I have been stuck in my head again about what to write. I keep circling back to the idea of telling my childhood story, but right now I just do not have the energy to tackle that. So instead, I want to share what has been going on in my life lately and where my mind has been.

I live in San Francisco, and I moved here three years ago to finish my college degree. During my last semester, I landed an internship that turned into a full-time job in the Bay Area. Moving here was a huge risk. I came from Los Angeles with barely any savings, no connections, and a lot of uncertainty about how it would all unfold. Looking back, I am proud of myself for taking that leap. It has not been easy. There have been sacrifices, but also rewards that I could not have imagined at the time.

Recently, though, I have been weighed down by stress, most of it tied to caring for my dad. In the process, I have neglected myself. I go through waves: months where I pour into myself, followed by long stretches where I let everything go. I am just now coming out of one of those low phases, and it has been sobering to notice how much I let slip.

So this weekend, I am vowing to focus on myself again. I want to get my nails done, maybe book a massage or facial, clean up my eyebrows, and take more walks. If I can, I will even squeeze in a haircut. It feels a little ambitious given how busy my week is, but I am putting it out here to hold myself accountable. Writing this on the blog feels more real than scribbling it in my journal.

The week ahead is already mapped out: today was office work, errands, therapy, and dinner. Tomorrow is another full day at the office, nannying in the evening, and then packing. On Wednesday I will load my car before work and drive straight to Los Angeles afterward. Thursday I will be staying at my dad’s and brother’s place, taking over most of the caretaking so my brother can have a break. I will take my dad to his appointment, clean, organize, and hold down the fort. If all goes as planned, Friday and Saturday will hold some space for me to fit in those self-care rituals I have been putting off.

Of course, life has not been all heavy. This past Saturday I spent the afternoon at the mall with friends. We wandered in and out of stores, tried on clothes we did not end up buying, and lingered over silly conversations. I had forgotten how grounding it can feel just to be around people who make you laugh. On Sunday, I skipped the Fort Mason Farmers Market after a migraine hit, but it worked out. I stayed home, tackled the mountain of laundry I had been ignoring, and reset my space. There is something so satisfying about folding warm clothes fresh out of the dryer and seeing the floor again.

I also started listening to a new audiobook, Fake it ‘til You Make It by Laura Carter. It was lighthearted, fun, and the perfect background for chores. I would rate it a 3.5 out of 5 — not groundbreaking, but a sweet reminder that even messy lives can still hold romance and humor. Next, I want to find a contemporary self-discovery book that mirrors where I am now. Something to remind me that growth is not always linear, but it is always possible.

For now, I am carrying the small wins: clean laundry, laughter with friends, and the intention to take better care of myself. I am curious to see how this week will unfold, and I will be back here to share how it went — the good, the messy, and hopefully a little more of the joy too.