1-1-1: how to fall in love with life
read my top tips on making each day feel special. happy last 1-1-1 edition of 2024!
december, 2024
edition 59.
I’m writing this edition the night before I go to hawaii (wooo !!!) and it is going to come out on the day my class graduates from our masters program. it’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that I will be halfway around the world sitting on the beach when my peers walk across the stage and accept the diploma. I’ll get mine, of course, but in the mail — without any of the fanfare of my peers.
sometimes hard choices are made twice: once when you decide to do something, and once when that something actually happens.
tuesday, when this is mailed to you, will be the second.
my masters year wasn’t what I expected it to be but I am reluctant to let it go without at least making a little bit of a deal about it, so that’s why this portion of the newsletter is dedicated to it. I don’t know where my story goes from here, but I know I’m stepping into a new chapter of my life with some of the most fantastic people by my side.
happy four (of 12) months of 1-1-1 in 2024. lets hope I don’t drop this newsletter (again) next year <3
you can expect one email from me every week containing:
one quote that has been inspiring me
one journal prompt
one piece of advice*
* = if you want to submit a question for my upcoming emails, you can find the form here.
podcast
there are tons of guest episodes on the podcast from 2024 that are worth checking out — listen to them here <3
one quote
“and they keep asking me where happiness can be found, but I’m no longer trying to find happiness. I just appreciate where I am and then happiness finds me.”
—soyen
one journal prompt
think about something you’re afraid of happening or really dreading to do. what’s the worst that could happen? what’s the best that could happen?
one piece of advice
“how do you romanticize your life?”
this question was part of a 3-part question (the other two being ‘How are you intentional?’ and ‘How do you live in the moment?’) but today we’re focusing on the first one. as always, here’s a fun ol’ bullet pointed list of ways I like to romanticize my life + some tips if you are trying to do the same:
have something to look forward to in the mornings: for me, it’s a ‘fun little drink’ like a matcha, or a mid-morning coffee break with my boyfriend (if we’re both working from home). it gets me out of bed and gets me excited for my day :)
use nice things: stop waiting for a ‘special moment’ to write in the nice journal or use your damn candle. today is the moment. the fact that you’re alive is the special occasion. use and appreciate your nice things.
if possible, make one meal for yourself: whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I find that taking the time out of my day to make a meal for myself (or someone else!) helps me be more intentional and romanticize my day
make a daily vlog: trust me, it sounds a bit silly but you soon realise that your day is pretty interesting and worthwhile. when you pull out your phone and try to film the moment, you think of ways you can make the moment ‘better’ and, well, your overall quality of life improves.
seek out novel experiences: want to make your life stop moving so fast? do one thing ‘out of the ordinary’ every single week. try a new coffee shop or go to a comedy club instead of watching the comedy special one night. your life will feel more fun once you make it more full.
curate a playlist: I love setting the mood with good music. cooking at home? make it a dance party! it’s raining? put on a crackling fire youtube video.
slowly but surely, you’ll realise that how we live our day is how we live our lives. life doesn’t only happen when you finally take that PTO or your long week slog makes it to the weekend. life is in the small moments; the mundane moments. feeling intentional and romanticizing your life starts with making your every day just 1% better.
reading updates
currently reading: ninth house by leigh bardugo, wild by cheryl strayed, the women by kristin hannah
finished this week:
beyond the wand by tom felton
reading challenge: 48/50, on track (!!)
if you want to keep up with my reading throughout the week, this is my goodreads :)
discount codes
these links are affiliate which means I'll earn commission if you purchase through them. thank you for the support!
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D.Louise: my daily jewelry — katieeu for 15% off
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lululemon: my current list of favourite things
enjoyed this edition?
until we meet again,
katie