I decided to become more of a consumer than a creator for a while. And honestly, I think those breaks and pauses are necessary sometimes.

Over the past few months, my job became my number one priority. I was dedicating most of my energy to it, helping with the operational side of a product launch in the oncology space. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my career.

My grandmother had breast cancer. I remember being young and not quite understanding the implications behind that diagnosis. I didn’t understand what it meant for quality of life, or the ways cancer could change your body, your mind, and your entire family.

Having studied public health, and always being fascinated by and driven by the possibility of helping others, I decided this year to join a commercial-stage biotechnology company as a Senior Manager in Marketing Operations.

For the first time, I felt like I was able to bring together so many different parts of myself: my desire to help others, in this case women living with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer; my organizational brain (I mean, operations is basically developing processes and inspiring others to follow them!); and my experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

And then we received FDA approval for our first commercial product.

My workload became extremely high, but the funny thing is... I genuinely enjoyed almost every aspect of it.

Which is why I had to press pause on writing.

I know that’s not really an excuse. I’ve always believed that you find, or make, time for the things you’re passionate about. But I also knew that, at that point, I wouldn’t be able to write with my heart. And rather than force it, I decided it was okay to become a consumer for a little while.

So, here I am again. :)

What have you guys been up to?

I missed ya!

Sylvia

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At 5:45 one morning, I left my apartment to head over and open the studio. I had the blessing of living only five minutes away, so there was never a need to rush out the door. Most of the regular students usually arrived just two minutes before class started.

As I parked my car, I had the strange feeling that I was forgetting something.

I walked up the stairs, and the moment I reached the studio door, I realized what it was:

The keys.

I panicked.

I froze.

I had very little time to come up with a solution.

So I called the owner’s husband, who miraculously lived nearby, was always awake that early, and had a spare set of keys. While waiting for him to arrive, I ran back down to my car, hoping maybe the keys had fallen under the seat.

Nothing.

I retraced my steps.

They weren’t in the parking lot.

They weren’t on the stairs.

They weren’t in the hallway.

The keys had simply disappeared.

A few minutes later, Sebas arrived with the spare set and saved my anxious morning.

When I got back home later that day, I searched everywhere for the missing keys.

They never appeared.

To this day, God knows when I dropped them or what happened to them.

But I will never forget the shame and embarrassment I felt having to call the owner’s husband at 5:50 on a Thursday morning to ask if he could come unlock the Pilates studio for me.

I had just finished reading Table for Two from Amor Towles and was inspired by the creativity behind the simplicity of every short story in his book. I opened a note on my iPhone titled short stories and began to write down ideas:

• Burning a croissant in a hotel in Paris

• Car gets left behind in a hospital parking lot (this is a hilarious one that happened to my sister during high school)

• Coming back home from a night out and bumping into two neighbors in the elevator with two massive monsteras. They had decided to propagate them from the building garden.

• As a young girl, writing a letter to confess my crush to my neighbor. Giving it to his younger brother and never getting a reply. He probably never delivered the letter.

I never followed up on those ideas. And last week, while reading through The Stories Club, I remembered that note and thought to myself: why not use this Substack and write my own short stories?

Let’s be real, talking about habits and health in every newsletter does get a bit repetitive, so why not spice it up and tap further into my creativity and my love for writing.

the stories club

a practical guide to writing a column that people will love to read

In this article, I explained why you should start writing a column about your own life in 2026. Today, we take the next step: we start writing…

Read more

8 months ago · 819 likes · 10 comments · lina

Starting off with the first one on the list:

Burning a croissant in a hotel in Paris.

As a Venezuelan, it’s tradition that when one turns 15, you have two options on how to celebrate such a milestone:

1. Host a (massive) party.

2. Go on a cruise around Europe with all your friends.

As a 15-year-old girl, none of these options caught my attention. I have never enjoyed being the center of attention, and I don’t thrive in big groups. So both options weren’t really options for me. My parents decided to offer me an alternative, unique idea instead.

Travel to London. Spend 3 weeks at an acting summer camp, and after the camp ended, spend a couple of days in Paris with them. I had never been to Europe. And as soon as I heard the word acting, I instantly said yes to the plan.

As a kid, I had excessive energy, and during middle school I placed all that energy into sports and theater. I was always the first one to sign up for auditions for the school play. If I didn’t land a role, I would ask to help backstage instead. I loved being inside the theater. I loved seeing how the play came to life via the actors, the costumes, the set, the lights, and the music. It was a way to escape into a parallel world. I simply loved it.

London was breathtaking. I spent 3 weeks in classes, learning about pausing between lines. Learning how to deliver them. Learning how to write monologues. Learning how to work with the writers and the video team. By the end of the summer camp, I was extremely happy.

Paris with my parents was the cherry on top of my wonderful trip. I felt like nothing could burst the bubble of a 15-year-old.

That was until breakfast on our first day.

I didn’t speak (and still don’t) French. It’s a bit similar to Spanish, so certain words can be understood, but during this particular trip I relied on my dad to translate. The hotel had a very fancy self-serve breakfast, and I was very sleepy from the 3 weeks of nonstop activity.

Without really thinking, I filled my plate with eggs, fruit, and then decided to place a perfectly delicious croissant into the conveyor belt toaster.

A minute later, I noticed a piece of paper next to the toaster. It had the image of a croissant, and a perfectly clear set of visual instructions. So clear that you didn’t need to speak any French to understand them.

My eyes went wide open as soon as I realized what I had done, and possibly couldn’t undo.

I panicked and went to the table where my parents were sitting and told them the following:

And cue the scene. That is exactly what took place. The toaster caught on fire, and all I heard was a bunch of French waiters running toward it, trying to control the situation and put out the fire.

Never in my life have I been so embarrassed. However, almost 18 years later, I laugh whenever I think back to Paris. Who would have thought that I would make a toaster catch fire just because I wanted my croissant to be toasty and warm?

As the French say: c’est la vie

with love,

Sylvia

It feels like a shopping mall.

And somehow, every time I open it, I’m being nudged to want more, buy more, and believe that more things = more happiness.

I recently started challenging myself to turn to a podcast or a book while eating lunch. Usually, I’d be more tempted to watch a TV show or mindlessly scroll through the classic combo: Instagram and TikTok.

Lately, I’ve been re-questioning myself (something I did a while back, you can read that newsletter below) about the purpose behind Instagram.

I have three Instagram accounts (which is a lot) but each one serves its own purpose:

• my personal one, I keep this one private and post picture every couple of months to highlight key milestones

• my hellobusyladies account, where I share my goals, habits, thoughts/ideas, and inspiration

• and one for my obsession: my dog Milo

However, whenever I open the app (which I’ve noticed is usually the first one I open on my phone), a part of me keeps asking: why am I even on here?

Lately, it feels like Instagram has just become an app of ads. I’ll search on my computer for a new store to buy some cute tops for work, and then when I open Instagram, because of the damn cookies (and not the good kind!), I get attacked left and right by similar brands trying to sell me their products.

Honestly, good for them. Great marketing. But also… please stop.

The sad part is that within Instagram, I can’t completely turn off ads.

So now I find myself wondering if I even want to keep using the app. And yet, I’m still addicted to the mindless scrolling. A classic dilemma.

In the meantime, I’ve been using Opal to try to lower my screen time, at least during work hours. Although, to be fair, the app does have a workaround where you can unlock everything for 1–15 minutes… so it’s not foolproof.

What are your thoughts on Instagram?

But life has gotten fuller lately—in the best way. And recently, I made the decision to shift to publishing once a month instead.

For 2026, my mantra has been simple: do not rush.

To stay true to that mantra, I’ve realized that making adjustments—honest, realistic adjustments—is essential. It allows me to move at a pace that feels intentional rather than forced. A pace that feels sustainable. A pace that feels like mine.

My last newsletter focused on the challenges I want to conquer in 2026. This one is about something different: the changes I’ve already begun experiencing, just 19 days into February.

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A lot has happened. Good things. Big things. Life-altering things.

And I’ve learned that there is something incredibly powerful about sitting down—not just to write—but to reflect.

One of my favorite quotes is from Steve Jobs, delivered during his 2005 Stanford commencement address:

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
— Steve Jobs

I love this quote so much that I tattooed it on my body—a permanent reminder that even when life feels uncertain, every decision, every risk, every detour will eventually make sense.

You just don’t get to see it yet.

Within the last few days, I’ve gone through multiple job interviews that led me to a goal I’ve been working toward since March of last year: returning to the pharmaceutical industry, within the marketing space.

When people say that great things take time, they’re not exaggerating. I actually have the data to prove it:

• I applied to 92 jobs

• 7 companies invited me to interview

• I completed approximately 14 interviews

• It took 11 months and 4 days to receive a job offer

Eleven months of effort. Eleven months of uncertainty. Eleven months of trusting the process without knowing the outcome.

I share this not as a statistic, but as a reminder:

Start—even if you don’t feel ready.
And don’t give up—especially when progress feels slow.

Because looking back now, I can clearly see the dots connecting.

Every role I’ve had—within a communications and marketing agency, and later within the consulting and technology space—quietly prepared me for this moment. I gained skills, perspective, and confidence that I couldn’t have acquired any other way.

At the time, those roles were chapters. Now, I see they were stepping stones.

The timing makes sense. The path makes sense. The dots are connecting.

This week, I officially submitted my two-week notice.

Before starting my new role, I’ll be taking one week off. A small pause between chapters.

During that week, I’ll also be closing a deeply meaningful chapter of my personal life: living with my sister.

Juan and I will be moving into our dream apartment—something that fills me with so much excitement and gratitude. But at the same time, I feel a quiet sadness knowing that this season of living with my sister is coming to an end.

She has been more than a roommate. She has been home.

I’ve learned that two emotions can coexist. You can feel joy and grief. Excitement and nostalgia. Endings and beginnings—all at once.

And maybe that’s what growth really looks like.

A series of beautiful transitions.

Right now, I’m living through one of those rare moments where multiple dots are forming at the same time. Some chapters are ending. Others are just beginning.

And although I can’t fully see the picture yet, I trust that one day I’ll look back and understand exactly why everything happened the way it did.

The dots will connect.

They always do.

With love,
Sylvi

For the past three years, I’ve pressed pause on traditional New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I create a bingo card—a playful challenge to do things I normally wouldn’t. And for today’s newsletter, I wanted to share the goals I’m most excited about this year.

I also realized that last year I didn’t promote my agenda enough (or maybe at all). So if you still haven’t picked up a planner for 2026, don’t worry—you’re not late! The agenda I design every year is undated, so you can start using it anytime at your own pace. Check it out on Amazon

Before I dive into my 2026 bingo, here’s a quick preview of the inside of the agenda. For some reason, I still haven’t mastered Amazon’s preview feature, so this is your sneak peek:

Now, onto what I hope to conquer this year:

• Visit a National Park: This was on my 2025 bingo, and I’m determined to finally check it off this year.

• Go on a Ski Trip: I’m still a newbie to skiing, but every time I’ve tried it, I’ve loved it. It terrifies me, but it’s such a fun way to step out of my comfort zone.

• Go to the Theater: I grew up loving plays, both onstage and behind the scenes. I haven’t been to one in a while, and I’m excited to catch a performance in Miami.

• Take a Solo Trip: My solo trip to Spain in 2023 was unforgettable. I want to do it again this year—maybe to a National Park or somewhere new.

• Make a Physical Photo Album: I love taking pictures and collecting small trinkets—napkins, matchbooks, stickers. I want to create a tangible album to decorate my home.

• Do a Puzzle: This is a fun, creative way to slow down and enjoy some quiet time.

• Make a New Friend: This one scares me a little, because making friends takes courage and openness.

• Bake Something: Baking has always been a challenge for me. This year, I want to try baking cookies or a cake I’m proud of.

• Have a Picnic: Not a typical Miami plan, but maybe I’ll bake my cookies and enjoy a picnic in a park or by the beach.

• Watch All Best Picture Oscar Nominees: I found this idea on Pinterest last year and couldn’t complete it. Tracking down where each movie is streaming will be the fun—and tricky—part.

What are you hoping to conquer in 2026?

With love,

Sylvi

Recientemente me había descargado la app Bumble para intentar volver al mundo del dating. Había tenido varios dates por Hinge, pero sentía que los hombres (o más bien, niños) que conocía por esa app no estaban a mi altura. Si estabas en mis close friends de Instagram, sabes las mil y una historias que contaba. Una de ellas fue la de un chico que decía que estaba buscando a una mujer “tranquila”, porque él no quería a alguien que saliera a rumbear ni viajara con sus amigas, ya que eso —según él— era “jugar con fuego”.

Honestamente, no sabía qué me iba a encontrar en Bumble. Pero al ver el perfil de Juan, dos cosas me llamaron muchísimo la atención: 1) era corredor y 2) hablaba tres idiomas. Adicionalmente, era de Venezuela. Confieso que no había tenido la mejor experiencia con venezolanos y los tenía en mi lista negra, pero decidí aventurarme, arriesgarme y mandarle un corazón. O como dicen: swipe right.

Bumble tiene la particularidad de que las mujeres son quienes mandan el primer mensaje, y este fue el mío:

De ahí pasamos a hablar por Instagram, donde me preguntó si estaba libre el fin de semana porque quería invitarme a tomar café en su lugar favorito de Miami. Nuestra primera cita fue un domingo a las 11:00 a.m. y, como siempre, yo estaba tarde. Sin embargo, en retrospectiva, me pareció tan lindo que el Uber me dejara exactamente a las 11:11 a.m.

Desde ese día sentí un nivel de paz y felicidad que nunca había sentido antes. Fast forward un año y varios meses, y llegó el 13 de diciembre de 2025.

Vale la pena contar que Juan y yo habíamos tenido muchas conversaciones sobre nuestro futuro. Ambos teníamos muy claro que nos queríamos casar, y yo había sido muy expresiva sobre lo que quería cuando llegara el día de nuestro compromiso.

El sábado arrancó como cualquier otro sábado. Tenía mi cita semanal con el alergólogo para recibir mis inyecciones de mi tratamiento de alergias (perro, gato y polvo). Antes de ir al doctor, logramos ir a desayunar a un lugar que mi vecina Lais me había recomendado: Ophelia. Compramos dos cafés (obviamente) y tres cosas para picar. No tenían dónde sentarse, así que usamos la parte de atrás del carro para hacer un mini picnic y disfrutar del desayuno.

Al terminar la cita médica, fuimos al supermercado a comprar comida para el almuerzo, dormimos siesta, cocinamos pasta y luego fuimos un rato al gym con mi hermana. Para ese momento, yo no me esperaba absolutamente nada. Sabía que teníamos una cita a las 7:00 p.m. en nuestro café favorito, al que hace poco le aprobaron la licencia de vinos (Emissary), pero no tenía ninguna sospecha.

Al terminar de entrenar, me arreglé en mi casa. Me puse unos jeans con una camisa verde/marrón que había comprado recientemente y unos zapatos marrones. No le di demasiadas vueltas al outfit, pero sí quería verme linda porque tenía una cita con mi novio. Mientras íbamos camino a su casa para que él se arreglara, le comenté que me parecía un poco extraño que mis papás no hubieran aparecido en todo el día, especialmente porque acababan de llegar a Miami. Mandé un mensaje al grupo familiar preguntando cómo estaban y qué planes tenían en la noche, y me respondieron que tenían una cena en casa de un amigo.

Juan se cambió y se arregló en su casa, y yo empecé a notar que estaba un poco extraño. Por ejemplo, usualmente antes de salir lo primero que hace es apagar el aire, pero cuando yo salí primero me di cuenta de que seguía prendido. Él me dijo que ya lo iba a apagar y se quedó un momento más adentro. A último momento se puso un vest azul (que habíamos comprado la Navidad anterior en Lululemon), lo cual me pareció rarísimo porque no hacía tanto frío como para usar un vest en Miami.

Llegamos a Emissary y yo quería sentarme en la barra —porque usualmente, cuando vamos a tomar algo, sea café o vino, Juan es el primero en sugerir la barra— pero él insistió en que nos sentáramos en la “mesa que había reservado”. Luego llegó el gerente a saludarnos y a decirnos que estaba súper feliz de ver que finalmente íbamos a tomarnos unos vinos ahí.

Juan se paró para ir al baño (luego me confesó que quería practicar cómo abrir la caja) y, al regresar, al sentarse de nuevo, estiró su mano para agarrar la mía y empezó a decirme lo feliz que era a mi lado. Seguía diciéndome cosas hermosas y, de la nada, empecé a escuchar el clic de una cámara. Sabía que a mi lado derecho había una chica sentada… y ahí caí en cuenta de lo que estaba pasando.

Los detalles de lo que dijo me los guardo para mí, pero sí les cuento que el momento fue tan hermoso y tan especial 💛

Siempre he creído profundamente que el amor bonito existe. Tengo a mis padres como el mejor ejemplo. Y hoy, con una sonrisa de oreja a oreja, les cuento que por fin encontré al amor de mi vida.

Con cariño,

Sylvi

Happy Sunday — I hope you had a lovely weekend, celebrated Thanksgiving, unplugged a bit, and found some peace and quiet to reflect on the things you’re grateful for.

Today’s newsletter is all about the books I’ve read so far this year, along with my ratings and honest thoughts. Growing up, both of my grandmothers were passionate readers. I carry that hobby with me, and whenever I finish a book, I always ask myself: Would Grandma or Tilita enjoy this? It’s such a sweet way to feel connected to them.

Another special part of this year is that I started a book club! Being part of one has kept me extra motivated to stay consistent with reading. I’ll note which titles were book-club picks as we go. Let’s get started:

January – February

The Perfect Marriage — Jeneva Rose

Discovered while getting my nails done — my manicurist saw my Kindle and asked if I liked thrillers. I said yes, and she recommended this gem. Total page-turner with an ending that left me speechless. I love a good plot twist!
Rating: 4/5

Don’t Believe Everything You Think — Joseph Nguyen

I’d been seeing this book everywhere, so I finally picked it up. I don’t usually read self-help, but I really enjoyed this one. It’s all about understanding and managing our thoughts so we can reduce anxiety. Some highlights I noted:

• “Our feelings come not from external events but from our thinking about the events.”

• “Our quality of life is determined by the peace, fulfillment, and joy we feel on a daily basis.”

• “Thoughts are intrinsically neutral. But the moment we begin thinking about our thoughts, we get taken on an emotional roller coaster.”

Rating: 4/5

Sharp Objects — Gillian Flynn*

A very dark, very heavy read. It was tough to get through at night because of how gruesome it was. The ending shocked me — and honestly, I still think about how someone could come up with a plot like that.
Rating: 3/5

March – April

Part of Your World — Abby Jimenez

A perfect “silly little novel.” After finishing Sharp Objects, I wanted something light, fun, and easy — something that would transport me into another world (pun intended).
Rating: 3/5

Table for Two — Amor Towles

I bought this in New Orleans at Faulkner House Books — the bookstore located in the townhouse where Faulkner once lived and wrote. The book is divided into two parts: six short stories set in New York, and a novella set in Los Angeles. Amor Towles’ writing is so unique, and the short stories especially inspired me to think about what parts of my own life could become fiction.
Rating: 4/5

Love Across Borders — Anna Lekas Miller

Recommended by my best friend (hi Alexa!). A beautiful and heartbreaking read about passports, borders, and the challenges couples face when bureaucracy isn’t on their side. Very relevant to today’s global climate.
Rating: 4/5

May – June

Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe — Laura Lynne Jackson

I’ve become a big believer in signs from the universe. I started this book last year and didn’t connect with it, but after losing our beautiful dog Nena, I picked it back up. Suddenly it resonated so deeply. After she passed, I started seeing butterflies everywhere — we always said Nena’s ears looked like butterflies. It’s true that books find you at the right time.
Rating: 5/5

The Silent Patient — Alex Michaelides*

I first read this in 2020 and loved it. Reread it this year for book club and still loved it just as much. Even knowing the twist made the reread fascinating because I recognized all the foreshadowing.
Rating: 5/5

Magic Hour — Kristin Hannah

I’m a huge Kristin Hannah fan, but I struggled with this one. The plot was intriguing, but I never fully connected with it.
Rating: 3/5

Before the Coffee Gets Cold — Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Cute, easy, and whimsical. It transported me immediately. It also makes you think: If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Rating: 4/5

June – August

The Rose Code — Kate Quinn*

A 656-page commitment — but worth it! I read half on Kindle and listened to the rest on audio so I could finish before book club. Loved the characters and the writing style.
Rating: 4/5

Cuando no queden más estrellas que contar — María Martínez

I wanted to read something in Spanish and picked this because it’s set in Sorrento (where I was about to travel!). But honestly… the plot and ending were very unrealistic. I know some romance novels are over the top, but this one took it too far.
Rating: 2/5

Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt

My favorite book of 2025. I was hooked from the first page and finished it entirely on my flight from London to Miami. I was completely absorbed.
Rating: 5/5

It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life — Jillian Turecki

I love Jillian and her podcast, so I immediately bought her book. It didn’t disappoint — here are a few messages that stayed with me:

• Needing to control everything is exhausting.

• The behaviors we use to self-protect often end up sabotaging our relationships.

• Love someone because you choose to, not because you need to.

• Being a giver is not a flaw — it’s a value.

September – October

Cuatro veranos — Benito Taibo

My second Spanish read this year. Light, quick, and beautifully written. The author walks you through four summers and the lessons each one brought.
Rating: 4/5

Yours Truly — Abby Jimenez

Another cute and easy “silly little novel.” It’s the classic “don’t fall in love with me” trope — and of course, you know exactly what’s coming.
Rating: 4/5

La ridícula idea de no volver a verte — Rosa Montero*

My third Spanish read, and the one I struggled with the most. I kept going only because it was our book-club pick. I think it simply comes down to personal preference — I connect more with English-language writing.
Rating: 3/5

Crucial Conversations — Kerry Patterson

I joined a book club at work, and this was the first pick. It’s full of practical tools for navigating high-stakes conversations — definitely useful professionally.
Rating: 4/5

November

All the Dangerous Things — Stacy Willingham

Bought during a trip to NYC, in a mystery-only bookstore I’d been dying to visit. The plot was captivating and though the twist was a bit predictable, it was a very satisfying read.
Rating: 4/5

Couldn’t Finish

• Delirio — Laura Restrepo*

• The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle — Stuart Turton*

Currently Reading

• 107 Days — Kamala Harris

• Small Things Like These — Claire Keegan*

*Book-club reads

I’ve always loved writing. As a little kid, I told my dad that my dream was to become an author. I wanted to write children’s books—I even wrote one when I was 9 years old! I wrote it by hand, later transcribed it to the computer, and even made the cover in Paint! (Let me see if I can find it and upload a picture here.)

But lately, I’ve been questioning the purpose of this newsletter. It started as a space to share my passion for health coaching and helping busy women build healthier habits, yet I’ve found myself pressing pause on that project too.

The past few weeks—and dare I say months—I’ve been so focused on living in the present that I haven’t taken the time to reflect on what I truly want this newsletter to be. I don’t want to write just to meet a deadline or to stick to a biweekly schedule. I want to write with intention, and most importantly, I want to know why I write.

I enjoy expressing myself and giving a glimpse into my life through words. I love knowing that readers take a few minutes to connect with what I share—whether it’s inspiration, a laugh, or just a little relatable moment. Knowing that 180+ people spend time reading a few sentences I wrote brings me genuine happiness.

That said, the disconnect is real at times. Some days I can’t wait to write about my experiences—like taking a break from Instagram or TikTok, or even the challenge of avoiding my Garmin. Other days, I hit writer’s block, let fear and comparison creep in, and think, maybe it’s best not to write at all—it won’t be good enough. That slippery slope of imposter syndrome is all too familiar, especially in a space like Substack, where I come across writers who leave me completely speechless.

Well…that felt like a brain dump.

Hopefully, the next newsletter can be more upbeat and charming. For now, the theme of this one is honesty—a value I always try to practice.

Happy Friday, busy bees!

—Sylvi

But today, I decided to pause for a few minutes and write about something that’s been floating around in my mind these past few days: stressing about things that haven’t even happened yet. That anticipatory stress.

When different parts of my life start to compete for attention, my brain immediately flips into planning and execution mode. I start imagining all kinds of “what if” scenarios — the possible hiccups, the potential chaos — which can be both a strength and a trap. Because when I live too far ahead, I stop being present for what’s actually happening now.

Lately, I’ve been trying to stay more fluid, to let things unfold in their own time. And — spoiler alert — sometimes those urgent situations I worry about? They never even happen. They only existed in my mind.

As I write this, I realize I’m especially prone to overthinking when it comes to travel (airport logistics, packing, itineraries) or hosting visitors (sleeping arrangements, kitchen chaos, balancing work and family). Right now, I’m juggling both — two back-to-back trips (first to NYC for the marathon — my boyfriend’s running it! — and then to Boston for work), plus my parents coming into town for a double celebration: my mom’s birthday and my brother’s huge milestone — buying his first home.

It might sound a little silly that my brain goes into hyper-organization mode to “prevent” future stress or routine disruptions. But it also helps me notice something important: the value of being here, now, rather than racing ahead to a version of tomorrow that might not even come.

If you can relate, drop a ❤️ in the comments.

Happy Sunday, busy bee — here’s to starting the week grounded, calm, and a little more present.

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The Pitt absorbs you. You feel like you’re the doctor, caught in the high stress of an emergency room. With very little music in each episode, you’re left sitting in the tension of the constant flow of patients, each one facing a different emergency.

I spent most of my weekend proudly binge-watching a few episodes. I think I’m on episode 7 now, watching alongside my sister and my boyfriend. But while we watched, my mind kept drifting back to the previous weekend.

That Sunday I was actually in the ER. I had a really bad case of acute bronchitis, and by the morning I was struggling to breathe. I ended up waiting about four hours for a bed and to be seen by a doctor. Sitting there reminded me how much perspective you gain inside an ER—how blessed I am, how important it is to take care of both mind and body, and how much admiration I have for the nurses and doctors who do this work every day.

Of course, in the moment, I was frustrated. I wanted care right away. But as the nurse explained in the waiting room, ERs always prioritize life-or-death cases. My case, while scary for me, wasn’t urgent compared to what others were going through. Watching The Pitt later made that hit even harder.

This was actually the second time this year I’ve ended up in the ER (the first was a horrible skin allergy back in late February/March). As scary and frustrating as these health scares have been, they’ve also been constant reminders of two things:

1. I’m lucky to have such a great support system.

2. I’m lucky that I can make quick decisions and put my health first.

As Confucius said, “A healthy person wants a thousand things; a sick person only wants one.”

PS: Go watch The Pitt and thank me later!

Sylvia

After nearly 15 years on the platform, I realized the content—and the app itself—weren’t really connecting with me anymore. Scrolling had become such an automatic habit, a way to keep up with the lives of others without really asking myself why.

I still follow people from my days in Caracas, and sometimes it feels like a nice way to stay connected. But other times I catch myself wondering: do I really need to follow someone I haven’t spoken to in years? Having so much information at my fingertips—what someone ate, where they traveled, whose wedding they attended—started to feel invasive. Of course, I still love seeing updates from close friends, but the endless stream of acquaintances’ lives felt less and less valuable.

These thoughts ultimately led me to try an experiment: one full month without Instagram or TikTok on my phone.

On August 26, I deleted both apps. At first, I was nervous—I used them daily, and I worried about how much I’d miss them. But with time, I noticed my attention shifting in positive ways.

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I’ve been more focused at work, less prone to task-switching, and better able to immerse myself in one thing at a time. I’ve also swapped my lunchtime scrolling for podcasts. So far, I’ve enjoyed episodes of Good Hang with Amy Poehler and even ventured into history podcasts, which felt especially meaningful after my recent trip to Italy.

I’m still reflecting on what my return to social media might look like. My first step will probably be curating my feed—removing followers I don’t have a real connection with. Following people I never speak to doesn’t add value to my life, unless they’re public figures whose content genuinely inspires me.

TikTok, on the other hand, is harder to let go of. I do miss its creativity, humor, and originality. But rewatching my favorite comedy shows has filled that gap in an unexpected way.

This pause has made me question my relationship with social media. Have you ever thought about pressing pause? What would you discover if you stepped away for a while?

This month away has taught me that I don’t need to share everything to enjoy it.

I still take plenty of photos—mostly of Milo, coffee, matcha, my home-cooked meals, and the sunset—but now I take them simply to remember special, mundane, and memorable moments for myself.

With love,
Sylvia

As I promised in my last newsletter, I’m writing this one straight from Italy.

I’m currently in Napoli, wrapping up my summer break. For the first time ever, I took two full weeks off work — and let me tell you, it has been incredibly relaxing. At first, I was nervous about stepping away for so long. I’m so used to the daily routine and the constant workload that disconnecting felt… uncomfortable. But I had to practice what I always preach: your comfort zone will kill you.

Being away from my work email — and even my phone (yes, I kept it on airplane mode most of the time and avoided turning on roaming) — reminded me how necessary it is to embrace what the Italians call dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing.

It’s not about laziness. It’s about savoring stillness — enjoying a long coffee, sitting by the sea, or watching the world go by without rushing.

This trip actually started thanks to my parents. A while back, they watched a documentary on Andrea Bocelli, fell in love with his story and talent, and — out of curiosity — looked up his upcoming concerts. And yes, you guessed it, he was performing in Italy.

As they started planning their trip, my mom began looking into art classes in Italy. She found one in Firenze and signed up. While she finalized her plans, I suggested she extend her trip so I could join her, and together we could explore new places: Roma, Sorrento, Positano, and Capri.

What started as a mother-daughter trip quickly turned into a full family affair. After I booked my flights, my brother decided to tag along. Then, just a few days before my departure, my sister booked a ticket to surprise my mom and brother in Rome. The video of their reactions is now one of my favorite core memories ❤️

Here’s a quick recap of the trip:

Firenze – I soaked in the history, art, wine, coffee, gelato, and pure beauty of the city. I was in awe standing before the David, exploring the Duomo, and walking along Ponte Vecchio.

Roma – The architecture, the energy, and the history of the city were incredible. I toured the Colosseum, saw the Trevi Fountain (I forgot to toss a coin & make a wish!) and took advantage of Rome’s iconic nasoni — free public water fountains (nasone means “big nose” in Italian!).

Sorrento – My favorite stop of the trip. I love being close to the ocean, and Sorrento offered that and more: breathtaking views, delicious food, and charming little streets full of shops.

Positano & Capri – Wow. I was blown away by the beauty of both. I loved diving into the sea, reading on the beach, and admiring the views — the colorful houses stacked on the cliffs in Positano and the stunning rock formations of Capri.

Napoli – Naturally, I had to have pizza here! Though this was a quick stop (I flew in and out of Naples), I made time to hike up to Castel Sant’Elmo. According to my mom’s watch, we climbed the equivalent of 68 floors — but the panoramic view made every step worth it.

I absolutely loved experiencing Italy for the first time and can’t wait to come back to enjoy more of that dolce far niente.

With love,

Sylvia

This week, I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across a Close Friends Story (hi Ligis!) that sparked the idea for this newsletter.

The story was a simple list of “things that made me happy this week,” and it felt like such a wholesome practice. So here are mine:

🌿 Watching Perfect Days
If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend it. It moves slowly, almost meditatively, but it carries such a deep, emotional weight.
It reminded me that the quiet, ordinary parts of life, the routines, the small moments, can hold unexpected joy.
One line that stuck with me:

“Next time is next time. Now is now.”

🌊 Working from the pool house
I’ve been in a bit of a rut with my work environment lately (or as my sister says: Live a little). So yesterday, I threw my laptop in a tote and went up to the pool house in my building. I took a meeting there, finished a PowerPoint I’d been dreading, and felt… refreshed.
It’s wild how a tiny shift in location can change your energy completely. Sometimes, it’s easier to just stay home, but that little push to switch things up? So worth it.

🧘‍♀️ Building community through yoga
Between last Friday and this week, I went twice to my favorite yoga studio with my favorite teacher (hi Virginia!). There’s something so warm and grounding about someone remembering your name, greeting you with a smile, and calling you out in class to say you’re doing great.
It reminded me how powerful community (no matter how small) can feel.

💛 Getting flowers
Apparently, last Friday was National Girlfriend Day (thanks, TikTok). I told my boyfriend about it and asked if he was going to get me flowers.
(I’ve learned it’s much better to ask for what you want than to assume anyone is reading your mind!)
The next day, he showed up with a gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses.

📱 Updating my phone background with my Summer Vision Board
It’s been very warm in Miami lately, and I’ve definitely caught myself complaining. But since I can’t control the weather, I decided to reframe my mindset.
I made a Summer Vision Board and set it as my phone background, a daily reminder to embrace the season:
☀️ Time by the pool (with SPF, shade, and a book)
🍵 Iced matcha or coffee
🥗 Fresh meals
🍦Treating myself to gelato

To keep up the rhythm of sending a newsletter every two weeks, I’ll leave this one short and sweet.

The next one will come to you from somewhere very exciting: Italy! 🇮🇹

Until then, I hope you do something today that your inner child will smile about.

With love,

Sylvia

It’s a little nostalgic to realize how afterschool activities don’t really carry over into adulthood. These days, my routine feels pretty rinse and repeat: wake up, work, go to the gym, make dinner, read, and get ready for bed. After a while, it starts to feel like I’m living in Groundhog Day.

This summer, my sister decided to hit pause on that constant routine and focus on bringing back the joy of afterschool activities. For me, it’s been such a fun way to reconnect with my middle school/high school self — and honestly, it’s brought me so much joy.

So far, here’s what we’ve tried:

Playing Tennis
This has been my favorite! I’ve never really played tennis before, but I’ve loved trying it. It’s been such a fun way to stay active, unplug from work, and spend time outdoors.

Making Bouquet Arrangements
I love flowers. My sister and I went to Trader Joe’s and each picked out three kinds of blooms. Thanks to a few TikTok tutorials, we made our own flower arrangements — and they turned out so cute.

Face Masks & Manicures
There’s nothing more relaxing than unwinding after a busy workday with a face mask and a DIY manicure. We paired this with catching up on the latest season of Love Island (and omg, what a season!).

Mid-Year Review, Goals & Pinterest Boards
The 2025 Busy Bee agenda has a whole section dedicated to reviewing the first half of your year. To make this reflective activity more fun, we didn’t just fill out the pages — we also created a Pinterest board for our vision for the second half of 2025!

Here’s what’s still on our ongoing list:

• Paint a tote bag

• Watch the sunset at the beach

• Go RockClimbing

• Take a pottery class

What other “summer afterschool activities” should we try next?

With love,
Sylvi

Running will always hold a special place in my heart. While living in Panama, I turned to it as a way to drain the stress from a very demanding job. Finishing my first half marathon made me feel on top of the world, and I soon embraced an even bigger challenge: a full marathon. I ran Chicago in 2019, and it was an incredible yet extremely challenging day. Even now, I often daydream about that race whenever I'm out on a run.

This weekend's challenge was to step out of my comfort zone and involve running in a new way. I'd been thinking for a while about the irony of being a runner who had never attended a running club. For some reason, I genuinely enjoy running by myself. I love connecting with my breath, soaking in the scenery, and jamming out to some good music (usually Bad Bunny or some upbeat pop/merengue!). Yet, I also recognize the flip side of the sport—how it can foster community and great relationships. So, I decided to put myself out there and attend a running club in Coconut Grove. Spoiler alert: I survived the 3 miles!

I didn't make any new best friends, but I did manage to connect with other runners, try something new, and get a great workout in the morning. While running, several thoughts ran through my mind:

• I always underestimate how hard it is to pick up running again, especially during the summer in Miami. The heat and humidity definitely won today!

• Why aren't there any slow runner pacers? I ended up running by myself; it seemed like everyone at this club wanted to tackle those 3 miles at a really fast pace, which I've always struggled to maintain.

• Seeing the ocean while running is incredibly therapeutic.

• Even though I was the last one to finish, everyone at the club clapped when I crossed the finish line. I went at my own pace and enjoyed every step of the way. It was a clear reminder of what running is truly about: enjoying the present and moving your body to feel good!

So, what type of runner are you? Is there any aspect of your life where you prefer to go at a slower pace but truly enjoy the process?

With love,

Sylvi

Lately, I’ve found myself sitting down to journal—something I truly enjoy—and coming up completely blank. As much as I love the ritual, sometimes I just need a little spark of inspiration to get started.

So I decided to turn to my favorite digital assistant (hi ChatGPT ) and asked:

"Based on previous questions and topics that I have talked with you, what should I journal about during June? Give me a prompt for each day, please and thank you!"

And let me tell you, the prompts did not disappoint. I wanted to share some of the ones that have truly resonated with me, in case you’re also craving a bit of intentional reflection this month.

🌿 June Journaling Prompts 🌿

One prompt per day—feel free to skip or swap depending on what speaks to you.

June 1: What does summer energy mean to me this year? How do I want to feel this season?
June 2: Reflect on your trip planning for Italy—what are you most excited about? What intention do you want to carry with you while there?
June 3: Write a letter to your 16-year-old Schnauzer. What would you like them to know?
June 4: Think of a time recently when you set a boundary (even a small one). How did that feel? What would you do the same or differently next time?
June 5: What makes a space (physical or emotional) feel safe and supportive to you?
June 6: Journal about one thing you fell for (Propaganda I Fell For edition). Why do you love it? What does it say about your tastes?
June 7: Describe your ideal morning routine with your Breville Bambino and your Cavapoo calmly at your feet. What does that scene look, sound, and smell like?
June 10: Mid-year check-in: How are you doing emotionally, mentally, physically, and professionally?
June 11: Free-write your thoughts about your parents’ aging and your role in their lives. Let whatever wants to come out, come out.
June 12: Which wardrobe colors make you feel most you lately? Describe an outfit that gives you confidence.
June 13: If your dog could talk for 5 minutes, what would they say to you? What would you say back?
June 15: What habits or rituals are supporting your wellbeing right now? Which ones feel stale or unnecessary?
June 16: Describe a perfect workday in your dream role. What are you doing? Who are you collaborating with?
June 17: Revisit a book or quote that resonated with you this year. What did it unlock or validate?
June 18: Let your imagination run: Create a wine and book pairing for your book club idea. Make it whimsical.
June 19: Describe how you’ve grown emotionally over the past 6 months. Where do you still feel tender?
June 20: Journal about a moment of joy or silliness you've had with your Cavapoo. What did it teach you about presence?
June 22: Who in your life has helped shape your sense of identity? What did they teach you—directly or indirectly?
June 24: What’s one creative idea or project you’ve been sitting on? What’s one small step you could take?
June 25: Free-write about the word home. What does it mean right now? How has that evolved over time?
June 27: Reflect on a small act of bravery you’ve taken this month.
June 28: Write about a place (real or imagined) where you feel completely at peace. What do you hear, feel, see?
June 29: Who do you admire in your professional circle, and why? What would you like to learn from them?
June 30: What are you most proud of this month? What surprised you about yourself?

Whether you’re journaling daily or just when the mood strikes, I hope these prompts offer you the same gentle clarity and grounding they’ve offered me.

Wishing you a reflective, nourishing, and sun-drenched June 💛
Sylvi

With June right around the corner (can you believe how fast 2025 is flying by?!), I wanted to share how I’m revisiting my yearly goals. Big thanks to my sister for inspiring this topic—she suggested I write about it in this month’s newsletter.

For the past two years, instead of listing rigid resolutions and milestones, I’ve been creating my own Goal Bingo Card.

Traditional New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming and, honestly, a bit discouraging. More often than not, I’d set goals in January and forget about them by mid-year—eventually abandoning them altogether.

To ease that pressure and inject a bit of fun into my year, I’ve embraced a more playful approach: a Bingo-style bucket list! Each square represents a goal or experience I want to complete in 2025. As I check things off, I cross out the squares—with the ultimate aim of shouting BINGO!

There’s no pressure to finish it all. The goal is simply to enjoy the process and stay motivated along the way.

So far, here’s what I’ve accomplished on my 2025 Bingo Card:

January 2 – Got my 7th tattoo:
I got the number 25, which holds a special place in my heart. It was the house number of my parents’ beach house in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, located in a neighborhood where every neighborhood was named after a Greek island. Their home was in Milo, number 25—so the tattoo honors both that home full of memories and my beloved dog, Milo.

January 31 – Dry January:
My brother started this tradition a few years ago, and I’ve joined him for the past five. Kicking off the year alcohol-free helps me reset mentally and physically—it’s now one of my favorite rituals.

February 8 – Dyed my hair:
I wanted to touch up some old highlights and refresh my look.

February 22 – Started a book club:
Reading is a passion passed down from both of my grandmothers. This year, a virtual Instagram friend and I launched a book club that combines books and wine (yes, really!). Every meeting, we pair a drink with the book’s theme or a specific character. So far, we’ve read:

• Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

• Normal People by Sally Rooney

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (we’re meeting tonight to discuss!)

🟩 February 28 – Hosted a game night:
This one was totally spontaneous. My mom was visiting me after I had a rough allergic reaction (two ER visits!), and we decided to play Blank Slate, a party game where you try to guess what others will write to complete a phrase. It ended up being just what I needed—lighthearted fun during a tough time.

April 4 – Volunteered:
I participated in a virtual session helping non-native English speakers practice for an hour. It was incredibly wholesome, and I left the call feeling fulfilled and grateful.

With the year nearly halfway through, here are a few Bingo goals I’m still excited to tackle:

📍 Travel to NYC with Juan:
We’re heading there in November so I can cheer him on as he runs the marathon!

📚 Read 16 books:
I’m currently 66% through book number 11, so I’m on track to surpass my goal. If you’re curious, you can follow my reading progress on Goodreads!

🏞️ Visit a National Park:
If my September trip to Salt Lake City works out, I’m hoping to squeeze in a visit to Arches National Park.

✈️ Travel to Europe:
My mom and I are heading to Italy for the first time ever—and I’m beyond excited!

📵 Have a "No Phone" day:
This was on my Bingo card last year... and I didn’t follow through. I’m determined to unplug for a full day soon—maybe a Saturday or Sunday.

I hope this gives you a little inspiration to make your own Bingo Card or revisit your 2025 goals in a fresh way. It’s not about perfection—it’s about having fun, trying new things, and making meaningful memories along the way.

Happy Saturday, and happy goal-getting! 🐝💛

— Sylvia

Nena lived a full 16 years—a long, beautiful life. She was born in Caracas, moved to Panama before she turned two (if my memory serves me well), and then made her way to Miami in 2021. We always joked that she was quite the privileged dog, living in three different countries.

She taught me so many life lessons, some of which I shared in March 2024, just before her ACL surgery (that’s the anterior cruciate ligament—a ligament in the center of the knee that prevents the shin bone from sliding forward). Through it all, Nena was a fighter, a trooper, and one of the most resilient souls I’ve ever known.

Losing her has been deeply painful. She wasn’t just a dog—she was family. For months, she slept in my bed alongside my dog, Milo. Her presence was so embedded in my daily life and routines that grieving her has felt like learning how to live all over again.

But Nena has been sending us little signs to remind us she’s still here. We used to say that her ears moved like butterfly wings when she walked. And ever since she passed, I’ve been seeing butterflies everywhere—not just real ones, but in books, sculptures, even on a Trader Joe’s shopping bag.

This newsletter is for you, Nena—for the beautiful lessons you etched into my heart.
Thank you for 16 years of smiles, laughter, and unconditional love. I love you. 💗

1. Keep fighting.
   Our family motto ever since Nena was diagnosed with a brain tumor was: Nena is a bull 🐂—she can handle anything. And she really could. After moving to Miami with my sister, Milo, and me, there were times when she pulled a muscle and couldn’t walk from the pain—only to bounce back two days later as if nothing had happened. The same thing happened after her ACL surgery—within days, she was back on her feet, walking with confidence.

2. To slow down and smell the flowers.
   Nena loved taking her time on walks. She wanted to sniff everything in her path. Walking her taught us patience—you had to move at her pace. Trust me, she wouldn’t budge until she had finished investigating every bush.

3. To get excited about the little things.
   Nena would light up at dinnertime—and even more when she got strawberries or peanut butter. She’d jump and bark with pure joy. It was a daily reminder to find happiness in the small things.

4. To rest when needed.
   Nena was the queen of naps. She knew when it was time to rest and never apologized for it. She reminded us how essential it is to listen to our bodies and minds when they ask us to pause.

5. That age is just a number.
   Even at 16, Nena was full of energy. She loved walking, playing with Milo, and living life to the fullest. I often looked at her and thought, How are you still a puppy in my eyes after all this time?

Every time I feel the wind on my skin, I’ll honor your presence.
Every time I see a butterfly, I’ll smile and remember that you’re still with us.

Gracias por todo, mi Nena / Ni / Nenushi / Pactus.
Eres y siempre serás eterna.

With love,
Sylvi

Every time I see a new doctor and get bloodwork done, they look at my results with alarm and quickly rush to prescribe medication. But I’ve always believed in finding the cause of a problem rather than slapping on a Band-Aid. That’s why I chose to hold off on medication (don’t even get me started on the side effects and risks of statins) and see if changes in my habits and food choices could help instead.

Changes take time.
You can’t expect immediate results just because you’ve followed a diet or hit your protein goals for a few days. The key is patience—reminding yourself that this is a journey, and that the small changes do matter, even if they take time to show up.

Working with a nutritionist means tracking metrics: weighing yourself, measuring muscle mass, and checking your body fat percentage. I’ll admit, these numbers were never something I really paid attention to before. But I weighed myself earlier this week and felt disappointed—even ashamed—to see that my body fat percentage had crept up over time.

I want to be honest and vulnerable here: that moment hit me hard. But after sitting with it, I realized I shouldn’t feel ashamed. I hadn’t been sticking to my portions as closely as I needed to, and that was reflected in the numbers. On the flip side, I had gained muscle—something I’ve historically struggled with—and that’s thanks to challenging myself with heavier weights during my workouts. That’s progress worth celebrating.

So patience became my new mantra.
Patience, self-love, and honoring my body where it is (as my yoga teacher always reminds me). I can’t beat myself up over a number. A number is just that—a number. It doesn’t define my worth or my value.

If you’re on your own health journey, I want you to know: I see you. You’ve got this. Be patient with yourself, your body, and your mind.

With love,
Sylvi