💌 A Special (News)Letter Just For You

5 Good Things, Vol. 4

Hi there, happy Wednesday!

Welcome back to 5 Good Things—a series dedicated to finding and sharing the good things in life. I’m excited to share today’s line up with you and announce a special giveaway for my readers. I think you’re going to love it.

Also, you’ll probably notice I’m trying out underlined links instead of colored ones. I like to switch things up every once in awhile. What do you think?

Now — let’s get into today’s 5 Good Things! 🤓

Something that inspired me:

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with

Katharina

on Substack. Based in Berlin, she writes a fascinating newsletter called Into Many Things, which I highly recommend checking out. A little over a week ago, she shared a thought-provoking question that she loves to ask at dinner parties: What would you do if money wasn’t a thing?

For me, the answer is simple: I would travel the world with my husband.

During Covid, when we were both unemployed and before we had kids, we decided to make the most of our time together. We took road trips to California and Utah, visited beaches and lakes, got towed by a kayak, almost died on a jet ski, and camped by a reservoir.

It was wild and fun, and it brought us closer together as a couple.

💭 I dream of experiencing that kind of adventure again, but on a much larger scale—like seeing the Midwest, visiting the Big Apple, and enjoying an Italian summer with him. I imagine us walking on European cobblestones and eating Mediterranean food along the Greek coast enjoying each other’s company.

07/23/2020: That one time we hiked up a mountain and went too far up 🤪 The trail got steeper and steeper, and eventually, we had to slide our way back down.

Katharina’s post also mentions a follow-up question: “What’s the MVP? Minimum viable product.” In other words, what's one small change I can make in my everyday life to bring me closer to those dreams?

In our case, that one small change is having monthly date nights. We usually stay local and have my in-laws watch the kids. These dates allow us to reconnect during this *sleep-depriving* roommate phase, take a break from our full-time jobs, and cherish our time together.

I know one day those dreams will become a reality, but for now, I’ll savor the simple joys of being with my favorite person—wherever we may be.

So… what about you?

What would you do if money wasn’t an issue? And what small change can you make today to start living that dream?

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📌 If you enjoyed this, check out Katharina’s newsletter—Into Many Things— where she focuses on simplicity, intentionality, and shares things that have sparked joy for her.

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Something that might be helpful:

According to a 2018 study, summer ranks as the second most expensive season of the year, following closely behind winter. The survey found that participants spent an average of $2,229 during the hot season, compared to $2,314 in the winter.

So why mention this? While I’m making note of this mostly for myself, I think it's a good reminder for everyone:

Even though summer is all about having fun, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can still have a great summer even on a budget. 🌞💸❤️‍🔥

Summer 🤝 a BLT

Summer doesn’t have to mean luxurious yachts or island-hopping around the Caribbean. It can be as simple as picking up a new hobby, exploring arts and crafts, or having a themed movie night with some buttery movie theatre popcorn. You could even go window shopping. Or simply enjoy a delicious homemade sandwich. Just because you're mindful of your spending doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time.

Something personal:

When I started this newsletter, my only goal was to publish a post every single week. Along the way, I've not only achieved that goal but also experienced unexpected benefits. I've connected with like-minded people online, stopped doomscrolling on TikTok, and gained 100 friends.

I never set out for a specific milestone, but I believe in celebrating every step of this journey. What began as a fear of sharing my thoughts online has evolved into a fulfilling passion.

Thank you for being here and for your ongoing support! 🥹♥️

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS

To celebrate reaching 100 subscribers and show my appreciation, I'm hosting a giveaway for my readers. One lucky subscriber will receive a special hygge box from a small business, plus a copy of one of my favorite books Show Your Work by Austin Kleon.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Subscribe to this newsletter (which, if you're reading this in your inbox, you probably already are!)

2. Leave me a review

That's it—easy peasy! The giveaway ends on July 31st, 2024. One entry per person, please. Open to US residents only. I’ll randomly select the winner and notify them via email. The winner will also be announced in an upcoming newsletter.

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✨ Leaving a review is always welcome—whether you decide to enter the giveaway or not. And if you're not already subscribed, now's a great time to join! ✨

Something that surprised me:

Do you listen to lo-fi music? I do! It’s my go-to genre for any occasion, especially when I want to relax or focus on writing. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that lo-fi music can enhance concentration and productivity—making it ideal for studying or working on creative projects.

Something just for fun:

Consider this a love letter from me to you <3