Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer beauty that life has to offer. I’m talking about the simple, everyday wonders that often go unnoticed in the hustle of our daily routines. It’s the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you, like the morning glories that decided to claim my tomato plants as their own. What started as a small nuisance soon turned into a daily reminder that nature will always find a way to surprise us—those delicate purple blooms, wrapping themselves around the green vines, seemed to tell me to stop and appreciate the unexpected.

This summer, more than ever, I’ve been in awe of these little things. Whether it’s the soft, multicolored toe pads of our kittens or the dramatic rise of the sun over the Grand Canyon, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These moments of beauty have grounded me, especially when the grind of daily life feels like it’s too much.

Gratitude is something I try to practice regularly, but sometimes—let’s be honest—it’s hard. Between work, the never-ending stream of news, and everyday demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. That’s why this summer, I made a conscious effort to step away from it all and give my brain a chance to reset.

The summer kicked off with a family beach week in Florida. We headed south to spend time with my mom, my siblings, and all the cousins. There’s something about being by the ocean that instantly relaxes you—the sound of the waves, the feel of warm sand, the endless horizon. But the real magic was in the moments we spent together. Floating in the water, laughing with my siblings, and watching our kids play while Grandma looked on—those are the memories I’ll cherish .

Being offline at the beach meant no distractions, just pure, unfiltered time with the people I love most. We had lazy mornings with coffee together, afternoons filled with swimming, and evenings of laughter and conversation. It was the perfect way to start the summer, a reminder that the best moments in life don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be shared.

After Florida, we headed to Lake Gage in Indiana for a weekend getaway with more family. Once again, going offline was key. Surrounded by loved ones, with nothing to do but enjoy each other’s company, my heart felt full. We swam, laughed, and stayed up late, reminiscing. My cousin’s girls have grown up into lovely, wonderful young women, and we were all dazzled by the incredible fireworks over the lake that we enjoyed from the boat.

That weekend at the lake was exactly what I needed to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life. It reminded me that beauty isn’t always grand—it’s in the small, quiet moments too. Without outside distractions, I found myself fully present in a way I hadn’t been in a long time.

But the real highlight of the summer came later, with a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about going completely offline for such an extended period. But as we set out on the river, surrounded by towering red rock walls and the rushing of the Colorado River, I realized just how much I needed it. The Grand Canyon has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. There, I was reminded that the world is so much bigger and more beautiful than we often remember.

Floating down the river, I marveled at the sunlight on the water, the simple joy of sharing stories around a campfire, and the stars—oh, the stars. Without city lights, the night sky in the Grand Canyon is something else entirely. Those nights on the river were magical, and I felt like a part of something ancient and sacred, waiting for us to notice.

This summer was a reminder—a gentle nudge to step back from the noise and give our brains a break. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the constant barrage of information and forget to look up, to notice the beauty that’s all around us. But when we take that time to disconnect, to be truly present, we open ourselves to a world that’s richer, more vibrant, and infinitely more rewarding.

Now, back in daily life, I’m trying to hold on to that sense of wonder and gratitude. I’m making a point to pause and appreciate the morning glories, to pet the kittens and admire their colorful little paws, to look up at the sky and remember those starry nights in the Grand Canyon. And while I can’t go offline all the time, I’m reminding myself that it’s okay to step away when I need to. The world will keep turning, and when I come back, it’ll be with a heart full of gratitude and eyes wide open to the beauty all around me.

And here’s the thing—unplugging and finding beauty looks different for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a quiet evening at home, or a trip to your favorite local spot, what matters is giving yourself the space to notice the lovely things in life.

So here’s my gentle reminder to you (and to myself): take a break, unplug for a while, and let yourself be amazed by the simple, lovely things in life. They’re always there, just waiting for you to notice.