January was all about resetting and pushing forward, but February? February is about deepening the things that truly matter.

After celebrating my birthday, I realized that growth isn’t just about chasing big goals—it’s also about appreciating where I am, prioritizing what makes me happy, and nurturing the connections that make life beautiful.

This month, I focused on self-love, being present, and setting small but meaningful intentions. Less pressure, more joy. More love, in every sense of the word.

I’ve been sticking to portion-controlled meals and walking as much as I can each day. I’ve lost a bit of weight, but more importantly, I’m giving myself grace—because perimenopause is no joke. It’s been a journey of relearning my body and mind.

But I’ve realized that not being able to do certain things doesn’t make me a failure—there’s always another way to find fulfillment in our days, weeks, months, or even years. In the end, it all comes down to self-love in its many forms.

And honestly? I used to struggle with self-love for most of my life. That’s why I embrace it now. I’ve learned that loving yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

How to Prioritize Self-Love, Connection & Growth—Not Just in February

1. Practice Daily Self-Love

Self-love isn’t just bubble baths, reading your favorite book, or lighting candles (though if that helps, go for it!). It’s about how you treat yourself every single day.

Listen to Your Body – Eat nourishing meals, rest when you need to, and move in ways that make you feel good.

Reframe Negative Self-Talk – Instead of being critical, ask yourself, “Would I talk to a friend this way?” I used to put myself down constantly. Now, I remind myself daily: Look at me, I’m doing great. I am enough.

Do Something That Brings You Joy – Read, draw, dance, or just enjoy your coffee in silence. Whatever makes you feel alive, make time for it.

2. Strengthen Your Connections

Love isn’t just about romance—it’s about the people who truly matter.

Be Present – Put down the phone, listen deeply, and engage with those around you. The people who show up for you deserve your attention.

Express Gratitude – A simple text, a handwritten note, or a heartfelt “I appreciate you” can go a long way.

Make Time for Quality Moments – A coffee date with a friend, a game night with family, or a long conversation can strengthen bonds in ways social media never will.

3. Focus on Small, Sustainable Growth

Instead of overwhelming yourself with big goals, focus on small daily actions that make you feel fulfilled.

Choose One Habit to Improve – It could be drinking more water, getting outside every day, or writing for 10 minutes. I set a goal to walk 3 million steps this year, and I’m crushing it! I even created a daily task calendar in Adobe to track my progress and keep myself accountable.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection – Growth is about learning, not getting everything right immediately.

Let Go of What Doesn’t Serve You – Whether it’s a toxic habit, unnecessary stress, or something that no longer brings joy, let it go. I started this in January, but honestly, I think it’s worth doing every month.

Romanticize Your Life

Life isn’t just about big achievements—it’s about the little moments, too. Find beauty in your everyday routine. Make a cup of tea and light a candle while you work. Play your favorite song while cooking or listen to an audiobook. Wear that outfit just because. Celebrate love in all its forms—starting with the love you show yourself.

This February, let’s stop chasing perfection—because it doesn’t exist. Nothing and no one is perfect, and life is a little messy, and that’s okay. Instead, let’s focus on what truly matters: self-love, connection, and intentional growth.

What did you do this February for yourself?

Let me know in the comments!

I hope you had an amazing month so far. Stay happy and healthy!

S A N N A

I’ve been meaning to write these journal entries every week, but truthfully, I just couldn’t. The past 30 days have been heavy, and I had to step back and focus on healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

It started with a mild flu that drained me more than it should have. Then came the chaos of perimenopause, with its relentless ups and downs. Add to that a household of “adult” kids who still need me more than they realize, and a husband who’s also been under the weather. My body just waved the white flag.

And then there were the holidays—those bittersweet reminders of the past. Memories of my parents’ messy split came flooding back — I just wanted to escape it all. I thought I had buried those feelings, but they have a way of resurfacing when you least expect it.

On top of everything, there’s the ache of losing my sister—not to death, but to distance. She chose to cut ties almost two decades ago, and though I don’t talk about it much, it’s a wound that never really heals. Saying it here feels both painful and freeing.

Mentally, I wasn’t in a great place either. The holiday season always does that to me. There’s something about the forced cheer and endless expectations that makes me want to retreat into my own little world.

Sometimes, life demands that you hit pause. You step back, take a breath, and focus on yourself. Because if you don’t, how can you possibly manage everything else?

Life is messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s overwhelming, especially for moms like me who are trying to hold it all together. And let’s be real—no one has it all together, no matter how perfect their life might look on the outside.

I’ve never been good at pretending otherwise. I can’t fake it, and I won’t try. Life is raw and real, and when it knocks you down, you have to face it head-on—even if it takes longer than you’d like.

A few days ago, I decided to take a small step forward. I downloaded a new app to track my calories and fitness.

Also, I dusted off my planner which had been sitting untouched for many weeks. I walked, rode my bike, and even danced around the kitchen while boiling eggs to eat with my salad.

I sang my heart out to my favorite Stone Sour songs, read a book, meditated, and reconnected with a few close friends.

None of it was groundbreaking, but it felt like progress.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

• It’s okay to not be okay.
• It’s okay to take a break.
• It is okay to put yourself first.

I don’t have all the answers. I’m still figuring things out. But I know this: I want to be happy. I want to be healthy. I want to lose weight, but I also want to enjoy a slice of coconut cream pie. Life is too short to skip the things that bring you joy.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling too, I hope you know you’re not alone. Take a breath. Take a break. Take care of yourself.

Sending love and warm hugs to anyone who needs them. Thanks for letting me share my little ramble.

Love,

S A N N A

You can follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, @mugofreality

I am working on getting a Facebook page too.

My last journal entry:

• Finding Myself: Rediscovering Life Through Passion and Purpose