Building a Life, Brick by Brick
March 25' Reflections: Laying the Foundation When the Future Feels Uncertain + Monthly Recap
I used to think that starting over meant going back to the beginning—wiping the slate clean and beginning again, as if the past had never happened. But I’m learning that starting over isn’t about erasing, it’s about reorienting. It’s about gathering the pieces of who I’ve been, the dreams I’ve carried, and the lessons I’ve learned and bringing them into something new. And sometimes, that new thing doesn’t come easy.
This past month, I’ve felt the weight of building. Building a life, a home, a vision—laying one brick at a time without always seeing the structure take form. It’s exhausting work, this kind of faith. The kind that asks you to keep showing up even when you don’t see the progress. The kind that whispers, “Trust the process” when doubt, fear, and frustration threaten to drown it out.
There have been moments when I’ve felt the tension between hope and discouragement, when the math isn’t mathing, when I’ve questioned if the effort I’m pouring in will ever yield something tangible. But I’m realizing that faith isn’t in the seeing—it’s in the choosing. Choosing to settle in even when things feel unsettled. Choosing to move forward even when fear threatens to paralyze. Choosing to believe that what feels impossible now won’t always feel this way.
I’ve been thinking a lot about Psalm 37:3— “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” There’s something about that word dwell. Not just wait or endure, but dwell—to live, to plant roots, to be present in the now even when the future feels uncertain. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t just about holding on until something better comes; it’s about choosing to fully inhabit where you are, trusting that God is at work in the process.
So that’s where I am—learning to settle in while still believing for more and trusting that even the unseen, uncelebrated work is laying a foundation for something greater. And maybe that’s what starting over truly is—not a return to the beginning but a step forward with everything I’ve carried, learning to dwell in the in-between.
A Month In Grace 🌿
✨ What surprised me
How the smallest, simplest moments—like an unplanned stop at a coastal festival, a quiet morning drive, or unwrapping a breakfast sandwich—can bring an unexpected sense of home, belonging, and joy.💛 What challenged me
The push and pull of motherhood—the exhaustion of orchestrating birthday magic, resetting the house, and navigating discipline, all while fighting overstimulation and overwhelm. Learning to embrace both the celebrations and the mundane moments that fill most of my days.💬 A conversation I keep thinking about
An unexpected, lingering conversation when I only meant to drop off a book. What was supposed to be a quick errand turned into a sacred moment of connection—an invitation into someone’s home and heart, a reminder that presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give.🤍 Something I’m holding close
The way all these moments—big and small, planned and unplanned—come together to create a full, beautiful life. A life that isn’t just about the highlights, but about the ordinary days that give them meaning.🙏 What I’m learning about grace
That it moves through every season, every moment. It’s not just found in the milestones or celebrations, but in the dailiness of life—the cleaning, the caring, the showing up. And when I take a step back, I see how every moment, even the ones that feel mundane, is part of something sacred.
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Love Notes 💌
Throughout the month, I love to post notes, reflections, or other resources that I find encouraging or helpful. Make sure you download the Substack app so you don’t miss out on new notes, chats, and threads.
On My Nightstand 📚
Monthly Favorites + Books I’m Currently Savoring
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. This is a friend-to-lovers story between Bree Camden and her long-time best friend, NFL player Nathan Donnelson. If you’re looking for a feel-good, cozy rom-com with no spice, this one is perfect for you. This is the perfect book to escape with when you just want to unwind after a long day. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh. This is the second book in Courtney’s Holidays with Hart series. While it looks cheesy based on the title and cover, Courtney has a way of adding depth and complexity to her characters’ stories. This story is about Eloise Hart, who kisses a stranger at midnight while attempting to save face in front of her ex-boyfriend on New Year’s Eve. That stranger? Turns out to be famous hockey player Grayson Hawke, who she later finds out will be her new boss. Gray, grumpy from being recently traded, is fighting off falling in love at all costs, focusing on hockey and family, but there’s obviously more underneath his stand-offish exterior. I enjoyed the first book more (the grumpy-sunshine trope didn’t hit in this book for me), but I still found myself laughing at several points throughout this book. I’m looking forward to reading the last book once it’s released.
Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens. This book is about Anna Appleby, a divorcee and journalist who wounds up letting her kids play matchmaker for her in efforts to save her column and, ultimately, her job. Somehow, she is lured into pitching a unique angle: seven dates, offline, and chosen by her two children. While Anna isn’t looking for anybody, little does she know that love was already waiting for her nearby, where she least expected it. Honestly, Sophie Cousens can’t do any wrong in my book. I don’t think I ever read a Sophie Cousens book that I didn’t enjoy. I ended up listening to the audiobook through Libby, which I highly recommend because the narrator is phenomenal. The story is hilarious, and I found myself laughing, clapping, and cheering Anna on throughout the whole book. While I listened to this one, I would love to get a digital and physical copy to reread in the future.
These were just some of my favorites from the month. Check out my Goodreads or Fable for a full list and reviews of what I read.
March Snapshots 📸
First Friday at Historic Downtown Brunswick with friends // Morning walks and playdates at St Simons pier // Petting a horse at our first birthday party // Our first family zoo trip // Celebrating the twins’ 3rd birthday // Me attempting to relax after the kids go down for the night
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I am in a building season too.