Soft Goodbye to May

“May” didn’t begin how I hoped. Life got messy, emotions ran high, and burnout knocked louder than usual. But somewhere in the chaos, I found a gentle reminder…

Sometimes, growth looks like showing up a little late—but still showing up.

Okay, I’ll admit it—I blinked, and May was already halfway over.

April was packed with all the things I had to do. Then May came and swept me up in even more. Yes, I work from home—but that doesn’t make it any less stressful or demanding.

At first, I panicked. I thought I’d missed the rhythm I’d been building this year—those monthly reflections that ground me, shape my seasons, and help me pause. I stared at my planner like it had betrayed me.

Then I laughed—

Because maybe I didn’t miss May at all. Maybe I just needed to meet her a little late.

And honestly? That feels kind of perfect.

To me, May has always felt like a soft pause. A breath between spring’s bloom and summer’s rush. Warm days, breezy evenings, school endings, garden beginnings, halfway-met goals, and to-do lists still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

My youngest just graduated from high school. Ans I’m so proud, we are so proud of him—but I am also overwhelmed. The nest is about to quiet down. One is getting married probably soon. My daughter dreams of seeing the world and traveling. And my youngest? He’s college-bound.

Meanwhile, I’m rebuilding my main website—one recipe at a time.

I’m in round three of editing my book (‘cause… perfectionist! 🙈)

My perimenopausal emotions? Well, sometimes they’re a lot to handle.

And wifehood? I married the kindest soul—but I’m person who likes her “me time,” and he’s a full-on social butterfly. I crave stillness; he thrives in motion around people.

😳 Oh—and let’s not forget the AC unit that decided to quit on us. I was stressed beyond stressed.

I found myself asking:

Can I please catch a break?

Can this girl take a breath?

I’m tired of being tired. And if I keep pushing—I’ll pop.

But…

There’s a gentle strength to May. Not bold. Not loud. Just… present.

I’ve been trying to stay positive—slap on a smile, keep moving, pretend it’s all fine. And in many ways, it is. I have healthy kids. A roof over my head. Food on the table. I run a small business. I have a beautiful support system around me.

Someone might say, “How dare you complain?”

And yet… here I am.

Because gratitude and exhaustion can coexist. Because joy doesn’t cancel out the overwhelm.

This past month, I’ve moved like a hurricane—not by choice, but because life demanded it. Burnout crept in like a slow leak. I didn’t get the pause I needed. I cooked more. Edited more. Worked more. And I kept wishing I had time to walk under blooming trees—to remind myself that movement doesn’t always have to look like productivity.

Sometimes, momentum is simply continuing. Sometimes, it’s just not quitting.

So if you’ve been feeling behind—on your goals, your dreams, your routines—this is your reminder:

• You’re not too late.
• You didn’t mess it up.
• You didn’t miss the window.
• You’re still in it.

The chapter isn’t closed. You’re just on a different page.

Let this summer be your season of soft starts. We can do it together!

Water the seeds you forgot. Pick up the project you set aside. Or just… rest. That counts, too.

Because not everything blooms in March. Not every transformation begins on the first. Not every fire needs to roar—some glow quietly, building heat.

Here’s your gentle permission slip:

⏳ To start again, even late.

🌱 To take a breath and begin small.

✨ To honor the quiet shifts no one sees.

As for me? I’m here. I made it.

May might’ve caught me off guard, but I’m not missing it now.

Let’s move gently, love fiercely, and trust that even soft momentum can carry us far.

Your turn:

• What’s one small intention you’re carrying into the rest of May?

Drop it in the comments or whisper it to yourself. Either way—it matters.

Here’s to showing up, even late.

— Sanna

All my Journal ramblings are HERE.

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