I collect creative hobbies like Pokémon — always chasing the next spark. Feeling like you have too many tabs open? You don’t have to pick just one thing. With creative seasons, interest lanes, and gentle routines, you can explore multiple passions without burnout. Side quests still matter — not everything needs to be the main storyline.

Some years don’t need a highlight reel to matter. This is a reflection on a transitional year filled with quiet growth, creativity, rebuilding after burnout, and learning to move slower without guilt.

Mornings and I have had a complicated relationship, but lately I’ve been trying a slower, cozier start. In this guide, I share my real vs. ideal routine, why slowing down matters, and 5 simple rituals—from warm drinks to creative sparks—that make every morning feel like a gentle side quest.