A honest check-in on reading milestones, slow writing, post-op life, and digital quiet.
Can we collectively pause and acknowledge how surreal it feels to cross the threshold into June? The midpoint of the year always brings a strange mix of nostalgia and anticipation. For me, the first six months of 2026 have felt less like a sprint and more like an intentional, grounded trek. Instead of chasing manic productivity, I’ve spent this season focusing on real-time healing, slow-burn creative work, and preparing for some monumental lifestyle changes.
Last year, I did a mid-year reading recap. Today, however, I’m pulling the curtain back on my creative hobbies, sharing a transparent personal health update, and reflecting on the blissful reality of completely disconnecting from the digital noise. Grab a warm cup of coffee, clear your tabs, and let’s dive into this mid-year wrap up.
the creative life
the reading journey: current stats & standouts
Reading has remained my primary anchor this year. I’ve tracked every day that I’ve read diligently, watching the reading streak grow as the months passed by. While watching this streak rise keeps me motivated, the true magic are the standout narratives that refuse to leave my mind long enough after the final chapter closes. Out of the 18 books I’ve read this year, here are three titles that completely redefined my reading year:
film: current stats & standouts
My love for storytelling naturally extends to film, especially when analyzing how directors visualize complex texts. We haven’t watched near as much in theatres lately due to the rise in prices and Denver going to Alaska for five weeks. That doesn’t mean I haven’t watched anything good though. I’ve watched 30 out of the goal of 52 so far this year and although quite a few have been misses, these three films stood out as the absolute pinnacle of cinematic mastery so far this year:
blogging & creative fiction
Behind the scenes, the digital space has evolved beautifully. Instead of obsessing over traffic analytics, bounce rates, or subscriber tallies, I have been making a conscious effort to not put my self-worth into these stats. Shifting my focus entirely away from numerical metrics has breathed fresh life into blogging. It has allowed me to write passionate, deep-dive reviews and authentic literary critiques simply for the joy of sharing meaningful analysis.
On the creative writing front, I have been taking a break from a romance novel that I had began working on last year. Although I love the concept, I find it hard to write when I am actively under stress. I still love the little world I created, and am hoping that as I start to feel less burnt out, the more I feel drawn to writing again. Writing a book is a marathon, but watching these characters evolve makes every quiet hour at the keyboard worth it.
creative outlook: hobby goals for the next 6 months
As I look toward the remainder of the year, my goals are concrete: cross the finish line of my romance draft’s first major revision, read another 27 books focusing on indie authors or advanced copies, and expand my long-form cinematic essay style.
personal update
post-op recovery & finding my movement again
On a more personal note, I am officially one month post-op from my ankle surgery. Reaching this milestone feels incredibly celebratory. The initial weeks of healing required immense patience, stepping back from my usual pace, and letting my body lead the way. Now that I am safely past the first critical month of post-operative recovery, I am slowly reintroducing normal routines.
To be straightforward, I have not been in the gym. Every time I think about going, I am exhausted and can’t even comprehend the idea of it. When Denver and I visited San Antonio, that was one of the first times I really pushed myself physically. With the lack of movement, I have been focusing on sustainable movement, mindful and calorie-conscious meals. This way, I am still focusing on my weight loss journey while prioritizing healing.
preparing for the big move
As if recovering from surgery wasn’t enough to keep life interesting, we officially are in the very early, logistical stages of the moving process. I hate moving, by the way, especially in the Oklahoma heat. We’re scheduled to move sometime in the late summer months. Right now, I am focused on finding time for Denver and I to tour apartments and make the next big change. This is hopefully our final Oklahoma move before we finally pack up and head to Colorado. Moves are chaotic, but breaking it down helps keep my anxiety at bay and the excitement of us being on our own with Aldo exciting. We’re hopeful to gather some friends and my siblings to help us move some boxes and have a couple beers.
the power of a total social media detox
Finally, let’s talk about one of my most transformative changes I’ve made: committing to a social media detox (unintentionally). I have spent the last few months with zero social media, only checking Facebook every now and again. No doom scrolling, infinite algorithms that feel like they just “get” me, and no negative feelings toward people I used to or never knew.
The times I do have social media downloaded, I notice that my mental health drastically changes where as without social media I seem to flourish. I’m not stuck in the constant comparison trap and relentless influx of micro-trends. This has been an important part of protecting my peace and I find that I really am not meant to be on social media the way I was.
final thoughts & looking ahead
The first half of the year has laid a steady foundation. As I prepare for a busy summer filled with moving boxes, physical milestones, and deeper creative projects, I am entering the next six months with immense gratitude. Thank you for being a part of this community and sharing in this journey!
let’s chat!
How are your mid-year goals shaping up? Let me know in the comments below!
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