Hello friend,
Happy July. Any big plans this month? I sure hope your June was full of fun and love and adventure!
June wasn’t a big, flashy month for me —but it was a steady one. The kind where life feels like it’s quietly moving forward in the background. When the summer winds bring in changes and new chapters.
Around here, we’ve just been living life and slowly checking things off the "been wanting to do" list.
We finally replaced our dishwasher and added a new range hood, which sounds simple, but honestly makes the house feel a little more put together. I always forget how much those small home things matter until they’re done. And why as we get older, does it feel so exciting? Asking for a friend. lol.
I’ve also been in a slow decluttering season. Not in a “perfectly organized Pinterest home” way—just real life, one drawer, one closet, one corner at a time. It’s been grounding more than anything. Less stuff, less noise. Doing more sends me into shut down.
Going slow, doing less is the new more.
One of the biggest bright spots this month was Bailey (our 15 year old pit bull) getting her leg brace off. That one felt really good. Just one of those moments where you realize how long something’s been in the background of your life—and then suddenly it’s just… done.
She still needs a lot of extra TLC right now - old girl. So we're just trying to help her live out her best days. Such a hard but beautiful thing to go through. Any advice on preparing to lose a pet? Your girl is not gonna be okay.
Life is like that sometimes. You're okay, then you're not, then you are again. Rollercoaster. Feels like I'm in this space of just letting go and throwing my hands up to follow the flow. Anyone else?
I’ve also been thinking a lot about intention lately, especially with buying things for the house and life in general. With Prime Day just happening, I’ve really asked myself: Do we actually need this? Will we actually use it? Not in a restrictive way—just trying to be more aware and less impulsive. It feels better that way.
My favorite intentional purchases include a new electric toothbrush, a resistance Pilates workout kit and a replacement set of frying pans. Things I'll use every day. Now - I also bought some tank tops cause summers are brutal. But I got rid of a handful that were worn out - so that's a trade, right? Intentions.
Shopping. Consuming. Watching. Trying to be more intentional about it all. I've talked a lot about it - but I'd love to hear what being intentional means for you?
Intentional things I'm Currently loving:
- Slow mornings with coffee before Arizona really heats up
- Decluttering in small bursts instead of overhauling everything
- Simple routines that feel good
- Sharing more real life moments on Reels and Stories
- A home that feels a little lighter than it did a month ago
Heading into July, I’m really looking forward to the long weekend. There’s something about this stretch of summer that always feels like time goes a little slower, even when life is busy.
And this year, our 250th year, it feels like a good moment to just pause and appreciate the small, ordinary parts of life—family, home, rest, and time together. Happy 4th of July!
Whether you’re doing fireworks, traveling, grilling out, or just staying home, I hope it feels like a breath of fresh air for you too.
Before I go—
What was one small win or bright spot from your June?
And what are you looking forward to this month?
Just reply and tell me. I really do read them, and I love hearing what life looks like on your end too.
Thanks for being here and following along with me. It means a lot more than I probably say enough.
Wishing you a really good Fourth of July weekend.
With gratitude,
Josie
Brighter Living | Brighter Rising
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