Author: rhaelynnzito
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10 Things people said to me that stuck (part 2)
“I can do anything with 80s techno-pop and the Lord” “Put all your eggs in one basket and watch that basket really fucking closely” “Your value doesn’t change based on someone’s inability to see your worth” “I may feel lost at sea but at least I’m not drowning” “If your dreams don’t scare you…
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Love is Blind- or is it?
After a few glasses of wine and a couple of episodes of a certain Netflix show, writing becomes easier. My thoughts flow freely, and my mind feels wide open. Love is Blind, for those who aren’t familiar, is a reality TV show about couples who fall in love sight unseen. The show’s quick pace—couples get…
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Hot Mess Express
Feeling lost in your twenties? You’re not alone. As I approach 25, I’m realizing that life looks nothing like I imagined at 18. Between career uncertainty, comparison traps, and the pressure to “have it all figured out,” this decade feels like a rollercoaster. In this raw and honest post, I unpack the struggles of being…
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Dear Future Kids
Excerpt: We’ve all admired the couple who has been together since their teenage years—sharing inside jokes, reading each other’s minds, and humbly bragging about their decades of love. But for most of us, that fairy tale isn’t our story. And that’s okay. Our journey is filled with heartbreaks, solo milestones, and hard-earned lessons, making the…
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Imagination Station
As a child, I found magic in the most unlikely places—like the stale, spider-filled closet in my basement. My vivid imagination transformed it into a gateway to a hidden paradise. As an adult, my imagination has expanded, both guiding me to joy and sometimes pulling me into spirals of overwhelming thoughts. Yet, just as imagination…
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The Anger Iceburg
Therapy often introduces creative names for complex emotional experiences. One concept I’m exploring is the “anger iceberg”—a metaphor that makes perfect sense after realizing that anger is easier to embrace than sadness. Anger feels fast, vivid, and productive, while sadness is heavy, slow, and excruciating. Navigating these opposing emotions can feel like an emotional workout,…
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The Mashed Potatoes That Transcended Generational Curses
Generational curses might be real, but so are generational blessings. My family’s history is marked by divisions among the women, but one thing made it through unbroken: Grandma’s potatoes. As I peeled, shredded, and baked, I reflected on the invisible threads connecting generations past. If these potatoes could make it through, maybe there’s hope for…
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My Unexpected Happy Place
Gaudy neon lights, crashing waves, and the buzz of slot machines — this chaotic town should be overwhelming, but it’s oddly soothing. From glitter-covered fashion shows packed in my suitcase to the house sangria I’ll savor later, I’ve found peace in the overstimulation. This beautiful mess? It’s my happy place.
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Mistakes I’ve made—and didn’t make—so far in young adulthood.
Navigating adulthood means learning from mistakes and celebrating wins. From relationship blunders to financial wisdom, here’s a personal look at lessons learned and milestones achieved. Mistake #1: Allowing relationships that lacked direction to shape my decisions. Settling or making life-altering decisions to accommodate others rarely works out. Win #1: Leaving my hometown. Stepping into a…
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When Your All Doesn’t Feel Like Enough
Feeling like your best effort isn’t enough? Here’s a reflection on hustle culture, the Thanksgiving mindset shift, and the power of gratitude for personal growth. “When your all doesn’t feel like enough, the answer is not to give more. The answer is to be still.” “As we progress through life, there will always be those…
Now What? 