Every few weeks, I love pausing to take stock of what’s really filling my cup. Not the “shoulds” or the to-do lists, but the little things that are making me feel grounded, inspired, and more me. Summer has a way of speeding up life—longer days, more social plans, constant movement—and it’s easy to forget to slow down and savor.

So this week, I’m sharing a few things that are bringing me joy, balance, and energy lately. Nothing sponsored, nothing fancy—just honest-to-goodness things that are helping me feel more in alignment.

1. Simple Walks (Without the Pressure to Perform)

Lately, I’ve been ditching the mindset that every walk has to be a “power walk” or hit a certain number of steps. Instead, I’ve been going outside, just to be outside. A 10-minute stroll after dinner. A slow morning loop around the block. No tracking, no podcast, no agenda. Just me, my thoughts, and the rhythm of my breath. It’s a reset I didn’t realize I needed.

2. Lemon Water & Electrolyte Drops

This might sound like a wellness cliché, but it’s become part of my daily ritual. A squeeze of lemon and sometimes a pinch of sea salt or electrolytes. It feels like I’m giving my body a little love note every time I sip. And honestly? It’s made staying hydrated feel like less of a chore.

3. 10-Minute Evening Stretch Sessions

Instead of zoning out on my phone before bed, I’ve been rolling out my mat, dimming the lights, and stretching while playing soft music. It’s nothing intense—just breathing, releasing, and reconnecting with my body. I sleep better. I feel more in tune. And it helps me transition from go-go-go into slow down and let go.

4. **Seasonal Snacks That Feel Good**

Right now, I’m loving fresh summer fruit with protein add-ons. Think:

Nectarine slices with almond butter
Greek yogurt + blackberries + a little protein granola
Watermelon cubes + turkey roll-ups
MyFitFoods snacks that keep things easy when I’m busy coaching or at the studio

It’s about finding that balance between nourishing and enjoyable—and letting food feel simple again.

5. Books That Make Me Think (and Feel)

Reading has been hit or miss for me lately, but I picked up a couple that reignited my love for quiet mornings with coffee and a good page-turner. Two I’m loving right now:

“The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest – every woman I coach needs to read this. It hits the emotional and mindset work hard in the best way.
“Slow AF Run Club” by Martinus Evans – a refreshing, real, and empowering take on moving your body from a place of self-respect.

If you’ve been feeling uninspired or stuck in “auto-pilot,” pick up something new to read—even just a few pages before bed.

6. Client Check-Ins & Small Wins

Truly, this one gives me chills. The messages I’ve gotten from clients lately—"I feel like myself again," "I didn't binge this week," "I hit 12,000 steps four days in a row"—these are the things that remind me why I do what I do.

Every small win is actually a huge one. And it’s such an honor to be part of that journey.

So many of us are waiting for big milestones or major shifts to feel proud of ourselves. But what I’ve realized lately is this:

Joy is in the small stuff.
The slow walks. The stretches before bed. The good snacks. The quiet moments. The real talks. The self-awareness. The tiny promises kept.

I hope this post inspires you to create your own “what I’m loving lately” list this weekend. You don’t need a whole reset. Sometimes, you just need to notice what’s already working.

Let me know what’s been lighting you up lately—I always love hearing from you.

Here’s to a weekend full of intention, rest, and tiny joys.

—Marilyn

What I’m Loving Lately (Summer Edition)