We made it through.

If January and February were a marathon of travel and transition, March was my “hard reset.” As I mentioned in my mapping out travel post, I explicitly designate a few months a year as “no travel” months. No airports, no packing cubes, no hotel breakfast. March was that month and we needed it. We’re currently in Paris for spring break as I write this, and looking at our calendar—May travel, June work trips, and a non-stop summer—taking those four weeks to just be in New York was the best decision I’ve made all year.

March was about going back to basics: playdates, finishing those Q1 goals I’d been side-eyeing since January, and finally picking up my knitting again. There’s something about the meditative and repetitive nature of knitting that clears my head of work stress instantly—I’m officially obsessed…again. We spent a lot of time as a family whether that was going to my daughter’s soccer practices as a family, exploring NYC, or hanging with family friends. After finding a new babysitter, I even scheduled a date day with my husband where I took him to go to see Mexodus (a fabulous show about slaves who escaped to Mexico during slavery) and the Affordable Art Fair.

Here’s what’s been keeping me sane, inspired, and stylish lately.

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What I Saw: The Production That Ruined Other Ballets for Me

If you think the ballet is just tutus and Tchaikovsky, the Romeo and Juliet Suite by Benjamin Millepied (Natalie Portman’s ex-husband from Black Swan) at the Park Avenue Armory would like a word.

“Dazzling” is an understatement. It was a gender-neutral take that used the entire space of the Armory in a way that felt cinematic. The music was remixed, the dancers were athletes of the highest order, and the artistry was transcendent. The show has been on tour for the past few years—keep an eye out for tickets in your city. Even if you “aren’t a ballet person,” trust me, you will enjoy this show. I’m still thinking about it a month later.

What I am Working On: Knitting as Meditation

I’m knitting again! I dug out some gorgeous yarn I bought two years ago (yes, I’m a yarn hoarder, let’s move on), my knitting needles, and finally cast on a sweater for myself. Usually, I only knit for the kids because their projects finish faster, but a friend’s multi-colored sweater gave me major FOMO. I’ve been thinking about it for a year and decided it was time.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy knitting. It’s been incredibly meditative and I love sitting down with it while while we wind down with a show in the evening. There is something so satisfying about seeing physical progress in a world of digital “deliverables.”

The Hiccup: I underestimated the yardage. Adults are... larger than toddlers. Go figure. I needed six skeins and only had two. Luckily, I reached out to the independent dyer, and she’s dyeing a custom batch for me.

Pro Tip: This is why we shop small and local. That level of customer service doesn’t happen at big-box craft stores.

What I Bought: A “Joyful” Shoe

I’m leaning back into color and print. When I first became a mom, I fell into the “Neutral Capsule Wardrobe” trap. It was efficient, sure, and I found these Athleta pants that are possibly the best pair of pants, but now my clothes feel a little one note. Now that I’ve got my systems down and a bit more of my time back, I’m dressing for joy. Hence, the sweater I’m knitting.

Enter: the Adidas Sambas. I know, I’m late to the party, but they genuinely bring me so much happiness. They’re the perfect “cool mom in the city” shoe—functional for chasing a toddler through Central Park but sharp enough for a casual meeting.

Looking Ahead to Doubling Down in Q2

As March wrapped, I found myself looking at my Q1 goals with a fresh set of eyes. We finalized our oldest daughter’s schooling situation (IYKYK) and locked in our summer travel schedule. March wasn’t flashy, but it gave me time to work on some of my Q1 goals. I will go through those in a future post, but let’s just say… I’m proud of my execution even if I’m a bit behind.

How was your March? Was it a “sprint” month or a “reset” month for you?

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As we pivot into March—my “No-Travel Month”—I’m finally catching my breath. Here is a look at the chaos and the three things that kept me grounded.

The Birthday Gauntlet

February is “Birthday Season” in my house (we are a house divided: 2 Aquariuses and 2 Leos). First up was my husband. We rented a private karaoke room, invited his inner circle, and sang our hearts out while one of the coldest cold snaps in recent memory settled over the city. Tip: Write a list of go-to karaoke songs in your notes app. Our leadership team went to karaoke once a quarter so I started tracking the songs that get everybody moving.

The very next morning—hungover and wondering why I ever thought “Don’t Stop Believin’” was a good idea at 1:00 AM—I took my daughter to see a live production of Gabby’s Dollhouse. If you have never watched a psychedelic, high-decibel children’s show while nursing a karaoke-induced headache, count your blessings. It is a specialized form of torture that requires a very specific kind of maternal fortitude.

Then, my mom arrived, and we transitioned straight into my daughter’s fifth birthday, KPop Demon Hunters Themed (link). We hosted it at Space Club, which is arguably one of the coolest kids’ spots in NYC. If you’re a fan of the Australian artist CJ Hendry (the genius behind the viral flower markets at the Navy Yard and Rockefeller Center), you know the vibe: aesthetic, and slightly whimsical. I’m such a fan that I actually have her Jenny’s Ice Cream collaboration tucked away in my parents’ freezer like a holy relic. Tip: A Rumi braid is not that difficult to recreate. Use this hair and this tutorial for a hairstyle attendees will be very impressed by.

The Strategy: How did I survive two major events over two weeks on the back of flight delays followed by a trip to Mardi Gras? I booked them 2-3 months ago. I found locations, created invites on partiful, and ordered supplies in early December. In my world, planning isn’t just about being organized; it’s a form of self-care. By the time party week arrived, the invitations were long gone, the venues were secured, and all I had to do was buy snacks, pick up the cakes, and show up. As for our Mardi Gras trip, I don’t claim to do it all. My husband was the lead organizer and planner.

Three Things

One to Read: The Long Game by Rachel Reid

I will note that Heated Rivalry was one of my three things last month. But… I’m still locked in. Lately, the New York Public Library has been my best friend. I’ve been tearing through Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry series. I just finished The Long Game, and it’s stayed with me.

I’m typically a plot-driven reader—I want to know what happens next, not necessarily how the character feels about it. But Reid’s character development of Ilya and Shane forced me to slow down. It’s a masterful look at the juxtaposition of success: What does it mean to make sacrifices for the person you love? Can you truly have everything and nothing at the same time? It’s a heavy question for a “sports romance,” but it hit home. I’ve already pre-ordered the next installment, Unrivaled, which drops June 1st.

One to Think About: Is Love Blind, or is the Economy Just Broken?

Yes, I binged Love is Blind: Ohio. And yes, every time I watch, I ask my husband if we would have found each other in “the pods” (he usually gives me a look that suggests he’s glad we met the old-fashioned way, OKCupid).

But what’s more interesting than the “I do’s” is the discourse surrounding it. As someone who has lived in Chicago and Dallas, I can confirm: the casting department nailed the regional archetypes. But the real tea is in the financial commentary. I love Your Rich BFF’s take on how this season parallels the broader economy. From the “Bitcoin Bros” to the men who think day trading is a personality trait, it begs the question: Are the men okay? The show has become a fascinating look at modern masculinity and financial anxiety. I’m less interested in the weddings and more interested in the Substack thought pieces analyzing why these men are the way they are.

One to Buy: The Great Fitbit Homecoming

A few years ago, I fell for the Apple Watch hype. I thought I needed a mini-computer on my wrist. I was wrong.

I hated it. I don’t want my wrist buzzing with emails; I want to know if I’m actually hitting REM sleep and if I’ve walked enough blocks to justify that Magnolia Bakery cake. I’ve officially moved back to Fitbit, specifically the Fitbit Inspire 3. To make it “NYC-chic,” I swapped the rubber strap for a gold link bracelet band so it blends into my daily jewelry stack. It feels good to be back in a routine that prioritizes my physiological data over my digital notifications.

Looking Toward the Light

Usually, this time of year, we’d be heading to Playa Del Carmen to escape the “grey” of New York and live a slow, sun-drenched life for a few weeks. We didn’t do that this year, and I’m feeling the lack of Vitamin D in my bones.

But as the first days of Spring approach, I’m finding peace in the “No-Travel” mandate I’ve set for myself. I’m ready to stop snowballing and start walking. I’m basking in routine, NYC spring, and the sun staying up past 7pm.

Love & Light,

Imah

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How far do you plan out to keep your peace of mind? Any rules or tips for birthday party planning?

For the first time in weeks, I was able to slow down. I was able to facetime with my mom for a few hours. I worked on my admin list. I had multiple full uninterrupted workout. I also thought about what I still want to accomplish this quarter, how I’m tracking towards my goals, and what I want to double down on. I don’t know if a “once in a lifetime” snow storm will happen anytime soon (probably… climate change), so I need to remember to slow down, take a breath and create my very own snow days.

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One to Watch: Heated Rivalry

I’ve watched this twice now. I tried to watch it at home the first time but quickly realized it was... let’s just say, not family-friendly. I needed to wait until I could give it my undivided attention.

If you haven’t seen it, it’s really good. It follows two hockey rivals who are secretly in love, spanning a decade of their lives. It is tender, it is heartbreaking, and yes, I cried. The music is incredible, and the chemistry is electric. It’s the perfect “rot on the couch while it snows” content for when you need to feel something other than “professional.” Watch the club scene at the end of episode 4 and come talk to me.

One to Buy: The Travel-Ready Mini Mahjong Set

Over the last few months, I’ve been taking Mahjong lessons, and I’m officially hooked. For Christmas, my mom got me this mini Mahjong set from Amazon, and it has been a game-changer for my travel bag.

My full-sized set is heavy and takes up so much space on my dining table that if I leave it out, I feel guilty, but if I put it away, I never practice. This mini version is lightweight and perfect for a quick game in a hotel lobby or on a flight. If you find yourself on a girls trip anytime soon, I highly recommend stashing it in your carry-on.

One to Think About: Data by Mathew Libby (Lucille Lortel Theatre)

Earlier this month, I went to see the play Data at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in the West Village. As someone who works in tech (and is married to someone in tech), the show hit incredibly close to home.

It follows a young man who joins a tech company and finds himself doing the very things he promised he wouldn’t—all in the name of the “survival”. In a capitalist state, we are forced to sit with the tension of making money to pay our bills and the impact we have on society. And that’s not just from the tech perspective. This sentiment can be attributed to all industries and all work. In any case, if you are into theatre that forces you to think about society and morality, this is the show for you.

How do you slow down? Routines, boundaries, non-negotiables. Drop a comment below!

Stay warm,

Imah

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Happy New Year! We’ve officially hit the “New Year, New Me” phase of the calendar. If you’re like me—living in the NYC hustle, balancing a corporate career, and managing the beautiful chaos of motherhood—you’ve likely been bombarded with messages about “crushing” your 2026 goals.

But here’s the thing that always bothers me as someone who works in strategy and planning: We rarely actually look at what happened. We rush into January 1st with a laundry list of resolutions, but we forget to ask the most important strategic questions:

• What were our goals?

• Did we meet them?

• What should we actually keep doing

• What needs to change?

Trust me, I have ambitious goals for 2026. But I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t accomplish everything on day one. 2024 & 2025 were both “foundational” years but now I’m back in the game. To not be overwhelmed on day 1, I’m focusing on Quarters to move more intentionally.

Q4 2025: The Audit

Before we look forward, we have to look back. I’ve started a journaling practice where every week I ask myself: What went well? What did not go well? What did I do that I did not want to do? What didn’t I do that I wanted to do? When I apply this framework to Q4 2025, a lot actually went right.

The Wins:

• The Hobby Renaissance: After starting tennis lessons in the summer, I actually kept up with it. I found lessons nearby and got a seasonal tennis permit. I’m no Naomi Oska, but I’m definitely “not bad”. I also joined the Mahjong train and learned to play with a few friends on the UWS. It’s been nice to take on more community and “outside” hobbies and help me meet new people!

• The Travel Marathon: From a gorgeous wedding in Austin to visiting family in West Palm, Dallas, and Mexico City, we were on the move, a lot. It took me a while to get back into the travel groove after becoming a mom, but it felt good to be out in the world again. Travel is something I value deeply so getting back into the swing of things was wonderful.

• Graduating Therapy: This was a big one. This is a different letter, but I restarted therapy a year ago because I wanted to investigate why I was having difficulty embracing my “motherhood” identity. When my therapist suggested “terminating” our sessions in December, I panicked. But then I realized: I’ve done the work and I have the tools. I have faith in myself. I’m giving myself a year to see how I do and then I’ll re-evaluate.

• Work Work Work: Q1 2025 I was searching and interviewing for new internal roles. I needed a change and a growth opportunity. I’m now six months into my role and finally feel “onboarded.” I also went from a team of three to a team of six. That “hiring relief” is real. I’m no longer drowning; I’m actually leading.

The Reality Check: When “Busy” Isn’t “Productive”

Strategy requires honesty, and the truth is, Q4 wasn’t all clear skies and Aces.

We traveled a lot, but did we actually rest? Aside from Mexico City, the answer is a hard “meh.” Traveling with kids is not restful; you are parenting in a different zip code without your stuff. I’ve tried to embrace it, but I usually need a day of rest after coming back from a vacation with my kids (hack: extend your OOO by one day to give yourself a change to recalibrate while kids are back at school/daycare).

Between learning the ropes of a new role (and onboarding 3 people to the company), the anxiety of the government shutdown, the low-level burnout of the “Mental Load”—finding schools for my daughter, investing time into my marriage, maintaining a social life—I found myself running on fumes.

Moving into Q1 2026: The Pivot

If I looked at 2026 as one big block, I’d be overwhelmed by February. Instead, I’m looking at Q1 as the “Implementation Phase.”

1. Prioritize Health: It’s easy for me to drop my routine when stressed. This means not consistently working out, eating candy & fries instead of whole foods, and drinking as a way to “destress” at the end of the day. This can happen for one day, but it can’t be my normal, otherwise I feel awful. So I’m putting into practice the following: move my body everyday, prioritize sleep, and readjust social activities away from meals and drinking (probably the toughest and easiest thing to do in NYC). I downloaded a habits tracker to keep myself accountable but also reflect on what my blockers are for not accomplishing something.

2. Restart My Substack: My substack is a passion project that I put to the side when I started my new job. But I am recommitting as it’s something I have never done before and requires a different part of my brain.

3. Streamlining work processes: I’m a process/systems person. As James Clear says, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems”. That’s true for your personal life as much as your work life. Now that I have a handle on things I want to establish a few key processes for my team so we can accelerate in the upcoming months.

4. Travel (Continue): My family and I have a few fun trips planned over Q1 but I’m most looking forward to two big trips we have planned this year: a week in Paris and a few weeks in Asia.

We are already two weeks into 2026 and I’m holding to my Q1 goals.

As you look at your own Q4 ‘25, what is one thing that went surprisingly well and one thing you are committing to for Q1 ‘26?

Let’s talk about it below—whether it’s a career win or finally figuring out how to get your toddler to wear mittens.

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