Welcome to Garden Notes

Smiling woman with glasses holding a bouquet of lavender flowers.

For years, I chased the idea of “having it all together—” the perfect routine, the dream career, the endless momentum. I thought the answer was working harder, moving faster, and ticking off boxes on the “dream life” checklist.

Then burnout stopped me in my tracks and taught me otherwise.

Garden Notes is my quiet corner for figuring out how to come home to myself—and live the life I always wanted, even in the messy in-between.

Here, I share slow mornings, travel stories, honest reflections, and gentle reminders that life doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. It’s for ambitious introverts, cozy rebels, and anyone craving something softer, truer, and real.

If you’ve ever thought, “Wait, I feel that too,” I hope this space feels like home.

Pull up a chair. The kettle’s on.

What if the in-between wasn’t something to rush through — but the beginning of a softer, truer way of living?

Life Transitions Renee Michaela Life Transitions Renee Michaela

When Slowing Down Turns Into Getting Stuck

It’s been 57 days since I was laid off, and instead of sprinting toward the next chapter, I’ve been sitting in the quiet unknown. This post isn’t a list of takeaways or a tidy success story. It’s a reflection on what happens when life slows down without your permission—and the uncomfortable, beautiful lessons that surface when you finally stop trying to fix it all.

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Life Transitions Renee Michaela Life Transitions Renee Michaela

Tiny Rebellions: Rebuilding Life After Burnout

Burnout recovery, life after caregiving, and finding purpose after a layoff — this blog explores how one woman is rebuilding her life slowly and intentionally through tiny rebellions, cozy rituals, and creative rest. If you're navigating a life transition and craving slower mornings, softer ambition, and intentional living, this is your reminder that healing doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.

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Travel Recommendations Renee Michaela Travel Recommendations Renee Michaela

How To Choose The Best Hostel For Solo Travelers

A hostel is a great way to travel on a budget. Preferred by young and solo travelers, hostels are a great place to meet fellow travelers, explore a city, get loads of free experiences, and be in prime locations at an affordable price. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best hostel as a solo traveler so that you can make the most of your next trip abroad.

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Step into the garden via different themes.

  • Rituals, routines, and soft structure to ground you in what matters.

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  • Honest stories from the messy middle of change.

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  • Journaling, self-awareness, and emotional clarity to meet yourself with compassion.

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  • Building a meaningful life without the pressure to prove.

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  • Lessons from the road, and the journey home.

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  • Books, playlists, cozy roundups, and things I’m loving lately — like a care package from a friend.

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