Hello again! Summer is a wild time. How are your to-do lists? Mine are long, and more gets added just as soon as something is checked off. I will say that simply writing things down helps, both in terms of relieving the stress of storing it all in my head, and in feeling a sense of accomplishment for how much actually gets done.

Last week I shared a simple "Weekly Check-In" download. A neighbor had invited me over for a casual women's yoga night, and my "healthy life goal" was to join, both for my body and for the sense of community. I felt a little nervous, but it turned out to be a really peaceful evening, and I'm glad I went. What's one goal you have for caring for yourself right now? I hope you're finding even a little time for you. You deserve it.

-Jenna

Recommendation:

My family and I have been under a lot of stress this summer and really needed a break, so we're heading to the Oregon coast for a few days. It's not too far of a drive, but a last-minute summer beach trip still isn't cheap. That's part of why I've leaned on a travel rewards credit card over the years. There are a lot of good ones out there, and which one makes sense really depends on how and where you travel.

If you're not using one yet, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the one I'd point you toward, and here's my referral link. If you sign up through it, I get a small points bonus, at no cost to you. Last year, when my dad was still battling cancer and my parents lived across the country, I wrote an article about how points helped ease some of the stress of being far away during that hard time, as well as how to use points responsibly.

Article of the week:

​Whitney Port Opens Up About the Hidden Struggle of the Sandwich Generation - Parents - Truth be told, I don't know much about Whitney Port, but this article resonated with me. From what I gather, Whitney has more resources available to her than the average member of the sandwich generation, but she still feels under-supported. She says, "It feels like there’s a lack of resources for us. It’s all on us. It’s on us to find care for our kids. It’s on us to find care for our parents.”

The article does go on to outline ways we can lighten our load. One I struggle with, but am trying to do better, is to "lean on your village." I'm deeply independent and tend to think I can do it all, but my husband reminds me that instead of being Superwoman, I should just...ask for help.

No one can really do it all alone, and the truth is, no one can do it all. Sometimes, you just have to let some things go.

Quote of the week:

Watching, listening to, or even just reading a quote from Lucille always makes me smile.

Have your own Sandwich Generation story this week? Just hit reply, I'd love to hear it.