I'm Milena "Millie" Toro, a creative director and wellness mindset coach. 🧠 "Thoughts of Millie" is a newsletter where I share my perspective on all things creative wellness, lifestyle, and travel. Thanks for reading & subscribing!
There’s a certain kind of magic in doing life with other people, especially people who get you.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how important community is when it comes to building the life you actually want. Not just going through the motions, but growing—mentally, emotionally, even physically, alongside people who share your values, your curiosity, or just your desire to try something new.
Community doesn’t have to be big or loud. Sometimes it looks like saying “yes” when a friend invites you to a free workout class, even if it’s out of your usual routine. That hour spent sweating together turns into laughs, new motivation, and the realization that you didn’t need to spend a dime to feel connected and energized.
This May, my friend asked me to run a 5K with her. I hesitated. I’ve never been big on running / at least, that’s what I always told myself. But I said yes anyway (my fiancé even joined us and committed to a 10K himself). We all trained separately and together over the next few weeks, gradually increasing our distance and cheering each other on. Be it through texts or IRL, we made it into a habit. Training was challenging, but working towards a goal made it fun. We bonded over our distance and sore legs, and when race day came, I ran three miles straight for the first time in my life. That feeling of crossing the finish line was memorable.
Moments like that remind me: when you surround yourself with like-minded people, you're far more likely to hit your goals. You push each other, encourage each other, and most importantly, you show up for each other.
There are so many ways to build these moments into your life. Hiking on the weekends. Pottery classes at a local studio. Start that accountability group chat. Book clubs, community gardens, volunteer groups. It doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive. It just has to be intentional.
We live in a culture that glorifies independence and “grinding it out” solo—but what if real growth happens in community? What if the missing piece isn’t more discipline or more hustle... but more connection?
Take a moment to think:
Who in your life inspires you to be better just by being themselves?
Is there someone you could reach out to today, even just to share a walk or a conversation?
What’s one activity you’ve been meaning to try, that could feel less intimidating (and more fun) if you did it with someone else?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up and let the people around you meet you there.
So if you’re feeling out of it, stuck in a rut, or just needing a lift, then reach out. Text a friend. Say yes to that invite. Try the free yoga class, join the group hike, sign up for the thing you’ve been thinking about but putting off. You might be surprised at how much changes when you stop trying to do everything alone.
Because the truth is, life hits different when you’re growing with people.
Xoxo, Millie