What I Focus on When Energy Is Low

Posted on January 6, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Low energy doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Sometimes it’s just a signal to slow down, adjust expectations, and move differently through the day. I’ve learned not to fight it anymore. When my energy dips, I stop chasing productivity and start paying attention to what actually helps.

I Lower the Bar on Purpose

When energy is low, I don’t try to “push through.” That mindset only leaves me irritated and exhausted. Instead, I decide what actually matters that day. Not the ideal list. Not the Pinterest version of productivity. Just the few things that truly need attention.

Lowering the bar isn’t quitting. It’s conserving energy for what counts.

I Focus on Maintenance, Not Progress

Low-energy days aren’t for big goals or long-term plans. They’re for maintenance. I focus on keeping life steady rather than moving it forward.

That might mean folding laundry, answering a few messages, or handling small tasks that don’t require creativity or emotional effort. These things still count, even if they don’t feel impressive.

I Protect My Mental Space

When energy is low, my tolerance for noise, negativity, and chaos drops fast. I’m careful about what I let in. That includes conversations, social media, and even background noise.

I’ve learned that mental clutter drains energy just as much as physical effort. Quiet helps me reset, even if it’s just for a short while.

I Choose Comfort Without Guilt

Comfort isn’t laziness. On low-energy days, I lean into things that feel grounding. Comfortable clothes. Familiar routines. Simple meals. Familiar shows or music that doesn’t demand attention.

There’s no guilt in choosing ease. Rest is productive when it keeps burnout away.

I Listen to What My Body Is Asking For

Low energy can come from stress, overstimulation, or just needing rest. I try to listen instead of override it. Sometimes that means moving slower. Other times it means stepping away from responsibilities for a bit.

Ignoring those signals always costs me more later. Paying attention now saves energy in the long run.

I Give Myself Permission to Be Quiet

Not every day needs commentary. Not every thought needs to be processed or shared. When energy is low, I allow myself to be quiet without explanation.

Stillness has its own kind of healing. I don’t need to justify it.

I Remember That This Is Temporary

Low energy days feel heavy when I treat them like a failure. They feel manageable when I remember they’re temporary. I don’t need to fix everything today. I just need to get through it with care.

Energy comes back. It always does.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Gaslighters Who Play the Victim, Covert Narcissism and DARVO

Posted on January 6, 2026January 6, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Why They Think No One Sees Through Them

Gaslighters who play the victim rely on confusion, guilt, and emotional exhaustion to stay in control. When their manipulation is exposed, they often fall back on a familiar tactic: DARVO — Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender.

What’s wild isn’t just the behavior itself. It’s how confidently they believe it works.

It doesn’t, weak-minded weirdos.

What DARVO Actually Looks Like in Real Life

DARVO isn’t subtle. It usually follows a predictable script:

Deny: “That never happened.”
Attack: “You’re too angry/ unstable / dramatic.”
Reverse Victim and Offender: “I’m the one being attacked here. Poor me!”

Suddenly, the person who caused harm is crying, outraged, or claiming abuse, while the real victim is left defending themselves.

Why Gaslighters Play the Victim

Playing the victim gives them several advantages:

It shifts attention away from their behavior
It elicits sympathy from outsiders (this is a big one for most of these losers)
It puts the real victim on trial
It reframes accountability as cruelty

To them, being confronted feels like persecution. Accountability feels like abuse.

The Core Belief: “If I Control the Narrative, I Control Reality”

Gaslighters often believe that truth is flexible, something that can be reshaped by tone, emotion, or repetition. If they cry hard enough, accuse loudly enough, or rewrite events confidently enough, they assume others will accept their version. Keep dreaming, silly.

They confuse performance with credibility.

Why They Truly Think Others Can’t See Through Them

1. It Worked Before

This behavior didn’t come out of nowhere. At some point, it worked. Someone backed down. Someone believed them. Someone stayed silent. That success reinforces the belief that the tactic is foolproof.

2. They Overestimate Their Intelligence

Many gaslighters believe they’re the smartest person in the room. They assume others are emotionally naive, easily manipulated, or too uncomfortable to challenge them. Laughable. Every one I have ever known has less than average intelligence. They usually have an overinflated sense of their looks as well. In truth, they are some of the strangest looking creatures with unbelievable audacity. Just goofy.

3. They Underestimate Pattern Recognition

They don’t realize that while single incidents can be confusing, patterns are obvious. Over time, people notice the repeated victim narratives, the same accusations, the same deflections. We see you, delulu!

4. They Assume Silence Means Belief

When people stop engaging, gaslighters often think they’ve “won.” In reality, others have simply disengaged after seeing exactly who they’re dealing with. Especially if you know they are a weak little cop-caller. Because, for whatever reason, these spineless cowards love to entice a fight and then call the police.

The Victim Act Is Often Their Final Move

When gaslighting fails, victimhood becomes a last-ditch effort to:

Regain control
Punish the person who saw through them
Salvage their public image

This is why the behavior often escalates once boundaries are set.

Why It Stops Working Eventually

Gaslighting depends on access. Once someone understands the tactic, the emotional hooks lose their power.

People start noticing:

The story always changes
Accountability is always avoided
Everyone else is always the problem

The mask slips, not because the gaslighter messes up once, but because they repeat the same moves over and over.

Seeing Through It Is the Threat

What gaslighters fear most isn’t confrontation. It’s clarity.

Once someone can name the behavior…gaslighting, DARVO, victim reversal, covert narcissism, the illusion collapses. There’s nothing left to argue with – just patterns, boundaries, and distance.

And that’s exactly why they fight so hard to keep pretending no one can see. Just make sure if you are one of these clowns, you aren’t playing with someone smarter than you 😉

Grow up, twat.

The Hidden Pressure of “Back to Normal”

Posted on January 5, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

For many, the phrase “back to normal” sounds comforting. It promises a return to routines, familiar faces, and a sense of stability. But what it often brings is quiet, unspoken pressure. The pressure to perform, to pretend everything is fine, and to fit into a timeline that doesn’t always match our own. My husband went back to work today and I miss him already!

Society’s Unspoken Timeline

From work deadlines to social expectations, we’re constantly reminded that life should resume at full speed. People post their “back to normal” selfies, kids return to school, and offices buzz again. It can feel like a subtle competition: Who is coping best? Who adjusted fastest? For those who struggled, the pressure to catch up can be exhausting.

Emotional Overload Behind the Mask

Even when routines resume, our minds and hearts may still carry the weight of recent challenges. Anxiety, grief, or burnout doesn’t always vanish when schedules return to normal. Pretending everything is fine only adds to stress. This invisible emotional labor is real, and it’s draining.

Redefining “Normal” on Your Terms

The truth is, “normal” doesn’t have a universal definition. It’s personal. Some may thrive in full social engagement, while others need slower steps. Allowing yourself to acknowledge your limits isn’t failure—it’s self-respect. Small adjustments, flexible routines, and honest communication can create a healthier version of normal that works for you.

Setting Boundaries Without Guilt

One of the hardest parts of resuming life is saying no. Whether it’s social events, extra work, or family obligations, boundaries are crucial. Saying no doesn’t make you weak—it protects your energy. Embracing your own pace helps you rebuild strength instead of burning out chasing someone else’s idea of “normal.”

Moving Forward Mindfully

Instead of rushing to blend into old rhythms, take time to reflect. Notice what truly matters and what feels like performative pressure. Celebrate small wins, seek support when needed, and allow yourself to reshape routines. Returning to life after disruption doesn’t mean erasing experiences—it means integrating them thoughtfully.

Life isn’t a race, and the invisible pressure of “back to normal” doesn’t have to define you. Moving forward on your own terms creates a lasting balance, one step at a time.

The Long-Term Effects of Never Fully Resting

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by gigis ramblings

I’ve always been the type to pack every day full—late nights, early mornings, and hitting the ground running the moment I wake up. Even when I’m asleep, I never feel fully at rest. My mind keeps racing, my body stays tense, and I wake up drained, not refreshed. Over time, I’ve realized that never truly resting isn’t just exhausting—it takes a serious toll on your body and mind.

Sleep That Doesn’t Recharge

It’s easy to think that getting seven or eight hours of sleep is enough. But when you’re never fully relaxed, those hours don’t count. Tossing and turning, waking up multiple times, or just lying there thinking about everything you “have to do” prevents your body from entering deep, restorative sleep. The result? Chronic fatigue that no amount of coffee or energy drinks can fix.

How It Affects Your Mind

When your brain never gets a proper break, it shows. I notice it in memory lapses, poor focus, and a growing sense of anxiety that never seems to leave. Stress hormones stay high, leaving you in a constant state of fight-or-flight—even during moments meant for rest. For me, this mental strain is the hardest part. Even when I try to relax, my mind won’t let me.

Physical Consequences

Chronic lack of rest isn’t just in your head—it affects your body too. Immune function drops, aches and pains worsen, and long-term risks like high blood pressure or heart issues quietly increase. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through fatigue day after day can leave lasting damage, even if it doesn’t feel urgent now.

The Vicious Cycle

The more exhausted you feel, the harder you push. Early mornings, late nights, juggling multiple responsibilities, caffeine—these all feel like survival strategies. But the harder you push, the more impossible true rest becomes. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, and breaking it takes awareness and effort.

Related: How I Start the Year Calm

Finding Real Rest

Rest isn’t just about lying down. For me, it means actively creating space for my mind and body to recover. That could be setting a bedtime routine, unplugging from screens, taking a short nap, or practicing breathing exercises. It’s not laziness—it’s repair.

The Takeaway

Never fully resting doesn’t just make daily life harder—it slowly erodes your mental, emotional, and physical health. I’ve lived it, and I can tell you: prioritizing rest isn’t optional. Small, intentional steps to truly recharge can make a world of difference. You deserve to wake up feeling like yourself again.

Why Winter Feels Different in the South

Posted on January 4, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

January Feels Like a Practical Joke

It’s January, and it’s almost 80 degrees. You throw on a hoodie thinking you’ll be cold, but the sun hits, and suddenly you’re sweating. That’s Southern winter—more mood swing than season. One day, you’re wrapped up in blankets. The next, you’re outside grilling.

Snow? Rare. Ice? Legendary.

Forget the Northern winter nightmares. Snow is a rumor, and ice storms are the kind of drama that shuts down half the state for a day and then vanishes. Most Southern winters are mild, unpredictable, and just enough to keep you guessing.

Winter Habits, Southern Style

We don’t hibernate—we adapt. Flip-flops in January? Yep. Sneaking seeds into the garden? Absolutely. Long drives, porch hangs, and back-yard grills are still on the menu. Even winter recipes get a sun-kissed twist—cornbread, chili, stew—but somehow, you’re still outside enjoying it.

The Sneaky Magic of Southern Winter

Southern winter isn’t harsh; it’s sneaky. Early blooms appear, the air feels soft, and life slows down just enough to notice it. There’s a freedom in it that Northern winters don’t give you—no scraping ice, no frozen toes—just a strange, fleeting season that somehow feels like home.

What I Clean Differently in Winter

Posted on January 3, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

When the temperature drops and the air turns crisp, my cleaning routine changes. Winter brings unique challenges for keeping my home cozy, clean, and healthy. Here’s what I focus on differently during the colder months.

Tackle the Entryway First

Winter means boots, coats, and muddy paws tracking in snow, salt, and dirt. I sweep and mop entryways more often than in summer. A good doormat and a small boot tray help keep the mess contained. I also wipe down coat hooks and hangers to prevent salt and grime buildup.

Keep Air Quality in Check

Dry indoor air is a winter challenge. I clean air vents, replace filters, and dust surfaces more thoroughly to reduce allergens and dust circulation. Using a humidifier in bedrooms and common areas helps prevent dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory irritation.

Focus on the Kitchen

Comfort foods, soups, and baking mean more mess in the kitchen. I deep-clean countertops, stovetops, and the inside of the fridge weekly. Spilled sugar or flour attracts pests, which I make sure to avoid by wiping down surfaces and sweeping crumbs regularly.

Bathroom Maintenance Shifts

Cold weather keeps showers shorter and windows closed, increasing humidity and the risk of mildew. I pay extra attention to scrubbing shower tiles, sinks, and faucets. Wiping down surfaces after each use reduces water spots and keeps bathrooms smelling fresh.

Laundry Adjustments

Winter clothes are heavier—think sweaters, jeans, and hoodies. I wash my winter clothes more often. Sweaters and coats get gentle care, and I make sure hats and gloves don’t get ruined.

Floors Take Priority

Leaves, slush, and mud can ruin floors fast. I vacuum and mop high-traffic areas frequently. Rugs and runners near entrances get shaken out or washed more often. For wood floors, I use a damp mop rather than soaking to avoid warping from winter moisture.

Seasonal Extras

Winter is a great time for cleaning tasks we often forget: wiping down baseboards, dusting ceiling fans, and cleaning light fixtures. These tasks make the home feel brighter and more welcoming during the shorter, darker days.

Winter cleaning isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about comfort, safety, and making your home feel warm and inviting during the cold months. Adjusting routines for the season keeps both the home and the people inside happy.

Planning a More Self-Sufficient Life Through Gardening and Canning

Posted on January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Becoming more self-sufficient is something we’ve been thinking about seriously, not as a trend but as a long-term goal. Rising food costs, supply issues, and a growing desire to rely less on outside systems have pushed us to start preparing now rather than waiting until it feels urgent.

One of the most important parts of that preparation is food. Learning how to grow and preserve our own food through gardening and canning feels like a practical, achievable place to start. The goal isn’t perfection or doing everything at once. It’s education, planning, and building skills that can grow over time.

Why Gardening and Canning Are the Foundation

Gardening gives you control over what you grow and how it’s produced. Canning ensures that work doesn’t go to waste and allows you to stock a pantry that supports your household year-round. Together, they create food security and reduce dependence on constant grocery store trips.

Starting now gives us time to learn without pressure, make mistakes safely, and build confidence before investing heavily in supplies or expanding production.

Learning Before Doing

Before buying seeds or jars, education comes first. Understanding soil, climate, planting schedules, and food safety makes everything else easier and far less overwhelming.

Books remain one of the most reliable resources, especially for canning where safety matters. Gardening guides specific to Texas and trusted preservation manuals help cut through misinformation and avoid risky shortcuts.

Understanding Our Growing Area

Living in Central Texas means gardening comes with both advantages and challenges. We have a long growing season, mild winters, and intense summer heat. Spring and fall gardens are both possible, but crop selection and timing matter.

Knowing our USDA hardiness zone, average frost dates, and which plants tolerate heat helps shape the entire plan, from seed choices to planting schedules.

Building on Past Gardening Experience

This isn’t our first experience with gardening. In the past, we’ve had consistent success with squash, bell peppers, jalapeños, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and okra. Even without a perfect setup, these crops have done well for us, which gives us a solid foundation to build on.

That experience matters. Instead of starting from scratch, the focus now is on expanding intentionally. We already know what works in our climate, so the goal is to add variety, improve planning, and grow with preservation and storage in mind.

Planning the Garden Before Buying Seeds

A productive garden starts with a plan, not impulse purchases. Knowing how much space is available, how much sun the area gets, and how much time can realistically be committed each week prevents frustration later.

Just as important is growing food we actually use and know how to preserve. Gardening for self-sufficiency means thinking beyond harvest and planning for storage.

Basic Garden Planning Checklist

Measure available growing space
Decide on in-ground beds, raised beds, or containers
Track daily sun exposure
Choose crops with preservation in mind
Plan planting dates and succession crops
Leave room for mistakes and learning

Easy Vegetables to Grow and Can in Central Texas

Some vegetables are simply more forgiving than others, especially for gardeners who want reliable results.

Tomatoes are versatile and ideal for sauces, salsas, and juice. Green beans grow quickly and pressure can well. Peppers thrive in the heat and can be pickled or canned. Cucumbers are productive and perfect for pickling. Okra handles Texas summers effortlessly and preserves well. Squash and zucchini produce heavily and freeze or can easily. Onions store well and are used in nearly every preservation recipe.

These crops will remain staples in the plan because they’re dependable and useful.

Expanding Beyond the Basics

While those reliable vegetables will stay part of the garden, adding new crops increases flexibility and variety.

Additional vegetables worth incorporating include carrots, bush beans, sweet potatoes, beets, Swiss chard, and herbs like basil and oregano. These pair well with existing crops and open the door to more canning, freezing, drying, and everyday cooking options.

Vegetables That Grow Well in Planters and Containers

Not everything needs to be planted in the ground. Container gardening allows for flexibility, better soil control, and easier pest management. It also makes it possible to grow more food without expanding the footprint of the main garden.

Peppers, tomatoes (especially determinate or patio varieties), cucumbers with trellises, bush beans, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, radishes, green onions, and herbs all grow well in planters. Larger containers can also support dwarf squash varieties and even sweet potatoes when given enough space.

Incorporating more container gardening into the plan makes it easier to experiment with new crops while keeping things manageable.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors allows for stronger plants and better control, especially for heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. With the right timing and setup, it’s also more cost-effective than buying transplants.

Basic supplies include seed trays, quality seed-starting mix, proper lighting, and labels. Timing matters, and seedlings need to be hardened off before moving outdoors to avoid shock.

First-Year Canning Goals

The first year of canning isn’t about filling shelves wall to wall. It’s about learning safe techniques and building confidence.

Focusing on a few reliable recipes like tomato sauce, pickles, green beans, and tested salsa recipes keeps the process manageable. Mastering both water bath and pressure canning methods slowly lays the groundwork for expanding later.

Basic Canning Supplies Checklist

Water bath canner
Pressure canner
Mason jars
New lids
Jar lifter
Funnel
Bubble remover

Creating a Realistic First-Year Plan

Trying to do too much at once is the fastest way to burn out. A better approach is to limit the number of crops, take notes throughout the season, and review what worked at the end.

End-of-Season Review Checklist

Which crops produced best
Which struggled and why
What we actually used and preserved
What to repeat next year
What to remove from the plan

Moving Forward With Intention

Self-sufficiency isn’t a destination. It’s a process built through preparation, patience, and consistency. By building on past gardening success, expanding into new crops and container gardening, and learning preservation skills now, we’re creating a foundation that can grow year after year.

This is about progress, not perfection, and about starting before it feels urgent.

How I Start the Year Calm

Posted on January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Reflecting, Not Overthinking
I like to spend the first morning of the year reflecting quietly. I don’t write long lists of resolutions or force a complete life overhaul. Instead, I think about the small wins from the past year and what I want more of in the coming months. I consider relationships, health, and moments that brought me peace. Reflection isn’t about judgment or guilt; it’s about clarity. It’s acknowledging where I am and where I want to gently steer my energy.

Rituals That Ground Me
Certain rituals help me start the year calm. A simple cup of hot tea, a short walk outside, or lighting a candle in my favorite scent creates a sense of familiarity and comfort. These small actions signal to my mind that I am in control of how I enter this new chapter. Rituals don’t have to be elaborate—they just need to be meaningful enough to anchor me in the present.

Setting Intentions, Not Rules
Instead of rigid resolutions, I focus on intentions. Intentions are flexible and realistic, guiding me without creating pressure. For example, I intend to be more present with family, to carve out moments for creativity, or to prioritize rest when I need it. Framing goals this way keeps the start of the year gentle, encouraging growth without stress.

Slowing Down, Not Rushing Forward
One of the most important ways I stay calm is by slowing down. The first few days of January aren’t for rushing or overcommitting. I give myself permission to ease back into routines, to savor quiet mornings, and to move at my own pace. By starting slow, I carry a sense of calm into the weeks ahead.

A Mindset of Calm
Starting the year calm isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about choosing peace over chaos. It’s letting go of what I can’t control and leaning into what matters. For me, calm comes from reflection, ritual, and patience. It’s a mindset more than an action, and it sets a tone that lasts long after the calendar flips.

A Quiet New Year, Just the Way We Needed It

Posted on January 1, 2026January 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

New Year’s Eve didn’t come in loud or chaotic this year, per usual for us. There was no rushing, no pressure to stay up for the sake of tradition, no packed plans demanding energy we didn’t have.

Instead, we eased into the last night of the year with snacks, basketball on the TV, and that familiar fight to keep our eyes open just long enough to say we did it. Midnight came and went softly. We barely made it, kissed right on time, then stood watching the neighbors celebrate in true fashion.

Fireworks lit the sky. A few firearms joined in. It’s Texas after all.

By 12:15, we were in bed, done for the night, perfectly content.

New Year’s Day: Slow Mornings and Comfort Traditions

We let ourselves sleep in on New Year’s Day, no alarms, no guilt. When we finally made it out of bed, the day stayed just as relaxed as the night before.

I cooked one of my favorite New Year traditions: black-eyed peas, cabbage, and cornbread. It’s a meal rooted in hope and symbolism, passed down through generations, especially in the South.

Black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Cabbage represents wealth, although it has yet to find us. Cornbread, with its golden color, symbolizes abundance and comfort.

Santiago decided to switch things up this year. Instead of the usual ham, he made baby back ribs. I don’t eat pork, so it was fine with me.

A Day of Rest (And UFOs)

After eating, we didn’t suddenly become productive or ambitious. We leaned into the laziness and stayed in bed most of the day, watching UFO documentaries and laughing at ourselves for how invested we were. By the way, there have been a lot of weird occurrences in Texas – just saying.

There was something grounding about letting the first day of the year be slow. No expectations. No lists. Just rest, curiosity, and being together.

Sometimes the best way to start fresh is to not rush at all.

New Year Superstitions and Why I Still Love Them

Even though the day was laid-back, I still made time for a few New Year rituals that feel meaningful to me.

I blew cinnamon at the front door, sprinkled salt on the doorsteps, opened a window, and burned sage and incense throughout the house.

Blowing cinnamon is believed to invite abundance and prosperity into the home for the year ahead. Cinnamon has long been associated with warmth, protection, and financial luck. Sprinkling salt is said to ward off negative energy and create a protective barrier. Opening a window releases the past year and allows the new one to enter your home. Sage and incense have been used for centuries to cleanse spaces, remove stagnant energy, and reset intentions.

Do I believe these rituals control the year ahead? Not exactly. But I do believe in intention. In pausing. In choosing to start the year thoughtfully instead of mindlessly.

These moments create a mental reset, and sometimes that’s just as powerful.

Sunshine, Decluttering, and a Fresh Start Ahead

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and nearly 80 degrees, which feels like a gift in early January. That weather alone has me motivated to start packing away the Christmas decorations.

Not all of them though.

The tree stays up until after the 6th. That’s non-negotiable.

I’m ready to deep clean, reset the house, and clear the clutter that always sneaks in during the holidays. A clean space makes my mind calmer, and right now my need for structure is loud.

I’m also ready to get back to work and focus on my businesses. The break was good, but I thrive on routine, and my OCD has been begging for a regular schedule again.

Loving the Break, Ready for the Routine

Santiago heads back to work Monday after being off since Christmas Eve. I’m going to miss having him home during the day, but I also know we both do better when life settles back into its rhythm.

There’s comfort in knowing what comes next. Comfort in structure. Comfort in showing up consistently for the things we’re building.

Stepping Into 2026 With Intention

This New Year didn’t begin with noise or chaos. It began with rest, reflection, tradition, and quiet hope. And maybe that’s exactly what 2026 needed from us.

I’m not charging into this year at full speed. I’m stepping into it calmly, intentionally, and ready.

And that feels like a really good way to begin.

New Year Intentions for Stability, Growth, and Self-Reliance

Posted on December 31, 2025January 1, 2026 by gigis ramblings

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. They’ve always felt temporary, like promises made with good intentions and broken once real life kicks in. What I focus on now are intentions. Intentions give me direction without the pressure of perfection, and at this stage of my life, direction matters more than anything else.

Building Steady Income and Creative Growth

One of my biggest intentions for the new year is continuing to grow and stabilize my income. I’m always looking for ways to expand my income streams because relying on just one source has never felt smart or secure. I have several things in the works for Southern Bred Crime Junkie, and I’m hopeful this is the year those efforts truly start to pay off.

Mama Crow’s Wax Melts is always close to my heart. I want more sales, more consistency, and more people discovering the products I pour so much time and care into. Above all, I want work to remain steady. No feast-or-famine cycles. Just reliable work that allows me to plan, breathe, and move forward with confidence.

Hoping This Is the Year We Move to the Country

One of my strongest hopes this year is finally moving to the country. I want space, quiet, and room to grow in ways that just aren’t possible where we are now. I want land, less noise, and the kind of peace that comes from not feeling boxed in by the world.

Along with that dream comes a growing interest in homesteading skills. I don’t want to depend on the government or outside systems more than absolutely necessary. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I am a realist. The more self-sufficient we can be, the better prepared we are for whatever comes next.

Learning the Skills My Grandparents Lived By

I’ve always loved growing things. That’s something my grandparents passed down to me early, even if I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time. Gardens were part of my childhood, and so was the quiet rhythm of planting, tending, and harvesting.

My grandma canned vegetables like it was second nature. She could pull jars off a shelf year-round from one good summer garden. I wish I had paid more attention back then, but maybe this is life bringing me back around to lessons I wasn’t ready to learn as a kid.

Why Self-Sufficiency Matters More Now

Between my age, the economy, and my health, this interest in self-reliance isn’t a trend or a phase. It feels necessary. It feels grounded. I’m not preparing out of fear. I’m preparing out of awareness and experience.

I want to know how to grow food, preserve it, and rely more on what we can do for ourselves. That kind of knowledge feels empowering, not extreme.

Health, Spirituality, and Connection

Good health is always part of my intentions. Not just surviving or getting through the day, but actually feeling well enough to enjoy the life I’m building. I also want more spirituality this year, not in a rigid or performative way, but in a deeper, more connected way.

I want to slow down, listen more, and strengthen my connection to the universe. Less rushing. Less noise. More trust in the process.

Celebrating 17 Years Together

This year marks our 17th anniversary, and that feels like a quiet but meaningful milestone. It’s not flashy. It’s solid. It’s built on choosing each other over and over again, even when life gets messy.

A stronger relationship is always on my list. Growth doesn’t stop just because time passes. It takes intention, just like everything else worth having.

Moving Into the New Year With Purpose

So this is what I’m carrying into the new year: steady work, deeper roots, better health, stronger faith, and the willingness to learn old skills in a new season of life.

No resolutions.
Just clear intentions—and the commitment to show up for them.