The Art of Finding Beauty in the Everyday

This is an ad-free premiere of a vlog that will be posted tomorrow on YouTube. If you prefer, you can watch it on my YouTube channel (with ad interruptions) here.

There’s a certain kind of magic that comes from embracing the rhythm of a simple, intentional life. This past week reminded me—again and again—that routine doesn’t have to mean mundane. It can mean ritual. It can mean a container for joy.

Every Monday, I begin with something small but grounding: pulling proteins out of the freezer to defrost naturally. It’s a simple act, but one that sets the tone for the week. Like my homemade protein bars and the pizza we made from scratch the night before, it’s a reminder that nourishment—true nourishment—starts with intention.

This week also brought unexpected rain, which pushed me indoors and into a slower pace. And yet, it gave me the perfect moment to lean into creativity: writing on the balcony during sunny spells, planting hibiscus with hope, even when its buds seemed fragile. In those quiet hours, I discovered that inspiration often blossoms from within our routines—not in spite of them.

Marathon training, short weekday runs, making herbal teas from scratch—each of these became tiny meditations. I ran 22 kilometers, further than I ever had before, and while my legs were tired, my spirit felt incredibly alive. That single extra kilometer was more than distance; it was proof that I could do hard things, even quietly, even when no one was watching.

I also ventured into new challenges—like a cold plunge bath that lasted barely 30 seconds. Brutal? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. It taught me that bravery can look like stepping into ice water when everything inside screams no.

And the garden! Oh, the garden. It surprised me every day. Little green leaves, new blossoms, a stubborn tomato plant spilling from its pot. I never thought a few balcony planters could mean so much, but here we are. Watching something grow because you cared for it daily? There’s no greater joy.

This week, I didn’t aim for perfection. I aimed for presence. And that made all the difference.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join my premium subscription here on Substack, where I share yoga flows, recipes, stories from my journal, and wellness insights each week. It’s our little space to keep this conversation going—and maybe, just maybe, romanticize the everyday together.

With love,
Luciana 🫶