Tuesday

"I can be soft in my heart and firm in my boundaries."

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Why traveling is so beneficial

• Sunset of the day: Clearwater Beach, Florida

• What do cats want in their cat litter

• Solo travel safety tips for women

Why Wanderlust Is Part of Being Human

Travel isn’t just about getting away. It’s about remembering what it means to feel alive. For most of human history, movement was essential to survival. It still is, in a quieter way. Stepping outside familiar routines resets the brain, reignites curiosity, and reminds people they’re part of something larger than their to-do lists.

Even imagining a trip can lift a mood. Research shows that planning travel releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter linked to motivation and anticipation. It’s the same kind of joy that comes from looking forward to a reunion or a long weekend, proof that hope itself is a destination.

But the beauty of travel isn’t only in escape; it’s in connection. Meeting new people, seeing unfamiliar landscapes, or even visiting a nearby town expands perspective in ways no screen can.

Maybe travel’s greatest gift is how it changes how we see home. A sunrise looks different after you’ve watched one from somewhere far away. And that shift, the reminder that the world is wide, and we’re part of it, is reason enough to start planning the next trip.

Sunset of the Day

Shared by Note To Self reader Lauren, this photo captures the sun dipping low over Clearwater Beach as the pirate ship cruises by, one that visitors can ride to watch the sunset from the water. The sky glows softly, blending gold and pink while waves catch the light.

It’s a scene that feels like the end of summer at its best: unhurried, warm, and a little bit magical.

Have a sunset or sunrise worth sharing? Tell us where it’s from and what makes it special. We’d love to see it.

5 Billion Pounds of Cat Litter Ends Up in Landfills Each Year

Most traditional cat litters are made from strip-mined clay or silica. Both end up in landfills when thrown away and are not biodegradable.

A new natural cat litter called Tailfeather is changing this with their eco-friendly, plant-based, clumping cat litter made from coconut and cassava.

Why coconut? The husk of the coconut absorbs liquid up to 9 times its weight! This makes for a soft, luxurious litter that cats love and is 70% lighter than traditional litter, but also doesn't track and bounce out of the box.

It's fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free, including the packaging. Tailfeather is delivered conveniently to your door, and each package lasts for 8 weeks, double the amount of other litters.

For the next 24 hours, Canopy readers get a $15 credit on your first order with code Canopy15.

Try Tailfeather for your cat and the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Traveling Solo Is the Ultimate Reset

Traveling alone can sound intimidating, but for many women, it becomes one of the most freeing experiences imaginable. Solo travel offers something that few other things do: time to truly listen to your own rhythm. Without anyone else’s schedule to consider, choices like where to go, what to eat, and how long to linger suddenly feel lighter.

Preparation helps that freedom feel safe. Researching local customs, pre-booking the first night’s stay, and keeping a backup plan are small steps that build peace of mind. Reliable data access and a copy of important documents can turn potential stress into calm confidence.

Solo travel isn’t about isolation, it’s about curiosity. A friendly chat with a local barista, an unexpected sunset walk, or a spontaneous museum visit can open up entirely new ways of seeing the world.

More than anything, solo travel teaches trust in the world and in yourself. It proves that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the choice to go anyway.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Traveling can boost your creativity by up to 50%.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You don’t have to go far to feel the benefits. A new view, a slower morning, or time offline can offer just as much clarity as a big trip.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!