2. Take a moment to describe a specific natural setting or moment in nature that deeply moved me this summer. How did it make me feel, and what lessons can I carry forward from this experience?

3. What were the biggest challenges I faced this summer, and how did I overcome them? In what ways did these challenges contribute to my personal growth and resilience?

4. Reflect on the meaningful connections I made with family and friends this summer. How did these relationships enrich my life, and what can I do to nurture these bonds moving forward?

5. What new hobbies, interests, or skills did I explore or develop this summer? How did these discoveries contribute to my sense of self and personal fulfillment?

6. Describe a moment of rest and rejuvenation that stands out from this summer. How did I prioritize self-care, and what practices can I continue to incorporate into my daily routine?

7. Did I take any risks or seize opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone this summer? How did these experiences shape my perspective on courage and personal growth?

8. If I traveled this summer, what were the most memorable moments or encounters from my journeys? How did these experiences broaden my understanding of different cultures and perspectives?

9. Reflect on a moment when I positively impacted someone else’s life this summer. How did this experience affect me, and how can I continue to make a difference in the lives of others?

10. As I transition into a new season, what aspirations, goals, or dreams am I carrying forward? How can I maintain the momentum of growth and exploration that summer has inspired in me?

Take these questions as an invitation to reflect deeply on your summer experiences, allowing them to guide your introspection and inspire growth as you move into the next season of life’s journey. Reflect on them introspectively or take them as journal prompts, whichever helps you most.

“It is essential to understand that the loss of ambition is a natural part of the journey. Rather than viewing it as a setback, we see it as an opportunity for redirection and growth.”

When I first began our advice column a few years ago, I received heartwarming messages that emphasized the importance of communication, clarity, and being a helping hand when people need support. However, in 2021, as I faced personal challenges, including temporary homelessness due to a house fire shortly before preparing for college, Living By Bella began to drift away from its original purpose. It became overly focused on monetization, and I lost sight of why I started this venture in the first place – to empower young women like myself, fostering their mental health, wellness, and personal growth through shared knowledge and inspiration.

Sadly, my ambition waned. The daily motivation and excitement that once fueled me became more dream-like, like a faint idea that I could reach out to but couldn’t touch. For months, I struggled with writer’s block until a heartbreak pushed me to pour my emotions onto paper, yet even then, something felt wrong. So, I made the decision to take a hiatus, giving myself time to reflect and informing my supporters of this temporary pause. So Today, I share with you the new and revitalized Living By Bella – a free newsletter and magazine that extends beyond its traditional boundaries. Our aim remains to provide unwavering support, inspiration, and tools for young women to nurture their mental well-being, develop their own unique ideas, and shape their personal philosophies. It is essential to understand that the loss of ambition is a natural part of the journey. Rather than viewing it as a setback, we see it as an opportunity for redirection and growth. So, welcome to the refreshed Living By Bella, where our newsletter and magazine will serve as a cornerstone of empowerment. However, there’s much more to come, and we can’t wait to share it with you in the near future.