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We live in a world that celebrates “hustle culture”, a world where our worth often feels tied to our to-do lists. “Did I check off everything today?” or “was I productive enough?” becomes the standard metric for a good day. But here’s the thing: life isn’t just about what you accomplish. It’s about what you experience.

When we stop measuring our days solely by productivity, we open up the possibility to actually be present, to notice the small moments, the subtle joys, and even the quiet, uneventful times that make life rich. Presence allows us to reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with the simple, grounding aspects of life that we often overlook.

Instead of asking, “Did I get enough done today?” try asking, “did I notice the sunlight through my window?” or “did I truly listen when someone was talking?” Shifting your focus from output to experience changes the way your day feels, from rushed and anxious to meaningful and grounded. Here are two simple ways to be more present in your everyday life.

1. Practice a 5-Minute Pause.
Set aside just five minutes a few times a day to do nothing but notice your surroundings. Feel the textures under your fingertips, listen to the sounds around you, or notice the rhythm of your breath. Even short pauses like this train your brain to slow down and appreciate the now.

2. Single-Task, Not Multi-Task.
Instead of juggling emails while scrolling social media and thinking about dinner plans, try focusing fully on one thing at a time. Whether it’s drinking your morning coffee, finish one big thing on your to-do list, or talking to a friend, giving your full attention to a single experience makes it richer and more satisfying.

Presence doesn’t mean you have to stop working or being ambitious. It means you allow yourself to live inside your life rather than constantly running through it. Some days you’ll still be productive, some days not, but when you measure your life by presence, even the quiet, “unproductive” days become meaningful.

I haven’t actually tried an Erewhon smoothie, I don’t live in Los Angeles, and for now, that means no viral $20 Strawberry Glaze in my life. But that hasn’t stopped me from obsessing over them. If I could order one online and have it shipped to me, I probably would. For someone who loves smoothies as much as I do, these drinks look like the ultimate treat: indulgent, nutrient-packed, and undeniably Instagram-worthy.

The most famous one, often called the Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze smoothie, has a short but impressive ingredient list: frozen strawberries, 2 dates, avocado, maple syrup, vanilla collagen powder, almond milk, coconut cream, and a strawberry glaze swirl. Even just reading it makes me want one. Beyond looking delicious, each ingredient has something beneficial to offer.

Frozen strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect your skin and cells from damage caused by free radicals. They’re also naturally sweet without needing extra sugar. Dates are another source of natural sweetness and provide fiber, which is great for digestion and keeping your gut happy. Avocado adds healthy fats, which make the smoothie creamy, help you feel full, and support skin and cell health. Maple syrup, while still a sugar, is a more natural sweetener than refined sugar and adds depth to the flavour.

Vanilla collagen powder is often marketed as a beauty booster, supporting skin elasticity and overall “glow.” While collagen benefits are best seen with consistent, long-term use, including it in a smoothie is a nice little wellness bonus. Almond milk gives the smoothie a light, dairy-free base, keeping it smooth without weighing it down. Coconut cream adds richness and a luxurious texture, along with medium-chain fats that can be used for quick energy. Finally, the strawberry glaze swirl is mostly aesthetic, but it makes the drink feel extra indulgent, part of what makes it a treat and an experience.

Even without tasting it, I can see why people are willing to pay a premium for these smoothies. For me, it’s not just about nutrition, it’s about the experience. The ritual of sipping something creamy, rich, and thoughtfully made feels like a little act of self-care, a mental break in the middle of a busy day. Sure, the price is high, and yes, you could probably make something similar at home, but the combination of quality ingredients, flavour, and presentation is part of the appeal.

For now, my relationship with Erewhon smoothies is entirely aspirational. I haven’t tasted the $20 Strawberry Glaze, but just thinking about it makes me want to savour every sip. If anything, it reminds me that self-care comes in many forms, and sometimes treating yourself to something special, even just in your imagination, can feel surprisingly satisfying. And while I dream of trying one for real, I can also appreciate what each ingredient brings to the table and why, for some, the price might be justified.

I never thought I’d be the type to give up fizzy drinks, Coca‑Cola has been my constant companion for years. There’s something comforting about cracking open a can, that little fizz, the sweetness hitting your taste buds, after a big meal, it just slaps. It feels like a tiny treat in an otherwise normal day. But over time, I started noticing that my body never really felt “normal.” It was a little bloated, and some days, downright uncomfortable, every time I would drink a fizzy beverage. So I decided to do an experiment on myself: for a week I would give up all fizzy drinks to see what happened.

I won’t lie, the first few days were strange. I kept wanting to drive to the grocery store to get a can of coke, expecting the fizzy kick would fix the mid-afternoon slump. But instead of soda, I reached for water, mostly sparkling water, because let’s face it, I still love a bit of fizz. Slowly, I started noticing changes. My body felt lighter, it felt less “puffed up,” and even my energy levels felt steadier throughout the day. It wasn’t just a physical difference, it was mental too. I felt in control of my body, not constantly reacting to it.

Now, if you’re wondering why soda can make you feel so bloated, it’s not just in your head. There are a couple of main reasons. First, carbonation. Those bubbles in fizzy drinks are carbon dioxide gas, which ends up in your digestive system. The result? That stretched, tight feeling that makes you feel like you’ve swallowed a balloon. Second, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your gut, and even diet versions of soda, with artificial sweeteners, can cause the same effect. Your stomach basically ends up hosting a mini bubble party without your consent.

What I loved about this little experiment was that it wasn’t about depriving myself, it was about replacing something that didn’t feel great with something that did. Sparkling water became my new fizzy treat. I could still sip something bubbly, enjoy the ritual of a can or a glass, but without feeling bloated afterward. Over time, it’s become easier to say no to soda. The cravings still pop up occasionally, especially in social situations, but I now notice that the discomfort afterward isn’t worth it. Now I can enjoy it more in moderation than an everyday thing.

So, if you’ve ever felt that uncomfortable tightness after soda, it might be worth trying a swap for a week or two. Even just observing how your body reacts when you remove fizzy drinks can be eye-opening. Personally, I was surprised at how big a difference it made, lighter, more comfortable, and just… better. And who knows? You might even start enjoying sparkling water just as much as that classic Coke.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that weird in-between stage, the one where you’re doing all the right things but it still feels like you’re going nowhere.
You’re showing up. You’re trying. You’re doing the work.
and yet, the results? Crickets.

It’s uncomfortable.
Because we live in a world that worships progress, fast, visible, and preferably Instagrammable. We want proof that what we’re doing is “working.” and when we don’t see it, it’s easy to spiral into that “what’s even the point?” mindset.

But lately, I’ve been realizing something: maybe the process isn’t supposed to feel good all the time. Maybe it’s not about constant validation or obvious growth, maybe it’s about building trust with yourself when there’s no proof yet.

Sometimes, you’re not stuck. You’re just… marinating.
And honestly? That’s the hardest part. Sitting in that space where you can’t see what’s coming next, but you choose to believe that it’s still unfolding for you.

I’ve had to remind myself that the best things I’ve ever created, whether it’s a project, a version of myself, or a new chapter in life, all started quietly. Awkwardly. Slowly.
It never feels linear while you’re in it, but when you look back, it always makes sense.

So if you’re in the waiting season, here’s your sign to chill a little.
Keep showing up, but also, breathe.
What’s meant for you is already finding its way. The timing might not be yours, but the story still is.

Trust the process, even when it’s silent, even when it’s slow.
You’re not falling behind, you’re just learning to flow.