What I’m Loving Lately - April 2025
April 2025 edition
Hi friend,
Between longer days, more sunshine, and a fresh round of inspiration, April always feels like an invitation to reset. Not in a “new year, new me” kind of way—but in a gentler, more space to breathe kind of way.
Let’s get into it.
For years, I’ve wanted to speak Spanish fluently. And I’ve actually put in the effort—twice-weekly lessons for several years, obsessively maintaining my Duolingo streak, and filling our home with Spanish music on Pandora.
The only problem? I rarely ever speak Spanish.
As silly as it sounds, I avoid the awkwardness of fumbling over my words or not being able to express myself exactly how I want to. So I nod along in conversations—understanding most of what’s being said—but I let my husband and daughter do the talking.
Unsurprisingly, despite a growing vocabulary, my ability to actually use the language hasn’t improved all that much. Which is why I really loved this reminder from Ingrid Fetell Lee’s recent email on inviting more joy into your life: Do something badly.
Particularly for those of us who tend to be achievement oriented, being bad at something can feel pretty uncomfortable. But there’s also something freeing about letting go of the pressure to be good at everything. It makes room for more play, curiosity—and perhaps most importantly joy.
🧠 In Health News
😻 Good news for cat lovers: Therapy cats are officially a thing. As in: purring, whiskered, anxiety-soothing companions being used in mental health treatment. I love to see it.
Brain fog? It’s not just in your head. This MindBodyGreen article breaks down what we know about hormones, brain fog, and women’s brain health—and spoiler: there’s a very real link between estrogen fluctuations and how sharp (or scrambled) we feel.
Bonus takeaway: Group art interventions (like painting, dancing, or making music with others) were found to significantly reduce anxiety and depression. So yes, your adult coloring book obsession might actually be a form of mental health support. 🖌️
🌿 What I’m Making This Week
The sunshine has finally decided to stick around, and I’m leaning all the way into fresh, herby flavors right now.
🌱 Kuku Sabzi
First up: this Kuku Sabzi, a Persian herb-packed baked omelet that’s basically spring in a skillet. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and perfect for a weekend brunch or light dinner.
🥗 Taverna Salad on Repeat
I’ve also got this Taverna-style salad on repeat—crunchy pita chips, salty halloumi, creamy chickpeas, and tons of crisp veggies. It hits all the right notes and somehow manages to feel both grounding and bright at the same time.
🍪 A Little Sweet
And because every week needs something sweet, these pistachio cookies are definitely making an appearance.
✨Things Worth Sharing
🧠 The antidote to doom? Curiosity. This curiosity quiz is fun, quick, and surprisingly insightful. A good reminder that asking questions (even silly ones) is one of the best ways to stay present.
🧘♀️ Yoga for overthinkers: If your brain needs a little exhale, this 15-minute YouTube flow is a gentle, grounding reset. No fancy poses. Just movement, breath, and space to help quiet the mental chatter.
Thinking About
🎧 On vitality + intentional living: This Huberman Lab episode with Dr. Lori Gottlieb is a gem. I love her reframe of the opposite of depression as vitality—and the reminder that our time here is limited, so how we spend it matters.
🎯 Letting go is a skill. This beautiful essay from The Atlantic uses Zen archery as a metaphor for release. Sometimes, the best way to get closer to what you want is to stop gripping so tightly.
Wrapping up
That’s all for this month—little reminders, nourishing recipes, and curious links I hope bring you even just one moment of delight, softness, or exhale.
And if your brain feels a little foggy, your to-do list too long, or your self-care a little off-track—you’re not alone. You're doing better than you think. 💛
Here’s to doing things badly. Speaking broken Spanish. Dancing off-beat. Trying something new without needing to be great at it. And choosing joy over perfection—again and again.
xx
Ashley
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