Mid-Year Check In (my 2025 goals update)

I was thinking the other day about how quickly the year is passing and how much change can occur in such a short time.

This time last year, I was neck deep (yes, neck) in summer school work to finish my associate’s degree and working full-time.

This summer, I’m spending time learning more about myself and how to navigate my bipolar diagnosis.

So far, the medication seems to be working, and I’ve been very intentional about getting fresh air, daily journaling, and improving my sleep.

Let’s discuss the goals I set back in January and how things are progressing today.

Goals & Updates

Goal: Money Moves: Pay off over $10k in debt (not including student loans)

Update: Umm, so I’m filing for bankruptcy. My debt since the beginning of the year has ballooned to over $20K on my $53K income. I’m nervous about the possibility of having my wages garnished since defaulting on payments, so I’m hitting the reset button. I talk about it more in this video

My relationship with money is still toxic, but I’ve been working hard through writing, reading, and budgeting to improve it.

I also realize my bipolar disorder plays a crucial role in my “well ima spend it” attitude.

Goal Education: Complete eight classes (I will go all year) toward my degree in English and begin weekly drills for the LSAT.

Update: Nope. I needed a break after burning out so badly last year. I return to school in August and will only take one class (or two at most) at a time for a while.

Goal: Be Intentional: Read instead of scrolling on social media

Update: This has been going very well! I listen to Libby and Audible daily and read so much more than I have in a while. It’s been great learning about finances, social issues, health, etc.

Goal Health: Ditch the Wine

Update: As I type this, I am seven days sober!

Focus for the Rest of the Year

• Intention: Break everything down into micro-steps to get better results. One of the things I discovered this year is that I have to do things a bit differently, being neurodivergent. Instead of thinking I can take on projects and complete the big steps in one day, I have to give myself grace and be willing to break down everything into digestible steps to achieve my goals over time.

• Intention: Continue with my sobriety to improve my health, sleep, clarity, and mood.

• Intention: Collaborate with my editor (just hired one!) to establish a consistent YouTube video schedule. I plan to share plant-based recipes, money-saving tips, and short vlogs.

Talk soon!

Delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Easy Spaghetti Recipe

Whether you're trying to eat less meat (if you are, this is the spot for you) or simply looking for a filling and simple meal idea, this recipe has you covered.

Watch my YouTube video walking through this recipe step by step:

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Ingredients

Mushroom Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems, and gills removed

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 4 tbsp spaghetti sauce

Herb Breadcrumb Topping:

• ½  cup unseasoned breadcrumbs (check ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain dairy)

• 2 tbsp fresh Italian (or regular) parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Spaghetti:

• ½ lb thin spaghetti noodles

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce (divided)

How To

Prep the Mushrooms

We're using the large mushroom caps to save time but feel free to use mini Portobellos.

Here's how to prep them:

• Make sure your mushrooms are clean by using a mushroom brush or a damp paper towel to remove dirt

• Remove the stems (just pop them off) and gills from the mushrooms using a spoon.

Marinate the Mushrooms

To infuse our mushrooms with even more flavor, we'll create a simple marinade. In a large Ziploc bag, combine:

• ½  cup of balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 

One by one, place each mushroom cap into the bag with tongs (or your fingers) and coat each mushroom cap with the mixture. Then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet. 

Roast them for approximately 10 minutes at 425 degrees while we move on to the next steps.

Prepare the Spaghetti

While the mushrooms are roasting, let's get our spaghetti ready. Boil a pot of salted water, and cook your spaghetti noodles until they're al dente.

Enhance the Spaghetti Sauce

We’re using a store-bought jar of spaghetti sauce to save us some time for a weeknight meal.

To elevate your store-bought spaghetti sauce (I love a time-saving hack), sauté these ingredients in another pot:

• 1 small diced onion

• 4 cloves minced garlic

• 1 chopped green bell pepper

• 2 tsp italian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• Black pepper

Saute the veggies for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Then add a 24 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce, setting aside 4 tbsp for use later.

Simmer this sauce for about 10 more minutes, adding 1/2 cup of the spaghetti water before draining the noodles and mixing them into the sauce.

Create the Herb Breadcrumb Topping

While everything else is coming together, let's prepare the delightful herb breadcrumb topping. In a bowl, combine:

• ½  cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp fresh Italian (or regular) parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Mix this aromatic blend well; you can also save some leftovers to sprinkle on your spaghetti for extra flavor, which tastes SO good.

Assemble the Stuffed Mushrooms

We're almost there! Here's how to assemble the Mozzarella Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms:

• Take the mushrooms out of the oven, and drain from the roasting pan the extra juice that cooked off.

• Spread about one tablespoon of pasta sauce on each mushroom cap.

• Sprinkle a dash of Italian seasoning for that extra zing.

• Top it off with vegan mozzarella (either slices or shreds; see below for my recommendations); slice it up and layer it on.

• Finally, generously add the herb breadcrumb topping to each mushroom.

Finish the Dish

Place the stuffed mushrooms back in the oven for about 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb topping turns a golden brown hue.

Dinner is served!

Corporate Delayed Me. Creation Said Keep Going.

Yesterday, someone bought my recipe and grocery list guide.

It was my first sale under Just Monique.

Not my first sale ever. I have sold digital products before, worked with sponsors, and built a following.

But this felt different.

It was my first sale since returning to my creative work after everything — burnout, financial reset, and learning how to build from a whole place again.

The timing caught me off guard, in the best way.

Earlier in the day, I found out I did not get the promotion I had been working toward at my full-time job.

It was not unexpected.

I had been out for two months on leave, so the decision made sense. I understood it.

I'm disappointed because the raise would have helped…but that was the extent of it.

Still, it was a clear reminder of something I already knew:

I cannot wait for outside approval to move forward. I cannot build my future on someone else’s timeline.

That afternoon, I opened my email and saw the sales notification.

Someone said yes.

That one sale reminded me that my work moves people. That when I show up and offer something helpful, even in the middle of uncertainty, it still connects.

It still reaches the right person.

There is so much I want to create with Just Monique. I want to build tools that help women start over without shame. I want to make resources that feel honest, clear, and hopeful.

I want to keep telling the truth about what it looks like to rebuild your life while you are still in the thick of it, not after everything is polished…but right here in the middle.

To the person who made that first purchase, thank you. You reminded me that what I am building matters.

And to anyone else who is working a job while trying to create something on the side, I hope this encourages you.

You do not have to wait for someone else to say yes before you take your next step.

Even if things are moving slowly. Even if you feel behind…

You are still building, and that counts.

Thank you for being here.

You can purchase the meal plan here.

Why I’m Filing for Bankruptcy

After sitting with the numbers, I knew something had to change.

My monthly income, after taxes, is around $2,500.

My minimum debt payments are over $1,200. Even with extra income from Walmart Spark, I’m barely covering the basics. There is no breathing room, no margin, and no progress.

I’ve decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

It’s not something I take lightly. I’ve carried this financial weight for a while now. The bills. The high-interest loans. The constant pressure of trying to stretch what’s left.

At some point, survival mode became the norm.

I’m choosing to end that cycle.

Most of this debt came from a year that tested me in every way. I was helping care for my son during a mental health crisis. My mother and I paid $500 a week for a hotel so he had a safe and stable place to stay. That didn’t include food or other essentials. I would make the same choice again if I had to, but the truth is, it came at a cost.

During that same period, I fell into a deep depressive episode. I lost track of time. I stayed in bed for nearly a month. I missed payments. My credit score dropped. And no matter how hard I tried to catch up, I couldn’t keep everything from slipping.

The moment that confirmed what I already knew didn’t come with drama. It came with a tire pressure alert. Two mornings in a row, I woke up to it. Usually, that kind of thing would shoot my anxiety way up.

This time, I didn’t panic.

I had a little money set aside (since I decided not to pay the credit card bills this month) and used it to repair my tire.

That small act of calm told me I was ready for something different.

I don’t want to spend the next five or ten years scrambling to make minimum payments to say I followed the rules. I don’t want to keep building a future on financial anxiety and shame. I want to rebuild with structure, clarity, and a sense of peace of mind.

So here I am. Not proud, but not ashamed. Just honest.

This is not about giving up.

It’s about finally giving myself permission to reset.

If you’re in a similar place, I hope this helps you feel seen. I’ll be sharing the whole journey from here.

Not just the polished moments, but the process it takes to begin again.

— Monique

I Wasn’t Ready for This (But I’m Showing Up Anyway)

For a long time, I felt like I had to disappear to survive.

When I quietly stepped away from YouTube the first time, it wasn’t planned. I didn’t leave with a strategy or a cute sign-off. I left because I was tired.

Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I hit a wall, and this time, it wasn’t one I could hustle my way around.

At the time, I didn’t have the words to describe what I was experiencing. I just knew something felt off. My routines were breaking down. My creativity was gone. I couldn’t manage my finances, my emotions, or my goals. I was stuck in a cycle of burnout and avoidance that felt impossible to escape.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1. As painful and confusing as that was, it gave me a starting point. It helped me name what I was going through instead of assuming I was failing at life.

That was the moment I realized I didn’t just need rest. I needed a reset.

I Haven’t Just Been Resting. I’ve Been Rebuilding.

Since stepping away, I’ve been doing the quiet work of rebuilding. Not just my content. My actual life.

I started asking better questions.
What do I really want?
What pace feels sustainable for me?
What would it look like to build a life that doesn’t depend on perfection?

I started paying attention to how I spend, how I speak to myself, and how I show up. I let go of what no longer fit. I gave myself permission to start again, even though I didn’t feel ready.

Because if I waited until I felt fully ready, I would never begin.

What to Expect from Me Now

I’m not coming back with perfect systems or all the answers. But I am coming back with clarity, self-trust, and a clear mission:

To help women reset their finances, wellness, and purpose one meaningful step at a time.

This space and YouTube are for the women who are starting over, not because they failed, but because they want something more honest.

Here’s what you’ll find in my content:

• Conversations about money that include mindset, habits, and hope

• Wellness support that goes deeper than just what’s on your plate

• Business guidance for women creating something of their own

• Encouragement for anyone who feels behind, stuck, or unsure

Free Tools to Support Your Reset

If you’re looking for a fresh start, here are some resources I created to help:

• Affirmation Guide: Speak truth over your mindset, money, and purpose with affirmations and guided prompts.

• Eat More Plants: A Beginner’s Guide: A gentle way to begin eating more plant-based meals without pressure.

• Start Your Business for $50 or Less: A guide for women with big ideas and small budgets.

• Money, Mood, and Avoidance: A mini-guide to help you shift your emotional spending patterns and take your power back.

The Truth About Starting Over at 43

I am 43 years old. I have no savings, and I’m $20,000 in debt. I am still figuring it out.

But this time, I am not trying to prove anything. I am not chasing hustle.

I am building a life that feels like mine.

If you are tired of living on autopilot…
If you’ve been quiet about your struggles…
If you’ve been waiting to feel ready before you take a step forward…

This is your permission to stop waiting.

Start with what you have. Start with who you are.

7 Shifts That Helped Me Reduce Stress and Graduate at 40+ (Even When Life Was a Lot)

“I’m doing the best I can today.”

In January 2024, I returned to college after more than a decade away.

I was working full-time, helping my grown kids navigate life, and somehow decided to take four classes per semester. Four.

Who does this? Me. I’m someone who makes a decision and goes all in—even when it doesn’t make a bit of sense.

But burnout and disappointment? They come fast.

Thankfully, I found some tools along the way that helped me process my emotions, lower my stress, and finish strong — diploma in hand by December.

December 2024

So, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I want to share seven real-life shifts that helped me beat stress and stay grounded — even when life was a lot.

1. Affirmations

I started speaking life over myself again. Even when I didn’t believe it, I’d say: “I’m doing the best I can today.” Those simple words reminded me that I didn’t have to be perfect — just present.

2. Almost daily walks after work

Even for 10 minutes, getting outside helped me release the day and return to my body. I didn’t overthink it. Just laced up my sneakers and went. Also, I had a built-in routine because I was walking a friend’s dog (Monday-Friday), so I still got moving even when I wasn’t in the mood. It became a quiet, consistent way to clear my head without needing motivation.

3. Better sleep through a night time reset

I upgraded my bedding and started a nighttime routine. A nighttime routine helped signal my body that it was time to wind down — no more late-night scrolling or jumping from one task to the next. I also started jotting down a few sentences in my journal before bed—nothing fancy — just a quick brain dump to release mental clutter and fall asleep faster.

4. Music as medicine

I created a calming playlist that felt like an exhale. Whether I was washing dishes or driving to class, those songs helped reset my nervous system. I also have a “feel good” playlist — upbeat tracks that instantly lift my mood. I can’t help but feel a little better after a few songs. It’s one of the fastest ways I know to shift my energy.

5. Saying no (without guilt)

It really is a complete sentence.

6. Unplugging for at least 20 minutes a day

Stepping away from my screen helped me reconnect with myself. Sometimes, that meant sitting on the balcony; other times, it meant folding laundry silently. Either way, it worked.

7. Decluttering one space at a time

Clearing off the kitchen counter or clearing out my emails gave me peace when life felt messy. It was a slight shift, but it reminded me I had some control.

Final Thoughts:

We don’t need a new life to feel better — just small steps honoring our place. Whether it’s a short walk, a good cry, or five minutes of deep breathing, it all counts. You deserve peace, too — not when everything is perfect, but right here, in the middle of your real life.

Thank you for being here. Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.