What Happens When You Track Your Time for a Week? Let’s Find Out.

I’m resetting my habits this week—plus, here’s what’s happening in Serenbe & Chatt Hills (March 14-23). Also, welcome to the first edition of Life at Play!

Gina Kawalek

Mar 13, 2025

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You’d think my first newsletter would be written in Serenbe, but this week, I’m coming to you from Steamboat, Colorado.

Funny enough, I don’t think I’d be living in Serenbe if it weren’t for Steamboat.

For the past 25 years (I’m 35, so most of my life), I’ve been lucky enough to come here every summer and winter. Steamboat is my family’s home away from home—a place where I reconnect with nature, go on adventures, and (at least in theory) rest. (Reality check: Not much resting happens these days with two little tots in tow.)

Before we moved to Serenbe four years ago, Steamboat was actually at the top of our list of places to move. We met with a realtor, mapped out how we could make it work, and seriously considered it. But then we had a realization:

If we could figure out how to move to a small ski town like Steamboat, we could figure out how to move to Serenbe.

A photo from day one of teaching my son, Rory to ski.

There are so many similarities between the two—an active lifestyle, nature, trails, deep community ties, and the way both kids and adults actually play outside (instead of being glued to their screens). Both places hold a special place in my heart, each with that same indescribable magnetic pull—the feeling of being exactly where I’m meant to be.

In today’s email:

🌿 Where does your time go? | A simple habit-tracking reset to spot time drains & make small shifts
📅 For the Locals – Events this week + In Case You Missed It
📢 Want to Be Featured? – Let’s highlight the people & businesses making Serenbe & Chatt Hills special

🌿 Where Does Your Time Actually Go?

A Simple Habit-Tracking Exercise to Make Small but Powerful Shifts

I moved to Serenbe to live in nature and be more intentional—not to be too busy to enjoy it.

But life gets busy, no matter where you are. We all fall into habits that don’t always align with what actually matters to us.

Lately, I’ve felt that creeping in. I’m in the middle of a big transition—leaving the corporate software world to build my own business—and somehow, I feel busier than ever. Then last month, I got pneumonia (and judging by how many people have been sick lately, I know I’m not alone). It forced me to slow down and realize I’ve picked up some bad habits.

So, I’m hitting reset as we enter spring.

I’m pulling out a simple journaling practice, inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear—something I do anytime I feel off track. If you’re feeling the same, here’s how it works.

Step 1: Track Your Day (2-4 Days)

Log everything from wake-up to bedtime—emails, scroll breaks, snack runs, work sessions, meals, and how you feel. Keep it simple (a bullet list works great).

Last time I did this, I went all in for 2 days, then got sporadic before trailing off. No pressure—just do what you can!

Step 2: Reflect (No Judgment, Just Awareness)

After a few days, take a step back:

Where is your time actually going?
What energizes you? What drains you?
Are you prioritizing what matters?
What small shifts could make life feel lighter, more intentional, or just more fun?

Example Bullet List Format:

6:40 AM – Wake up (3 snoozes), feeling drained
7:00 AM – Morning routine (water, vitamins, teeth care)
7:20 AM – Social media scroll
7:40 AM – Personal email & news
8:10 AM – Work emails & coffee
9:10 AM – Breakfast (eggs, cheese, strawberries)
9:30 AM – Work call, feeling inspired
10:00 AM – Work call + laundry
10:30 AM – Social media & news + snack (pretzels)
… and so on.

Why This Works

This isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Think of yourself as a researcher, not a critic. Just by noticing your patterns, you’ll naturally start making small but meaningful shifts.

I’ll be doing this next week when I’m back from Steamboat—if you want to join me, try it out and let me know what you notice!

📅 For the Locals

EVENTS THIS WEEK: Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 23

Precision Run Club | 3.14 & 3.21 | 2-3 miles meet at Mado 1 at 7:40am
Serenbe Trail Volunteer Day | 3.14 | Meet at Halsa at 9am
The Wash | 3.14-23 | A World Premiere Play at The Inn Pavilion
Live Music On The Porch | 3.14 | 5:30 at The Farmhouse
Non Alcoholic Wine Tasting | 3.15 | 12-4pm at Soberish
St. Paddy’s Day Show | 3.15 | Live music & dancing at Jordan’s Ridge
Jazz Night | 3.15 & 3.22 | Live music at Austin’s
Barn Quilt Round Up Ride | 3.15 | Ride & scavenger hunt
Wine Flights | 3.15 & 3.16 | The Wine Shop at Serenbe
St Patricks Weekend Brunch | 3.15-3.18 | by Farmacie Kitchen at Birdhouse
Tuesday Night Softball | 3.18 | at Serenbe Athletic Fields
Weekly Chatt Hills AI meetup | 3.19 | at Jeff Smith’s home
Beginner Ukulele Class | 3.19-4.23 | at Chatt Hills Library
Spring Equinox & Intention Setting | 3.20 | Learn with Astrologer, Dr. Tadd
Model Drawing Class on Thursdays | 3.20- 4.17 | at CENTER at StudioSwan
2-Day Shamanic Journey & Tea Ceremony | 3.21-22 | at SoulBarn
Wheel throwing workshop | 3.22-3.23 | at Minro
California Wine Dinner | 3.22 | at The Farmhouse
Chris Artabasy Solo Art Show | March 22 | 5-8pm at Sardis
Yoga Amongst Rescue Horses | 3.23 | at Zorro’s Crossing

Looking for more?

I’m working on an event calendar & business directory (launching in May), but for now, you can find everything happening in Serenbe & Chatt Hills—including recurring events—on this Google Sheet. If I’m missing anything, feel free to add it directly or email me at ginakawalek@gmail.com the details!

📢 Want to Be Featured in the Life at Play Newsletter?

This newsletter isn’t just about what I have to share—it’s about all the incredible people, businesses, and experiences that make Serenbe & Chatt Hills special.

So consider this an open call!

Do you have a small business, side project, or creative work that deserves a spotlight? Hosting an event? Offering something cool to the community? Have a wild story that people need to hear? Let’s get it out there.

New business launch? Tell me about it.
Hosting an event? I’ll help spread the word.
Local creators, makers & entrepreneurs? Let’s highlight your work.
Offering a deal to locals or visitors? Send it my way!

I’ll feature a mix of businesses, interesting people, cool events, and unique finds in each issue. To submit: Hit reply, drop a comment, or email me at hello@lifeatplay.co.

Life at Play