Ayla and Potato3s: A Nightly Message From Your Best Friend

In this episode, I lean into my day off, get a few things done, and start planning tomorrow’s priorities with a little more intention. I also talk about the gym, making bread drop-offs, balancing finger mishaps, and why I’m trying to give myself more space to rest and have fun.

In this episode, I get two important things done by the end of the day and realize that sometimes “this, that and the other” is exactly how life feels. I also talk through journaling my future, dealing with a sliced finger, and sorting out what I want my goals to look like as a writer and creator.

In this episode, I try to make it through the day by taking things one step at a time, from a Mother’s Day treat at Swig to a quiet night that somehow turns into a full evening of plans. I also talk about feeling both proud and complicated about motherhood, a date that gets interrupted, and why I’m still figuring out what it all means.

In this episode, I take a real rest day and spend time thinking through some confusing feelings instead of pushing myself to keep going. I also talk about a new prayer routine, a bath and skincare reset, and why Mother’s Day brings up more questions than answers for me.

In this episode, I’m admitting that it’s better to simplify and stop trying to do everything the hard way. I talk through a quiet but productive day of errands, movie inspiration, a big shift in my book project, and why I’m trying to focus on what actually feels sustainable.

In this episode, I get to say something I never expected: I’m an author of a children’s book now. I share the whole journey of writing it in one day, reading it to a friend, and realizing I can keep building more books, coloring projects, and creative ideas from here

In this episode, I have a lot to do, but I also take the rest I need and let the day unfold at its own pace. I talk through a new project, house-hunting frustrations, a calming visit with a friend, and all the little tasks I’m juggling for tomorrow.

In this episode, I notice the beautiful little things that make a day feel full: my coloring book going live, a heartfelt audio getting emotional reactions, and the tiny progress I’m making at the gym. I also talk about getting my eyebrows done, finding a nearby pho spot I love, and how all the small details add up in the best way.

In this episode, I stay ahead of the game by building in buffers, getting my work done early, and still making time for the little things that matter. I also talk about finishing a busy day of swimming, journaling, Substack, LinkedIn, shadow work, and the hunt for the perfect chair

In this episode, I get ahead of the game by planning out a full day of routines and priorities, from swimming and meditation to journaling, debate practice, and LinkedIn posts. I also talk through the practical stuff I want to tackle this week, like Amazon optimization, school work, and booking a haircut so I can stay on top of everything.

In this episode, I’m juggling a bunch of projects and realizing that all the moving pieces still count as progress. I finish my coloring book, map out future collaborations, and talk through how I’m building one idea at a time without letting myself get discouraged

In this episode, I’m sitting with some momentous moments: standing up for myself, reflecting on family dynamics, and realizing how much it matters to be heard without being shut down. I also talk through a stormy day of grocery runs, website updates, and the emotional weight of figuring out when to stay, when to speak, and when to step away.

In this episode, my day turns into a group project of sorts as I bring friends into my next big idea and start building out a new creative lineup. I also talk through finishing the playlist and website work, recording for Reddit, and realizing that my best ideas often come when I let other people help shape them.

In this episode, I get to build something new, and it feels good to say that out loud. I work on my coloring book, think through a digital version, and start shaping future projects while reminding myself that even slow progress is still progress.

In this episode, I have a more than okay day that turns into real progress: I work on my new coloring book, optimize the landing page, meet my new teacher, and keep moving on all the little things that matter. I also share a surprisingly emotional perfume moment, a Costco stop, and why I’m reminding myself that my pace is still enough.

In this episode, I have a necessary day: I get back into my rhythm with groceries, laundry, meditation, and the small errands that make home feel normal again. I also talk about starting my next coloring book, restarting my Reddit presence, and appreciating the little wins that make a busy day feel productive.

In this episode, I’m focused on the little moments that keep my day moving: unpacking skincare, finally getting my assessment uploaded, and trying to stay on top of the many small tasks waiting for me tomorrow. I also share a date update, family catch-up, and how I’m trying to keep my momentum going while I build a more consistent life for myself

In this update, I make it home safely, unpack, and start figuring out the next few days, from an assessment and a giveaway to a possible date and a new Reddit reset. I also share the little things on my mind, like a study about writing through trauma, my sore ankle and toe, and how good it feels to finally be able to sleep in.

In this episode, I get a reminder that even when I feel a little lost, I’m still moving forward—walking dogs, doing answer engine optimization, and figuring out what to do next. I also talk about seeing Michael, browsing furniture, loving the little wins, and trying to stay calm while I work through a Reddit lockout and a few other life hiccups

In this episode, I spend the day working, reflecting, and remembering that I’m in this together with the people who support me, even when I’m still learning how to accept compliments and love myself. I also talk through resumes, LinkedIn, answer engine optimization, a sandwiched lunch with my brother, and the small moments that remind me I’m making an impact

In this episode, I’m figuring it out one task at a time—bagel-touring in New York, cleaning the apartment top to bottom, and juggling a full day of laundry, dog walks, and friend calls. I also talk about polishing my product listings and website, realizing how much I like things tidy, and trying to make sense of what my days look like now that my brother is back home.

In this episode, I have a calm day that still includes plenty of little things: walking and washing the dog, trying a new bagel spot, and getting a surprise movie invite from my sister for Mother Mary. I also talk through my cleaning plans, bagel decisions, and the quiet kind of rest that comes from not forcing the day to be bigger than it is

In this episode, I’m focused on the little things that still move my life forward such as shipping labels, TikTok shop setup, a new product listing, and a coloring book contest that’s getting way more attention than I expected. I also share the surprise of hearing my cookies are incredible, plus the very real stress of almost leaving a gas burner on and then still having a full night of dog washing, laundry, and cleaning ahead of me.

In this episode, I’m in the middle of fixing cookie mistakes, taking a much-needed nap, and realizing that even a day without work can still be productive in its own way. I also talk about a good movie, a helpful reminder about moving through life for the better, and why I always try to give other people a good day even when I’m not having one.

In this episode, I’m in the in-between: I get a few good hugs, spend time with friends, go to the movies, and keep moving through New York while I figure out what comes next. I also talk through a cookie experiment that went sideways, new social media tests, and the ongoing process of turning mistakes into learning experiences.

In this episode, I talk about more than usual: I reflect on my giveaway results, feel proud of the engagement I got, and spend time moving pieces forward with my business partner and our big plans. I also share cookie prep, a two-hour appointment, a walk with my friend, and the growing excitement of having real momentum in multiple parts of my life.

In this episode, I focus on moving the needle in small but real ways such as running a TikTok giveaway for my coloring book, working on answer engine optimization, and talking through the next steps with my business partner. I also share the quiet confidence that’s building as I think about Florida, my coaching calls, and how all these little actions are starting to add up.

In this episode, I’m proud of the small, steady things I did: painting my longest piece yet, making brown butter ahead of time, and serving myself a risotto dish I’d never tried before. I also talk about realizing how far I’ve come from paint‑by‑numbers to abstract art and coloring books, and how I’m starting to let my pride in myself matter more than what people think success looks like.

In this episode, I have lots to think about like applying for a remote job, sending off a resume, and deciding I can handle a few months of customer service if it gives me stability and a paycheck. I also talk through my new company name, my website plan, a surprisingly perfect cookie that inspired a new recipe, and the slow way I’m trying to move my life forward with small, intentional actions.

In this episode, I keep things in small batches: I deep-clean the kitchen and bathroom, take stock of my energy, and start thinking more realistically about work, money, and what kind of job would actually support my creativity instead of draining it. I also talk through the pressure of making big decisions, why I’m trying to be gentler with my schedule, and how I’m breaking tomorrow into a few manageable goals

In this episode, I spend most of the day thinking out loud about what comes next, after my mentor tells me I don’t have to choose between my current work and a bigger nonprofit idea. I also talk through the practical side of life, like cleaning, budgeting, and the possibility of getting a temporary remote job so I can keep building toward Florida.

In this episode, I spend the day baking for the doormen and staff, making gooey butter bars in a Dutch oven, and getting a sweet surprise when one of them says the bars remind him of a childhood memory. I also think through my company, my logo, my next big pivot, and all the many thoughts that come with trying to trust what’s unfolding

In this episode, I get a major unexpected twist when a late-night idea turns into a real collaboration, and my friend and I decide to write a book together. I also clean the floors, walk the dog, test two cookies from Culture Espresso, and spend the rest of the day realizing that the moving pieces in my life might be leading to something bigger than I planned.

In this episode, I’m moving pieces around, literally and mentally, as I spend the day walking the beach, taking a train to see my friend, and floating a new idea that suddenly feels much bigger than I expected. I talk through how a simple conversation turned into a six-page concept, why I think this might be something only I could build, and how all the little moving pieces are starting to point somewhere new.

In this episode, I have an ordinary day that still feels full in its own way: I run errands for my brother, grab my favorite sandwich and boba, buy a new duster, and make a little progress on my hair with sock curls and the Dyson. I also talk through a class about product pivots, a thoughtful conversation about perseverance, and the quiet work of learning to trust myself a little more.

In this episode, I’m mostly playing it by ear: recovering from travel, sleeping in when I can, and giving myself a softer first day in New York instead of forcing a plan. I walk the dog, make simple food, wash and blow-dry the pup, and let the day stay loose while I figure out what I need next.

In this episode, I have a very busy travel day, starting with almost no sleep, an early flight check-in, and a wild airport run where I end up handing out baked goods to the ticket counter agents and the flight attendants. I also arrive in New York, walk the dog, eat Thai food, watch a sci-fi movie, and somehow still manage to squeeze in a nap, a classmate meeting, and a lot of family time before unpacking at 3 a.m.

In this episode, I have a very busy day from start to finish: checking in for my flight, meeting with my mentor, picking up prescriptions, and spending hours baking cookies, scones, and gooey butter cake for my family and the airport and plane staff. I also deal with a mom who wants to fight, a packed suitcase, and the messy reality of getting ready for New York while trying to keep my peace.

In this episode, I talk about what “not so traditional” looks like for me—spending Good Friday in my own rhythm, booking a spontaneous trip to West Palm Beach, and rethinking how I define success. I also share a movie outing, a big feelings conversation about the difference between what people do and what they only consider doing, and all the little “yeses” that are quietly shaping my 13 months of yes.

In this episode, I sit with my hopes and dreams while trying to give myself more credit for the work I’m already doing like creating A+ content, baking cookies, and building journals that help people feel less alone. I also share the spark of new inspiration that came from a future glass-making lesson, and I wrestle gently with the gap between where I am now and the bigger things I still want to create.

In this episode, I set my April theme to “activating actions” and finally start moving on the things I’ve been meaning to do like setting up Pinterest, downloading Word to my phone, and making progress on my Amazon listings. I also share a slower, more practical day with my sister, a trip to Ulta and Aldi, a movie night for Avatar: Fire and Ash, and a few travel-prep wins as I get ready for New York.

In this episode, I spend the day thinking out loud through errands, makeup counters, and a little self-doubt and also taking my sister to work, testing out new shampoo and conditioner, and wandering the Galleria while figuring out what my products, bruised leg, and travel plans need next. I also talk through a two-week experiment with my coloring book title, a Pinterest campaign, and what it feels like to be loved as I am even when I’m not fully sure what tomorrow looks like.

In this episode, I’m thinking out loud about a slower, more mindful day: running errands for my upcoming trip, packing little things like shampoo, toothpaste, and chocolate chips, and trying to let the day be what it is instead of forcing productivity. I also talk honestly about feeling thrown off by stress, poor rest, and the messy reality of family dynamics, while reminding myself that I can sort through it one thought at a time.

In this episode, I move through my day as I am: bruised leg, bad hair day, doctor visits, and all, while trying to stay gentle with myself. I share a lunch date at a new Malaysian spot, a return trip for a sweatshirt I couldn’t stop thinking about, and a few big-picture reflections on my work, my body, and what it means to keep showing up exactly as I am.

In this episode, I lean into my “golden era” and say yes to a pair of sparkly gold shoes I’d been wanting for years. I spend the day wandering stores, trying things on, updating my skincare and lashes, and thinking about how sometimes letting go of the old pair is really just making room for a brighter version of myself.

In this episode, I slow down and let myself take a real day off, skipping the gym, and realizing my body needed a bandaid more than a push. I talk about a mostly good day that still held tears, a surprising letter, a disappointing Chinese restaurant, and why I’m choosing to pause therapy for now because I need more protection than exposure

In this episode, I lean into “go with the flow”: a longer swim with my new goggles, an unexpected serenade and pickup-line in the sauna, and another small win on the pull-up bar. I also walk through redoing my “Color With Me” listing, sneaking in an impromptu movie (Project Hail Mary), and wrestling with what actually counts as “enough” for a full day.

In this episode, I share a bunch of little “odds and ends”: getting a 95 on my big assessment, a canceled gym class that turned into a much-shorter-than-planned swim, and realizing my arms are still recovering. I talk about rebuilding my coloring book and journal listings (including renaming “Create With Me” to “Color With Me” and retitling my 40-day journal), navigating odd gym-membership drama with my mom, and daydreaming about a future Valentino bag while I plan my next retreat.

In this episode, I share a soft, snack-filled kind of day: swimming laps until my arms ached, going to therapy, and then honoring my therapist’s advice to “take it easy” with a box of Triscuits and some supreme-pizza chips. I talk about my favorite comfort meal, tweaking my journals and book listings, and why the most freeing part of my retreat might have been not having to say “hi” to anyone unless I actually wanted to.

In this episode, I kick off day one of my “13 months of yes” by finally joining AMC’s movie club, taking myself to see a film, getting my eyebrows done for the first time in years, and even buying myself a cookie. I also share the chaos of three separate Walmart trips, visiting my sister in the hospital, rethinking my book titles and listings, and the quiet excitement of slowly rebuilding my life with more intention, creativity, and things to look forward to.