought "A Book That Takes its Time" to a book exchange, overly excited to share this book with others. Little did I know, I would receive a second book that also changed my life. "4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman is less about building time management habits and more about, you guessed it, slowing down.

Burkeman asks us to accept that we have only a finite amount of time and to come to terms with the fact that no matter what we do, we can never achieve every single thing that pops into our brains. And that is hard for us mere mortals to accept. It's difficult to acknowledge that we have only so much time to do what we want, so again, we turn to quick fixes.

But Burkeman said something so "That 70's Show" round table that has stuck with me: "We are fully in time… we are time." Our life is made up of the moments we make. When I march closer to death and look back at my life, what I'm going to remember is how I spent my time. And if I'm just spending it trying to get to the next step, what kind of life is that?

The Decline of Neighborly Connection

Additionally, I began to realize that the ability to order clothes, meals, groceries, and even alcohol with the press of a button was making us less social (especially in the wake of COVID). If you never leave your house, you never interact with people different from you. You might never discover that your neighbor is a Reiki instructor or that the cashier at your local grocery store is a veteran.

You miss hearing unique stories from strangers you'll never meet again – even the odd ones, like witnessing someone punch the manager of your favorite taco spot over improper parking. While not always positive, these interactions become part of our human experience and make for memorable stories.

When we stay isolated inside, alone with our phones, we only see stereotypes about different groups (especially depending on our information sources). But when you reenter the world, you realize we all have much more in common than media portrays. Our shared humanity becomes apparent through these small, everyday interactions.

The Gift of Slowness

So here's what I've learned through my journey of cancelling Prime, reading mindfulness books, and attempting to cook meals that take longer than 15 minutes: our relationship with time shapes everything about our lives – our mental health, our spending habits, our connections with others, and ultimately, our happiness.

The instant gratification culture has convinced us that faster is always better, that waiting is wasted time, and that success means cramming as much as possible into each day. But what if we've got it backward? What if the real richness of life is found in the spaces between – in the anticipation of a package that arrives in a week rather than a day, in the meandering conversation with a cashier, in the meditative process of chopping vegetables for a slow-cooked meal?

Your spending habits are more than just financial decisions – they're statements about what you value and the world you want to live in. And your relationship with time isn't just about efficiency – it's about experiencing the fullness of your finite existence.

So I invite you to (as the great Billy Joel would sing) slow down. You're doing fine. The world won't end if that package arrives in three days instead of one. Your inbox can wait another hour. That walk doesn't need to be rushed through. In fact, you might discover that anticipation brings its own joy – one that's been missing in our culture of immediacy. Because in the end, we don't just have time – we are time itself. How will you spend yours?

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