Hello Reader,

Writing this week's email is hard. Normally, writing is a healthy process for me. I can get deep into my work and sit at the computer for hours.

I write about empty nesting, decluttering, and even travel, but I’m also smack in the middle of the joy of watching my son become an amazing young man—and the heartache of watching my parents age faster than I’d like.

Last week, after months in hospice care, my father-in-law passed away. I wrote a tribute to him here if you'd like to read more about how blessed I was to have a close relationship with him and my mother-in-law. Steve and I played countless games of pinochle with them over the years—and now, I need a new pinochle partner.

As his health declined over the past few years, one thing became increasingly clear: Steve and I had quietly shaped our lives in a way that let us be present without having to turn everything upside down. A few kind friends noticed too—and I hope this doesn’t sound like bragging.

As in everything I do, I try to lead by example, because I believe more is caught than taught.

So what do I mean by all this?

• We had margin in our schedule to work part-time and remotely.
• We had margin in our home to welcome them and make them comfortable.
• We had margin in our budget to take them on nearly any trip they wanted.

That margin meant we could show up—and keep showing up. And that’s what I’ll always be grateful for.

If you’re in a season where everything feels stretched, I hope this reminds you that making room, even just a little, can mean everything later. Margin doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with one small decision to simplify.

One drawer.

One hour.

One “no.”

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.

If that’s something you’re longing for, I hope you’ll keep walking with me on this path of simplifying.

It's worth it. And I promise that like me, you'll have zero regrets.

Amy

P.S. I’m grateful you’re here. Whether you're in a season of growth, grief, or both, you are not alone. Feel free to reply and share where you are right now. I’d love to hear.