The Quiet and the Crowd: Rebuilding Connection from the Inside Out

I have always been a person who is comfortable in my own company. Living in a city like Houston, it’s easy to navigate the world as a solo traveler. I don’t mind going to the theater alone, exploring a new coffee shop, or heading out for a run without a partner. I actually value my alone time; it’s where I recharge.

But lately, I’ve had to acknowledge that there is a difference between being independent and being isolated. 

My social life is anchored by my family, and I’m grateful for that. But as I’ve moved into my 30s, I’ve felt the absence of a peer circle. When I was in school, friends were just part of the landscape. As I got older, the ‘slow fade’ set in. Life got busy, distances grew, and because I didn’t put in the effort to maintain those connections, they eventually just vanished. 

The Financial Reset: Why Awareness is the Ultimate Act of Self-Care

For a long time, I operated on a "don't look, don't tell" policy with my money. It wasn’t that I was being reckless; I was just financially unaware. I moved through the world on a sort of financial autopilot, knowing I had enough to get by but never actually looking closer. But being unaware is its own kind of stress. It’s a low-level anxiety that hums in the background of everything you do because you don’t actually know where you stand.

Two years ago, I decided that being "unaware" was no longer an option. I realized that if I wanted to build a life that felt grounded and peaceful, I had to start with the numbers.

Now, as part of The Audit, I’ve realized that personal finance isn't a chore—it’s the most foundational form of self-care there is. It’s about giving myself the respect of knowing exactly where I am, so I can decide exactly where I’m going.

Making Peace with the Middle: Why I’m Romanticizing the "Work in Progress"

I spent my 20s doing exactly what I was supposed to do. I left home for college, lived away for a decade, and honestly, life was good. It wasn't a disaster, and I wasn't struggling. However, I realize now that I wasn’t being as intentional as I could have been, especially when it came to managing my finances.

In 2021, I made the decision to move back in with my mom after she purchased her new home. This wasn’t a hasty retreat; it was a conscious choice to transition from merely coasting through life to actively building something meaningful. Two years ago, I finally decided to take my finances seriously, and last year, I embarked on the slow but rewarding journey of remodeling my room to make it truly feel like my own sanctuary.

The thing about The Oasis pillar of my Radiant 90 journey is that it isn't a finished project. My room is very much a work in progress. My bathroom still needs to be finished, and there are a dozen minor things in the bedroom that I haven't crossed off the list yet.

But I’m learning that the middle is where life actually happens.

Reconnecting with the Coil: Why I’m Taking the "Lazy" Out of My Hair Care

I’ve been natural since 2018. Back then, the transition was a thrill. Even though it was a steep learning curve, I loved every second of the process. I loved watching my Type 4 hair grow, seeing how the textures changed, and figuring out what my curls actually needed.

But a funny thing happens when you finally get the length and thickness you were dreaming of. You start to underappreciate it.

I realized I was just expecting my hair to stay healthy without actually putting in the work. Last year, I spent almost the entire year in protective styles. I told myself I was "protecting" my hair or "optimizing growth," but if I’m being honest, I was just being lazy. A protective style stops being protective the moment you stop caring for the hair underneath it. I was hiding my curls because I didn't want to deal with the time they required.

This year, I realized I actually missed my hair. I missed the texture, the ritual, and the feeling of my own curls. And that's why I’m recommitting to giving my curls the love and attention they deserve.

The Ego of Starting Over: Why I’m Back at Square One

If you looked at my race medals from the last two years, you’d see a successful running journey. I kicked off 2023 with my very first 5K, and by 2024, I had confidently progressed to a half marathon. Last December, I reached a significant milestone by crossing the finish line of a full marathon. On the surface, it looked like I was hitting all the benchmarks a runner is expected to achieve.

But here’s the thing: there’s a difference between merely finishing a race and truly training for one.

Why I’m Choosing Radiance: My 90-Day Journey to Connection and Strength

January is often seen as the month for dreaming. It’s that quiet time where we recover from the holiday whirlwind, jot down half-hearted resolutions in shiny new notebooks, and envision an ideal version of ourselves that feels just beyond our grasp. But if January is for dreaming, February is for doing.

This week, I am drawing a line in the sand. I am embarking on a personal 90-day challenge I’m calling The Radiant 90.

For too long, I’ve felt a subtle but persistent void in my life—a gap where community and true connection should be. It’s easy to fill that void with distractions: endless scrolling, busywork, or just the noise of daily life. But ignoring it hasn't made it go away. This challenge isn't just another fitness reboot or a hair growth journey, though those are parts of it. At its core, this is about mending that gap. It is about showing up for myself, and by extension, showing up for others, in a way I never have before.

I am choosing "Radiance" because radiance isn’t surface-level. It’s energy. It’s the heat you generate when your internal world is aligned with your external actions. Over the next three months, I am committing to building that heat, day by day, habit by habit.

Tuesdays With Kerin: Last Quarter of 2024

Hey there! Welcome back to another Tuesday update. I want to take a moment to apologize for missing last week's post, but I'm back now and ready to get back on my regular schedule. Thanks for your understanding, and let’s dive into what’s been happening!

Tuesdays with Kerin: Halfway to 13.1

Can you believe it's been 3 weeks since I last posted? Honestly, I'm not quite sure what happened. I was trying out this new biweekly posting schedule, but I guess I just lost track of time. I could say I've been busy and had a lot going on, but to be real, that’s not entirely the case—I definitely could have squeaked in a post or two. Anyway, I have a bit of an update for you all, but I don't want this to turn into a super long post, so let’s just get to it!

Alright, folks, let me catch you up on my half-marathon journey! Last time we chatted, I had just wrapped up week 4 of my training, and now, drumroll please… I've officially completed week 7! That's right, I'm halfway through my half-marathon training, which means I'm on the path to conquering those 13.1 miles! Can you believe it?

Tuesdays with Kerin: The Very Best Half

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Did you miss me? I'm trying out this biweekly posting thing, and I have to say, the past weeks have been semi-eventful. They've been filled with fun, food, and of course, running! Can you believe I'm already on my 5th week of half-marathon training? It's wild to think that I'll be running my first half-marathon in less than 10 weeks! That's crazy!

Week 3 of my half-marathon training was both challenging and exciting! I tackled hill reps for the first time at Miller Hill in Herman Park, although I could only manage 30-second reps. As I progress, those reps will need to get longer, so I’m definitely on the lookout for a bigger hill – maybe signing up for a hilly half-marathon wasn’t the smartest move considering I live in such a flat area, right? To cap off the week, I completed a 5-mile long run, marking the longest distance I've ever run. From here on out, every distance will be a personal record!  It was tough, but I powered through and was able to use my long run to complete my Independence Day 8K Virtual race to make up for the one I missed in June due to my knee injury (An 8K is just under 5 miles).

Finding My Fit: How I Train and Thrive with PCOS

So, I recently got the news that I have PCOS, a hormonal condition that can throw a wrench in things like my cycle, weight, and insulin levels. Honestly, it felt like a lot to unpack, but I knew I had to pivot and make some changes. One major takeaway? Exercise can really give my body a boost! So, I took a good hard look at my training routine and decided to spice it up to align better with my health goals. As I explored this fitness journey alongside PCOS, I realized the magic of striking a balance between pushing my limits and letting my body recharge. It's been quite the revelation, and I'm super excited to share my insights with you. Let’s jump into how I customized my training to thrive with PCOS!

Tuesdays with Kerin: New Shoes, New Dos.

So, here I am, back with another Tuesday update—and on an actual Tuesday, no less! I’ve been a bit unsure about posting this week since I didn’t receive any feedback on the potential switch to a biweekly schedule. Additionally, I’m curious about what you all think regarding bringing the newsletter back. I’m not entirely sure how most of you are keeping up with my blog posts, so I’d love to hear how you’d prefer to be informed about new content. Your thoughts would be super helpful!

Why I Choose Running: My Go-To for Self-Care and Serenity

In a world brimming with chaos and demands, carving out moments of peace and rejuvenation is nothing short of essential. For me, running has evolved into more than just a physical activity; it's my sanctuary for nourishing my mind, body, and soul. Let’s dive into why running has become my ultimate self-care ritual and a source of profound serenity. Lace up those shoes and join me as we explore the transformative magic of this simple yet profound practice.

Tuesdays with Kerin: Half Marathon Hopes and Weekend Escapades

I know I missed last week's post, but I'm back now and ready to share two weeks' worth of updates. I've been thinking about switching my Tuesday updates to a biweekly schedule since I don't always have a lot happening each week. I want to keep my posts interesting for you all, and I realize you might get tired of hearing that I've just been running and going to work, but honestly, that's pretty much my routine every week!

Speaking of running, I wrapped up my post-injury recovery plan the week before last, and I’m happy to report that my knee is feeling good! Last week, I officially kicked off my half-marathon training—yup, you read that right! I’m running a half-marathon despite having only started running less than a year ago; I know, crazy, right?

Tuesdays with Kerin: Miles & Smiles

Welcome back to another Tuesday update... on Wednesday! I know I'm a day late, but I'm here. I did manage to publish two blog posts last week though, so yay for small victories! If you haven't already, make sure to check out my birthday post. Moving forward, I'm aiming to increase my posting frequency to twice a week. I'm considering Tuesday and Friday as potential posting days, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Additionally, I'm contemplating bringing back my newsletter. While I'm unsure about its content since I already provide weekly updates here, I recognize that not everyone follows me on social media and may miss out on new posts. Let me know your thoughts on the newsletter dilemma!

Last week marked my return to running after a necessary break due to a knee injury. Taking it cautiously, my running program has been progressing at a slow and steady pace. The longest distance I covered last week was 2 miles, a far cry from my previous capabilities. While I acknowledge the need for patience, my main goal is to regain my running form. Despite my pace being significantly slower than before, I remain optimistic that my speed will gradually return. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of my post-injury plan so I can embark on training for a half-marathon.

Turning 30: Champagne, Cake, and a Whole Lotta Fun!

As my 30th birthday approached, I found myself at a loss for how to celebrate this significant milestone. Usually brimming with ideas and excitement for birthday festivities, this time, the inspiration seemed to elude me. With the weight of the big 3-0 on the horizon, I knew I couldn't let this momentous occasion pass by without proper acknowledgment. Typically one to organize special activities or events for my birthdays, I had procrastinated too long to organize a trip or any elaborate plans. The question remained: what should I do?

Having just orchestrated a successful surprise celebration for my mother, whose birthday falls two weeks before mine, I found myself desiring a lowkey birthday affair where I could simply unwind and relish time with my family. Being the usual planner for events, I decided I didn't want to take on the responsibility of orchestrating my own celebration this time. In a light-hearted moment, I jokingly asked my mother what she had in store for my birthday, to which she cryptically replied that she was planning something. I didn't truly expect her to plan anything elaborate, especially when I lacked the energy to do so myself.

As the week of my birthday arrived, I decided I wanted to do something special, something I had never experienced before – Afternoon Tea or High Tea. Pairing this with a weekend stay at a luxurious hotel sounded like the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication. I delved into researching various places that offered Afternoon Tea. Determined to combine both desires, I set out to find a hotel and tea spot in close proximity. After thorough investigation, the Lancaster Hotel emerged as the ideal choice to fulfill my birthday dreams.

Tuesdays with Kerin: Along Came Beryl

Last week was all about Hurricane Beryl. The storm made its grand entrance on Monday morning, crashing in and disrupting our peaceful existence by knocking out the power at the cruel hour of 5:30 am. As fate would have it, I was wide awake to witness this chaotic event. The rest of Monday was a tedious affair, mostly spent lazing around, trying to keep boredom at bay while waiting for the power to mercifully return.

On Tuesday, the unbearable heat drove me to seek refuge in the office, where a generator powered one floor, providing a temporary sanctuary to cool off and recharge our devices. Despite not being productive in terms of work, those few hours of cool comfort were a welcome relief. Returning home, the heat was still unbearable, and within just half an hour, I found myself on the move again. Opting to visit the Star Cinema Grill, my brother and I watched Despicable Me 4, a movie I wasn't particularly keen on but served as a means to escape the heat for a couple of hours, even if the film turned out to be terribly ridiculous. Fortunately, upon arriving back home, the power had been restored, marking the end of our temporary ordeal.

Throughout the rest of the week, I worked from home as I was fortunate to have both power and internet connectivity. The new challenge I faced was sourcing food amidst the chaos. It became a task to locate a restaurant that was open or a store that actually had stocked shelves. Despite the hurdles, we managed to overcome the situation and ensure we had enough food supplies to get by.

June Journey: A Peek Into My Absence

My apologies for the radio silence over the past month. I really have no excuse, except that ‘life happens’. I think I needed to take a break, but June was an exciting month filled with memorable experiences.

Kicking off the month, I had an absolute blast at Fan Expo Dallas with my mom and brother, diving headfirst into all things fandom. It was a geek's paradise, and we soaked up every moment. David Tennant was the biggest name that came, so there was a lot of Doctor Who-related excitement, which was just fantastic. There were over 60,000 people there over the course of the weekend, and if you know me, you know I don’t like crowds. I plan on doing an entire post about navigating anxiety in a crowd like that, so stay tuned.

Tuesdays with Kerin: Rest & Recovery

Hey there, remember me? I'm finally back in action after a brief hiatus. Apologies for leaving you hanging last time - I know I probably caused a bit of a stir among my loyal readers. But fear not, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, just needed a little breather.

Apologies for the lack of an update last week, as there wasn't much to report. I was absent from work for the entire week before last due to being unwell, which led me to attend two doctor's appointments. Although feeling sick is never enjoyable, I am grateful for the time off and the medical consultations as they provided clarity on the issues bothering me.  Stay tuned for an upcoming post diving into my recent diagnosis of PCOS and how I plan to tackle it head-on.

During my recovery period, I hit pause on my usual training routine, but I'm thrilled to announce that I've officially kicked off my 10K training plan again. It feels great to be back on the grind, striving towards my fitness aspirations.

Tuesdays with Kerin: A Rollercoaster Week of Work, Play, and NBA!

On Monday, I had the office all to myself as the sole member from my team present, creating a peaceful and productive atmosphere that allowed me to accomplish a lot of work. To kick off the week on a strong note, I embarked on a 3K Tempo Run, sporting my vibrant new yellow highlighter set from Hey Girl Run. Additionally, I was finally early enough to order one of the mystery Monday sets from Hey Girl Run, which arrived on Saturday. Anticipating a top and bottom duo, I was delighted to find that the package actually contained 2 tops and 2 shorts, resulting in a double dose of excitement and satisfaction. A definite win for the start of the week!

Tuesdays with Kerin: Sluggish Muse & Lazy Shoes

Last week was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, as I grappled with a persistent lack of motivation in both my creative pursuits and my training sessions. Despite the inner struggles, I managed to push through and churn out three blog posts - one for a Tuesday update and two reviews for Kerin's Kritiques. While these posts didn't demand a huge burst of creativity, I was proud of my consistency.

On the fitness front, I powered through three challenging runs and conquered both strength training sessions, refusing to let my wavering motivation dictate my progress. It was a mental battle as much as a physical one, but I embraced the challenge head-on.