A Simple Ritual That’s Bringing Me Back To Myself
A pharmacist’s reflection on mindfulness and crochet
On the Journey to Living a Slower and More Intentional Life
This season for me has meant deleting the big three social networks (FB, IG, and Twitter) and pouring my energy into growing within this Substack community. It’s been part of my intentional decision to finally build a work–life balance that actually supports me, naturally and organically.
I started crocheting back in 2015, and it has always been the one thing that lets me sit still for a moment and disconnect from the busyness of life. It’s the perfect hobby for a type-A personality like me, and honestly… the more I sit with it, the more I realize how true that is.
We juggle so much in our day-to-day — family, careers, relationships, friendships, school, business ideas, and community work. And somehow, we power through it. The busier we are, the more accomplished we feel… until your body taps you on the shoulder and says, “Okay, enough.”
Stress builds up no matter how strong we are. It shows up as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, chest tightness, and a lot more. That’s why we need to build our mindfulness toolbox before the storm hits and in calm moments.
And because of my pharmacy background, I can’t help but look at the evidence. Mindfulness is research-backed and has been shown to improve:
stress
anxiety
depression
insomnia
PTSD
social anxiety disorder
Mindfulness That Doesn’t Feel Like Meditation
People always imagine mindfulness as sitting on a floor cushion with your eyes closed for an hour, but it’s really just slowing down, doing daily tasks while in the moment.
“Be where your feet are” — Scott M. O’Neil
Crochet became the one thing in a long time that allows my mind to not run ahead of me. For the few hours I sit while looping - pulling - breathing - and releasing, I feel a mental and physical reset.
Other hobbies that I lean on for that occasional disconnect include learning new things like swimming, drawing, calligraphy, and anything that allows me to be in the present moment and live intentionally.
Mindfulness is a way to return to your baseline without needing a checklist, a milestone, or something to show for it.
Small Mindfulness Exercises for a Busy Life
Here are a few grounding practices I’ve been using, nothing fancy, nothing overwhelming. Just simple ways to come back to earth:
1. See things with new eyes
With babies on my mind lately (lol), I’ve been thinking a lot about how newborns look at everything like it’s brand new. Try that.
When you’re outside, notice the sky, the trees, the colors, the shapes. Just witness it all without analyzing or judging.
2. Look into their eyes
The next time you’re talking to someone, really take a moment to look at them. Listen to what they’re saying, not to fix or solve anything, but simply to understand. Let them be themselves fully in front of you while you stay present with them.
3. Crochet (or your version of crochet)
Your mindfulness practice may not be yarn; it may look like drawing, painting, walking, watering your plants, or working out. Anything that slows your mind down long enough for your body to finally catch up is mindfulness. It can show up in so many things we already do without even realizing it.
Give Yourself Space & Time
What matters the most is creating and scheduling a small pocket of time that allows you 15-60 minutes of quiet time. And sometimes that means taking your superhero cape off and asking for help. You might be surprised by how quickly people show up for you when you let them.
If You’re Here, You’re Not Alone
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you can find even one small moment this week that belongs just to you. And I’d really love to hear:
What does mindfulness look like for you right now?
Have you found your “crochet” (that small ritual that brings you home to yourself)?
Share in the comments so we can learn from each other.
There’s so much wisdom in community, and we’re building something beautiful here.