Sunshine in the Mess

11 questions, too much coffee, and probably a robot vacuum confession

Aug 22, 2025

Hi friends 💌

So this happened: the other week I woke up, grabbed my phone with one eye still asleep and the other already hurting from blue-screen shock 👁️💀 … and then I squealed.

Turns out, I’d been tagged by the one and only

The Momster

for the Sunshine Blogger Award — a sweet, kind nod passed around this community to spread some good vibes, laughs, and extra joy.

Listen, I only started writing here three months ago after literal years (YEARS, guys) of fear + self-censoring + “but who even wants to read me??” spirals. To be seen, read, and welcomed here is hands down one of my biggest highlights this year. Truly.

So first — huge THANK YOU to

The Momster

who saw (and nominated) me. Her letters are tender, punchy, gut-wrenching, hilarious, and absolutely unmistakable. You read one, and you’ll know her voice anywhere. I live for my weekly Momster fix. Go check her out.

And once you are back, let’s dive into the questions 🌞👇

1. What’s one thing you thought you’d have figured out by now, but don’t?

Boundaries. I've mastered their language in theory, but as soon as it's time to speak it? Sori, no hablo inglish.

2. What’s a sound that instantly calms you?

My dog snoring, the dishwasher starting, and a wine cork slipping free with a soft pop. Maybe in that order.

3. What’s something you said you’d never do as an adult… and then totally did?

Get way too excited about a robot vacuum and a mop that actually works.

4. What would 8-year-old you write about on Substack?

New Britney Spears music video, melancholic poetry about autumn leaves, and whatever unhinged thing my family did in The Sims that day.

5. What’s a win no one claps for, but totally should?

Saying no without overexplaining or spiraling.

Sharing your art when vulnerability itches.

Putting the baby down in under 15 minutes (my husband’s badge of honour!).

6. What’s a compliment you’ve never forgotten?

You spread so much joy!

You always write in a way that cracks me up.

You should be a blogger. (WELL ALRIGHTY THEN)

7. What’s your weirdest writing ritual or creative superstition?

Every single line that I write and intend to publish has to marinate in its juices for 24–48h. It doesn’t save me from ridiculous typos, but at least my stupid slips are deeply personal.

8. What moment in your week made you laugh out loud (even if you were mid-breakdown)?

My husband’s magic ability is to crack me up mid-fight, mid-spill, and mid-meltdown.

Lately, he’s been using the words skibidi, sigma, no cap, and rizz way more often than he should (which is never). He’s clearly having some sort of an age crisis, and maybe I should check in on him, but he just makes me laugh so damn hard, I let it be.

9. If you could time-stamp one second of your life forever, what would it be?

Holding my mom’s hand as she took her last breath.

Sorry it got dark fast — so did my life at some point!

10. What’s a boundary you’re learning to hold, gently but firmly?

When a family member wants more attention, energy, or company than I can humanly give. Guilt, duty, and compassion cloud my judgment — but I can’t save anyone, and I can’t give from an empty tank. Especially now, as a mom, it’s non-negotiable to protect my own reserves so I can show up as the most stable, nurturing version of me.

11. And finally, what’s your version of sunshine?

Amid life’s storms, it’s standing in your own light and choosing — again and again —to do the hard, honest thing. Even when it’s messy. Especially then. Bonus points if you can laugh while doing it.

❤️‍🔥 My Nominees (your words brighten my day!):

🌞 My 11 Sunshine Questions:

How did you end up writing on Substack?
What’s your writing process — easy-breezy or full tortured poet department?
What’s one tiny win in your life lately that deserves a standing ovation (even if no one noticed but you)?
What’s a sound, smell, or small ritual that makes you instantly exhale?
When does your creativity feel most alive — late-night chaos, quiet mornings, or mid-procrastination scroll?
Do you have a weird little superstition, ritual, or quirk in your creative process?
What’s one messy truth you’ve been learning lately — the kind that isn’t Instagram-pretty but is teaching you a lot?
How has parenthood (baby, dog, plant, or pet project) softened or strengthened you?
What’s the most ordinary part of your day that you secretly love?
What do you want more of in your life right now?
What’s a book, show, or song you keep coming back to again and again?