Marie McKoy

Howdy, stranger!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the blog (months, really), and I don’t have a good excuse. In April 2025, I finished writing my second teen fiction novel, WHEN WE WERE WILDFLOWERS, which was recently named a “Favorite” by the Wattpad Ambassadors’ 2025 Amby Awards. Thank you to the volunteer judges for seeing something special in this story that celebrates friendship, becoming, and the beautiful chaos of girlhood. And, thank you to every reader who has walked through the wild with these characters. 🌸

This story is deeply personal, a love letter to my younger self, full of misadventures, moonlit promises, and the untamed strength of the feminine spirit. At its core, it’s about two best friends who create a bucket list of must-do teenage milestones (first date, first kiss, prom, driving lessons, etc.) before one of them has to move away… and everything that blooms, breaks, and transforms along the way.

Read more about my inspiration here.

Top 5 Favorite Things

In honor of my book being named a Wattpad FAVORITE, I thought it would be a good time to share a list of my favorite things. The announcement came to lift my spirits at a difficult time in life. This fall, I lost a parent, and my firstborn went away to college—two major plot points I wasn’t expecting to deal with at once. Throw in a bunch of gut-punching news headlines that break this mama’s heart daily, as well as the ups and downs of regular life, and I guess you can say I needed some happy news.

When joy is fleeting, and reality drags me down, I like to take some time out for rest, relaxation, and simple pleasures. In no random order, here are five simple ways I soothe my weary soul. Maybe these are some of your favorite ways to unwind and process big emotions, too? If not, let me know in the comments below what helps reset your nervous system.

1. Regency Romance

There’s a reason why the Bridgerton TV series is No. 1 on Netflix right now. People love period pieces—especially with chamber music renditions of pop songs like “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift *swoon*, and plenty of spice. It’s a recipe for success! I binged Season 4 (and consumed seasons 2 and 3 leftovers) without guilt. The characters, costumes, and storylines bring me such pleasure and satisfaction. Are you a fan?

For a more family-friendly option, I watched the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice with my teen daughter. We loved Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s slow-burn romance so much, we dug up the 1990s miniseries by the same name, starring the always-charming Colin Firth. It’s no surprise he’s also the main love interest in the movie Bridget Jones’ Diary, which is a loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Don’t believe me? Google it and add it to your movie night list.

2. Bedtime

Do I even need to explain this one? Being a midlife mom in the tumultuous hellscape that is presently American society is emotionally draining. I need a safe place to shut out the world and escape. Lights out by 10PM is a must! Prioritizing sleep and winding down the hour before bed with a hot shower, no electronics (or blue-light blocking glasses), a book or journal, and meditative music is the way to go. Fuzzy socks are a bonus!

But then there are the nights when my teenager wants to watch a movie or needs help with a late-night study session. I drag my sleepy self to bed, feeling so grateful when my head hits the pillow, but when the alarm goes off the next morning, I instantly regret my decision to be a night owl. I think my body is still recovering from all those sleepless nights with babies and toddlers. I have a lot of kids, which adds up to years of missed shut-eye.

Optimizing sleep is so essential when times are tough because it literally replenishes you, allowing healing and relaxation to happen naturally. I sleep better with my grounding bedsheet (no affiliate links, here, just a personal recommendation). It is stitched with energy-conducting silver fibers and plugs into the ground port of my home’s electrical outlet. I like to think it’s transferring the Earth’s calming energy to me, helping soothe my body’s spazzed-out, overloaded circuitry. There are many studies on the benefits of this, so don’t come for me.

3. Exercise

I may look like I gave up on life, but I work out every single day. Whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a full-fledged cardio and weight-lifting session, I love being active in the morning. Keeping my body active, fueled up, and strong gives me energy and confidence. Despite being stretched in all directions by multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding, I stay active for my mental health (and bone density).

What do you do for exercise these days? A simple walk can lower blood sugar and cortisol, while also boosting focus and mood, especially after meals. As you probably know, exercise releases pleasurable endorphins, something we can all use more of right now. Plus, there are the calming and meditative benefits of rhythmic breathing.

If you take your exercise outdoors for a walk, run, or hike, you get the benefit of sunshine and nature, too. Being in the presence of birds, blue sky, bodies of water, and trees is just good for the soul. Yes, I am that crazy neighbor lady who is often seen laying my hands on the bark of a giant sycamore tree and stopping at the bridge to gaze into the creek… go about your business, nothing to see here.

4. Retail Therapy

This is a bit controversial because spending too much money is not only a bad habit, but can be a major red flag for someone lacking self-control. However, the occasional trip to Marshalls or Home Goods really rings my bell. Scoring great deals on stuff I need and use anyway justifies any misgivings I have about wasting a few hours’ pay. I think it satisfies that primitive hunter-gather part of the human brain that used to be essential for foraging the woods for berries and mushrooms. Now, I gather scented candles, a new throw pillow, and comfy, but stylish, shoes in my cart to scratch that itch.

Throw in an overpriced coffee from the local Starbucks drive-through or lunch at Chipotle, and you have one delightful Saturday afternoon. My daughters get in on this, too, and it becomes a female bonding experience. I like to think I am a wise woman passing down my shopping savvy to younger generations, so there’s no need to deny myself this simple splurge.

5. Pets and Plants

I know what you’re thinking… that’s two things. But it really comes down to one principle: having something to dote on. Kids are amazing, but they require a lot more work than a potted plant on the windowsill or furry friend in your lap. Plus, kids talk back, make constant messes, and criticize your outfits. My dog has never once sassed me, asked me to wipe her butt, or asked, “Is that what you’re wearing?”

Pets ooze unconditional love and acceptance, and, while not entirely low-maintenance, taking care of them has its rewards. Their excitement when you walk in the door is priceless. Snuggling with my dog after a tough day is its own form of therapy. I can tell her my problems, and she stares up at me adoringly, begging for more belly rubs.

Plants are equally rewarding… if you can keep them alive. This takes dedication and a little know-how, but I get so much satisfaction seeing the indoor cyclamen plant my mom gave me six years ago bloom in the midst of winter, or my tulips burst through the soil in spring. I once read that scientists discovered house plants respond energetically when their caretaker walks into the room. They literally sense our presence in very subtle ways and give us a health boost, creating a symbiotic relationship. Many varieties of house plants purify the air and create a healthier indoor environment. Sign me up!

The verdict?

So while I’m sitting here thinking this is a fabulous list, you may be rolling your eyes because I am a boring, stereotypical, suburban mom. I think we’re both right… and that’s okay. I also have many more favorite things (i.e. music, books, poetry, dancing, yoga, travel, woo-woo stuff like astrology and crystals, chocolate, stargazing. etc.), which hopefully makes me a bit more well-rounded. But, ultimately, I don’t really care. I hope you have your own list of favorite things to turn to when life takes a few twists and turns. That’s what really matters!

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you!

-Marie