Carrying Stress Lightly
January 2, 2026 felt stressful—but in a familiar way.
I've realized that stress affects people differently. My mother doesn't handle it well at all, while I tend to shrug and keep moving. That doesn't mean nothing gets to me—it does—but I don't let it consume me the way it once did. Bills, vehicle concerns, the usual uncertainties... they're there, but so is life. And life doesn't pause just because things feel heavy.
So I kept going.
Ordinary Moments Still Matter
I did some cleaning around the house—nothing dramatic, just maintaining order where I could. For lunch, I made pizza rolls for Jaden, Isabella, and myself. Simple, easy, familiar.
At some point, I stepped on the scale and noticed I'd gained about five pounds. Not idea. A reminder that I've been slacking a bit on my weight-loss goals. Not a failure—just a signal to refocus.
Progress isn't always linear.
A Walk That Breathed Life Back In
Later in the day, I picked up Eve—no kids this time.
We went on a nature walk at Gemini Springs, just the two of us. It was peaceful in a way that felt earned. We saw squirrels darting through the trees and a strange-looking bird with a curved orange beak that stood out against the flowing stream.
Being out there helped quiet the noise in my head.
We talked. I shared concerns—not accusations, not ultimatums, just honesty about what I need and what matters to me. It wasn't tense. It felt necessary. Real.
Helping, Fixing, Showing Up
After the walk, I went to Eve's place to help her hang some framed album covers and photos. Music has always mattered to her, and one of the pieces was even autographed, which made it feel special to help put it up properly.
One frame didn't cooperate—the screws I had weren't the right fit. So I picked up Kayla from work and stopped by Ace to grab the correct hardware.
Later, after dinner and once Isabella was asleep, I went back to Eve's to finish hanging the second picture and spend a little more time together.
An Unexpected Ease
Something unexpected happened while I was there.
The Sister was home.
Usually, she isn't—by design, it seems. She's mentioned before that she's often gone when I'm around, and I've always assumed it was avoidance. But this time, she stayed. More than that—she talked to me. Interacted. Engaged.
It felt... lighter.
Maybe we're finally moving past the tension of the past. Maybe time is doing what words never could. I don't know. But it felt good to exist in the same space without friction.
Of course, while that was happening, my phone lit up with texts from my mother—concerns, complains, arguments about me being there again.
Some patterns persist.
Choosing Rest
Eventually, I headed home. Not upset. Not energized. Just... steady.
I went to bed shortly after.
Today didn't solve anything big. But it reminded me of something important: stress doesn't get to decide how I show up. I still get to choose calm. I still get to choose connection. And sometimes, just walking forward—quietly—is enough.
Tomorrow can worry about itself.