What’s Worth It (Or Not)

Every week I share what’s been worth it to me… or not! Just real-life stuff I’m actually using (or ditching) and feel like putting out there. Sometimes the team jumps in too with their own favorites.

I’m finally back from South Africa and WOW, what a trip. 🤩 I decided to fully disconnect while I was there (didn’t even open my computer once!) and it was truly magical. ✨ We went with friends, and one of them has family there, so we got to experience South Africa with locals. We explored beautiful Cape Town, paraglided off Signal Hill (wild!! 🪂), hiked Table Mountain, and visited the Cape of Good Hope. The views were unreal.

Then we headed off on safari for three nights at &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, and it was beyond incredible. 🐘 The lodge is all-inclusive, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, you never go hungry 😂 and the hospitality was unreal. Our guide, Mac, was so knowledgeable and made every drive special. Truly a bucket-list experience I’d recommend to anyone.

If you’re ever looking for an unforgettable trip, add South Africa to your list. The people, the ocean, the mountains… it’s breathtaking. It now holds such a special place in my heart. 💛

And honestly, this trip reminded me how experiences will always mean more than things. Whether you’re halfway across the world or just exploring somewhere new nearby, those moments of adventure, laughter, and awe stay with you far longer than any physical gift ever could. The memories we made on this trip will last a lifetime, and I’d choose that kind of gift any day. 🎁 ✈️

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

— Mignon McLaughlin

22 years married last month. 🥹

Marriage is hard. Like really hard sometimes. There are seasons where you wonder how you’ll make it through, and then there are seasons so full of love, laughter, and joy that you wish you could bottle them up forever.

I’ve learned that marriage is about being on the same team, even when it’s tough (especially when the kids try to peg you against each other 😅). It’s about compromise, humility, and realizing you don’t always need to be right. It’s choosing to focus on the good instead of the things that drive you crazy, because trust me, there will always be little things. But learning to laugh instead of react makes all the difference.

For me, pausing before saying something has been huge. When I stop and think about all the reasons I fell in love with him… the thoughtful things he does, how he’s always shown up for me and our kids, I can’t help but smile. Those are the moments I screenshot in my head and replay when I’m frustrated.

Love languages have been a game changer for us. His are quality time and touch, mine is acts of service. When I’m intentional about giving him his love language, I almost always get mine right back… a coffee in my hand, my gas tank filled, little things that feel really big in everyday life.

Marriage isn’t perfect, but it’s real. It’s grace. It’s growth. It’s choosing each other over and over again. ❤️

There’s truly nothing like finding your person, the one you get to laugh with until you cry, share inside jokes that no one else understands, and reminisce about all the wild, beautiful seasons you’ve walked through together. The one who makes you feel seen, supported, safe, and loved in every messy and magical moment. 🥹

Here’s to 22 years with my rock, my protector, my best friend, my lover, my person… always. Finding your person is SOOOOO worth it. 💞

Here’s a random tip I had to share because I keep seeing it come up lately… get second opinions on everything. 👏 We’re often so quick to just accept whatever someone tells us, whether it’s a doctor, a contractor, or an expert in anything. But seriously, taking the time to get another opinion can save you hundreds or even protect your health.

Just last week, I got two quotes for window cleaning and one was DOUBLE the cost of the other. Same job. Same house. Totally different price. 😳 And on the health side (keeping it vague here for privacy), we recently saw two doctors. One gave a pretty serious diagnosis and prescribed medication. The other said everything was fine and to just exercise more and drink electrolytes. Like… what?! 🤯

It was such a reminder that you have to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s health stuff, home projects, or even everyday advice, trust your gut. Don’t just take everything at face value. Because no one’s gonna fight for you like you will. ❤️

Okay, book lovers… I’ve got one to skip. 😂

I just finished Never Never by Colleen Hoover, and ugh… so disappointing. It’s supposed to be a mystery, but the ending of why everything was happening is honestly so dumb 😩 I kept waiting for some deep, meaningful twist, but it never came. Total letdown.

I usually love her writing, but this one just didn’t hit. The mystery angle was weak, the ending was ridiculous, and it felt way too young adult for me. I only finished it because I needed to know how it ended… and then immediately regretted it. 😬

If you want good ones by her though, November 9 and It Ends With Us are 100% worth the read! 💞

That’s a wrap on this week’s picks! Thanks for reading.  🫶

Love,

Collin