Hey Reader,

Life’s been throwing some real challenges my way lately. Maybe you’ve felt it too—that feeling of being stretched too thin, trying to be everything for everyone, and still wondering if you’re doing enough.

This season has been full. Emotional. Tiring. Tender.

I recently traveled to North Carolina to lay my grandmother to rest, and being surrounded by family reminded me of what truly matters. Coming home, I felt this strong pull to live more intentionally. To be with my family more. To move through my days with purpose. To create without pressure. And to find little moments of peace in the middle of a very full life.

This season has reminded me that joy doesn’t always show up loudly. Sometimes it’s in the stillness. Sometimes it’s spending time in the garden, a moment of laughter with your kids, or a home-cooked meal you didn’t have to overthink.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning is this:​
You don’t have to do it all. Especially the things that drain you or don't bring you joy. For me, it's meal planning. I love to cook and want to feed my family well. I don’t want to spend my Saturday nights flipping through cookbooks, scrolling recipes, and writing grocery lists. So I asked the internet about their favorite meal kit delivery services and I gave it a shot.

Enter: Green Chef.

It’s a meal delivery service that helps me skip the planning and go straight to the part I actually enjoy; cooking fresh, healthy meals that make me feel good.

What I love most:

• There’s different dietary options that don’t taste like diet food
• The portions are generous and I often stretch one meal into two
• I’ve even fed our family of four with just one kit
• It frees up so much mental space for everything else

Instead of spending my evenings wondering what to make for dinner, I get to spend that time reading with my kids, working on creative projects, or just sitting down for a hot cup of tea.

Want to try it for yourself? Click here to get your first box FREE.

If you’re in a season where your energy feels limited, this is a small shift that can make a big change.

Cardinal Creative has always been about building a business and a life that feel aligned with what matters most. Sometimes, it’s healing, reconnecting, or simply making space to breathe, and that’s not just okay, it’s necessary.

I hope this reminds you to give yourself grace, protect your peace, and find little ways to make life feel just a little lighter.

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I’m cheering you on through whatever season you’re in.

Best,
Ashley

P.S. I’d love to hear how you’re slowing down or finding joy lately. Just hit reply. I read every message.