As I think about my own life, I keep coming back to a common thread. I love traditions. I love revisiting favorite places. I've been creating monthly roundups since 2006 because I never want to lose those everyday memories.

Welcome August! I'm excited to begin a new month and explore the theme of Rhythms and Routines. Routines sometimes get a bad reputation for feeling repetitive or restrictive, but I've found that the right rhythms can actually create more freedom. They help us spend less energy deciding what to do next and more energy enjoying the things that matter most. As summer begins to wind down and many of us prepare for a new season, August is a wonderful time to notice the routines that support the life we want to live.

Hello July! I’m excited to dive into this month, and explore the them of play. You might think this topic only applies to kids or those with children in their lives, but I believe everyone should have a form of play to bring joy into everyday life. Think of it as an invitation to loosen up a little. We are in the heat of summer in the northern hemisphere and that has a playful energy to it. July is the perfect time to look for joy in fun moments and simple pleasures.

One of the things I love most about road trips is the way they create stories. When most people think about travel memories, they usually think about the final destination. When I look back through my photos and travel albums, some of my favorite memories happened along the way.

Adventure begins when we choose to explore. It grows when we pay attention to the world around us, stay curious, and say yes to new experiences. Sometimes those experiences become unforgettable vacations. They can also be simple trips to familiar places.

This month has a bright and playful energy, and it is the perfect time to explore creativity in simple everyday ways. Creativity does not have to mean big projects or perfect results. It can be small, gentle, and personal. It can be the way you take a photo, jot down a note, arrange a meal on a plate, or choose colors for your planner.

Creativity grows when we give ourselves permission to experiment and play. This month, try leaning into curiosity. Notice what inspires you. Pay attention to ideas that make you want to make something, even if it is tiny. Creativity often shows up in moments when we relax, follow a spark, or try something without worrying about the outcome.

Welcome to April. The season is shifting, colors are beginning to show up again, and there is a fresh energy in the air. It is the perfect time to slow down a bit and look for joy in the small parts of your day.

Welcome to March. This month always feels like we are shifting into something new. Winter slowly steps back, the light changes a little, and everything starts to wake up again. It feels like the right time to think about renewal.

Renewal does not have to be a big thing. It often shows up quietly. It might be a small change in your routine, a little more energy in your day, or a moment when something finally feels lighter. Sometimes it is as simple as looking at a part of your life with fresh eyes.

At the start of the year, I shared my monthly themes for 2026 as a way to guide memory keeping, journaling, and creative projects throughout the year. I noticed last night after I sent out my newsletter (are you a subscriber?) that I had made a slight error.