Hey love,

If your brain ever feels like an overstuffed Pinterest board, you’re not alone. I’ve struggled with this for years — the desire to do everything at once. But lately, I’m learning that I don’t have to build every dream simultaneously.

I’ve started setting my life up in eras — giving certain goals my full attention and placing others gently on the shelf until their time comes.

Right now, I’m in my brand-building and creative-writing era, blending both worlds by infusing storytelling into my brand. There’s no exact blueprint (especially since I’m doing these things while working a full-time job) and that’s what makes it special.

I’ve also realized that how I work matters just as much as what I’m working on. Instead of long, overwhelming lists, I’m leaning into small rituals that make focus feel soft and beautiful — a cute outfit for errands, a new matcha recipe, a candle lit while cleaning, or a pomodoro video playing softly in the background.

And when it all starts to feel like too much, I remind myself of something I heard on Diary of a CEO: some ideas just belong on the shelf until they’re ready.

Note to self: writing it down always brings clarity — simple, but true.

Writing Progress

Last Friday, I finally found more structure in my story. I’d been feeling a bit stuck, but something clicked — it’s going to explore more themes beyond style, and that realization added real depth.

I recently listened to Shonda Rhimes on Call Her Daddy, and she said something that stayed with me: storytelling isn’t just about the plot; it’s about building worlds and doing what’s right for each character. She also mentioned how sometimes you think about a story for years, then write it in a short burst — exactly what I talked about in last week’s post.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with titles and developing my characters further. I think there might even be two protagonists — both have been living in my mind for a while, and it’s beautiful to finally bring them to life.

To make their world feel even more real, I started creating a wardrobe list for one of my main characters: How would she dress? What story does each piece tell? It’s been such a fun way to explore her through fashion.

Brand Building

Behind the scenes, I’m also working on my first product — something that blends beauty and intention. I’ve been dreaming up packaging ideas, color palettes, and how it will align with my “Soft Life” brand. It’s still early, but it feels so good to start creating something tangible — something that reflects this next era I’m stepping into.

This process has taught me that brand building isn’t just about selling; it’s about storytelling. It’s about creating pieces that feel like an extension of the life you’re designing.

Style & Self-Expression

This week, I’ve been reflecting on my personal style — how I show up in different spaces, and how I want to evolve. I’m ready to go beyond just “cute” and curate a wardrobe that feels like me — timeless, expressive, and rooted in who I’m becoming.

Speaking of style… I found the cutest $10 sweater on Amazon this week (the sale is over, but it’s now 14.99 which isn’t bad at all). It’s soft, cozy, and feels like me!

It’s proof that you don’t have to spend much to feel put-together. (I’ve linked it here for my fellow soft-life-on-a-budget girlies.)

Closing Thought

You don’t have to do everything at once. Build in eras. Let the rest sit on the shelf — it’ll be there when you’re ready.

Here’s to a week of focus, softness, and beautiful progress — one small ritual at a time.

With love,

-D