Sometimes, we get so caught up in the hustle of everyday life that we forget to take a moment for ourselves. Recently, I decided to press pause, step outside, and give myself the gift of a short break. I’d recently picked up a new telescope and the skies were too clear to resist. The moment I set it up, the view was nothing short of magical. Stars, planets, and constellations that once seemed distant and unreachable were now right before me, just a lens away.

While I marveled at the vastness of the universe, I couldn’t help but notice the little things around me. The plants in my garden, which I’d been tending to with care, were thriving. Leaves were unfurling, stems growing taller, and flowers blooming with quiet perseverance. It’s easy to forget how much progress happens quietly, both in the cosmos above and in our own small corners of the world.

Taking a break—whether to explore the stars or to simply watch a plant grow—reminds me that sometimes, growth happens when we let go, breathe deeply, and give ourselves the space to notice the beauty around us. So, here’s to a short pause in the day, a little stargazing, and the quiet, relentless growth happening all around us.