move, learn, play, listen, make, love [Q1 25]
six simple anchors to stay present and elevate everyday moments
A couple of years ago, I came across a TikTok that really stuck with me. In it, a girl shared how she journaled every day based on six core values - move, learn, play, listen, make, and love. Each day, she’d jot down simple notes about how these themes showed up in her life. I thought it was such a beautiful way to reflect, and ever since, I’ve found myself thinking about those six words and how they appear in my own day-to-day.
In this mini quarterly series, I’ll reflect on how the essence of these values has shown up in my current stage of life. Their meaning is fluid, shifting with time and perspective. They serve as quiet anchors - a way to stay present and elevate the small, everyday moments.
move
Running: This is my second year training for a half marathon in the winter, and it’s really made me develop a deep appreciation for the beauty that hides in a typically depressing season. The sun reflecting off the snow that blinds your eyes, the crisp air that stings your skin, and the sound of snow crunching underneath your sneakers. Although it resulted in many soggy shoes, I thank running for giving me a purpose to get outside in the depths of winter.
Hot yoga: To contrast, something about dripping in sweat and then going outside in the crisp winter air clicked with me. While needing a low-impact activity to pair with training and feeling inspired by the yoga culture on my trip to Nosara, I got into a hot yoga kick. I discovered a great yoga studio just a 5-minute walk from my home, and I’ve loved focusing on my mobility and balance. The meditative practice is such a grounding start to the day and is reminiscent of aspects of dance that I dearly miss.
learn
Surfing: While I was in Nosara, I took my first surfing lesson! We did a bunch of drills on the beach to correct my form and placement before we went into the water. Nosara is known for its beginner waves, and it did not disappoint! It was so much fun catching a wave and riding it to the shore. There is something so satisfying about unlocking a new skill.
Career changes: I recently started a new job in NYC (yay!), but with everything leading up to this moment and all the logistics that come after, I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve spent countless hours studying for interviews, researching companies, practicing mocks, and working on cases. After securing the offer, I’ve learnt a lot about US immigration and all the logistics around getting a visa, in addition to all the other life stuff that happens with moving countries. Kinda boring processes, but if any of my Canadian readers need a guide on what you’ll need to do when moving to the US, hit me up.
play
Sledding: If you live on the East Coast, you are probably well aware of the major polar vortex we were so kindly blessed with this winter. It was extremely nostalgic, and reminded me of the freezing white winters I would have as a kid growing up in Ottawa. On one major snow day in Toronto, my boyfriend and I bought a sled and headed to Riverdale Park, where the whole city came out to play. We ate shit multiple times, but it was so fun to be a kid again.
Tripod: One of my goals for 2025 was to level up my video production skills (which still very much exists at a beginner level), so I finally got myself a Joby tripod. I’m currently working on a couple of small video projects, and it’s been so nice to capture scenic shots without risking my camera’s life. Better content to come!
listen
Doechii: Come January, I couldn’t stop hearing Doechii’s name everywhere. I binged through her discography, and she has filled a void that I’ve had since Doja Cat’s Planet Her. Her songs were on repeat in my running era, and I’m so happy she got her well-deserved Grammy.
Mel Robbins: I’ve been sleeping on The Mel Robbins Podcast! Her self-help content is so well crafted, without being overly preachy. The episodes feel like such a safe space, and she does a great job of creating clear and motivating action items to live a better life. It’s like free therapy.
Other shoutouts of the quarter: Therapuss with Jake Shane (if you want to laugh), The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow (if you want to cry), and why not, here’s my half marathon playlist (if you want to run away from everything).
make
Matcha bowl: I finally took my first pottery class! I’d been wanting to do this forever, so I was thrilled when I snagged a spot at a studio with my friends (at Clay with Me in Toronto). Being an art kid all the way through high school, it was so fun to try creating something new with my hands. I made a little bowl to whisk my matcha in. :P
Korean spinach banchan (aka Sigeumchi-namul): I have been making this on repeat this winter! Every week, I boiled a whole bag of spinach and made this Korean side dish to throw in any rice or noodle bowls I had later on. It has been such an easy and delicious way to get my veggies in (also apparently, I have low iron, so I’m trying to eat more leafy greens).
love
Cute winter boots: Last year I needed to replace my 6-year-old crusty Blundstones and opted for the Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 Boots. With all the snow this winter, these were pretty much the only shoes I wore outside. They are easy to slip on, warm enough for the city, and look good with everything.
Snail mucin: I’m not one to play around with my skincare routine, but this winter was dry af. In need of something that wouldn't have my skin screaming for moisture by 2 pm, I needed a product that could help lock in some hydration. I started layering the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence under my moisturizer, and say what you want, but my skin was glowing again.
Sumo oranges: Wow. After being shocked by how good these were, I did some research - they are a hybrid of navel oranges, pomelos, and tangerines, developed by the Japanese in the 70s (ofc). The peeling experience is unreal, and they are now one of my favourite fruits ever. They are in season until April! Go try one!
me and my sumo
Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to keep moving, learning, playing, listening, making, and loving. Until next time,
So good!