Diary Entry #2: Soft Life, Hard Days

Lately, confidence and stress have been the loudest voices in my head, fighting for attention, taking turns, sometimes overlapping. If I’m being honest, the past couple of weeks really had me spiraling. I had a mandatory meeting at work that shook me to my core. And let’s not even talk about how recurrent training sent me into a full-blown panic attack.

Somewhere between the pressure of being “on” all the time and the endless job hunt (because, wow, the job market is doing nobody favors), I started overthinking everything. And when I overthink, I tend to spiral... then sabotage. It’s a loop I’ve come to know all too well.

But here’s the thing -I’m catching it now. I’m learning to hold space for myself before I unravel. Confidence for me isn’t just a perfect outfit or a good hair day (although, let’s be real, that helps). It’s that moment when I look in the mirror and say, “Wait a minute... you’re doing so much better than you give yourself credit for.”

I’ve also had to remind myself: Prozac can’t do all the work for me. It’s a tool, not a cure-all. I have to show up for myself, too - every.single.day. That means speaking up, slowing down, setting boundaries, and allowing myself rest without guilt.

Lately, it’s been music, journaling, and scrolling through photos I’ve taken here in Buenos Aires that remind me, this season is just that. A season. It’s temporary. The tough moments won’t last, and the better is coming.

Living here has taught me how much better I feel when I prioritize my peace. I move slower, breathe deeper, and remember what it feels like to really live. I’ve had time off, time to reflect, time to reset. And it’s becoming so clear to me: I can’t pour into anything or anyone if I’m running on empty.

So I’m reclaiming my time, my energy, my breath. I’m learning that protecting my peace doesn’t make me selfish—it makes me sustainable.

And when the world gets loud again? I’ll remind myself: the softness I’ve created is mine to keep.

xoxo,

dest

gotta learn to chill like a turtle on log