I’m putting this on the internet because I just realized I’ve been desperately combing social media for the past hour seeking out reassurance that I myself could provide. I’m in a place today where I feel…stuck. I’ve been doing schoolwork nonstop for weeks, and I’m about to hunker down for the rest of the semester because my schedule only gets more hectic from here. A year ago this time, just having that knowledge in my brain would send me into an anxious, avoidant downward spiral, but I’m trying to avoid that outcome, albeit familiar and bizarrely tempting. Though it may seem paradoxical, I’ve discovered experientially that sometimes in order to be my most productive self I need to provide myself with peace and rest on the front end. Before I ask my fragile, mostly useless brain to perform at its best, I need to nurture it. Tuck it into bed with an episode of SVU and some Oreos. If I fail to address my mind’s needs before putting it through considerable strain and stress, then its high-maintenance self will inevitably shut down. Thus, this afternoon I’m letting it have a moment of pleasant relaxation. I’m going to list some things that make the humdrum toil of life on Earth worth it. For no reason.

1. When you come home to your dog after being around other dogs and he sniffs you really hard with a look on his face like he’s doing calculus to figure out everywhere you’ve been and everything you’ve done and everyone you’ve been around while away from him
2. A bunch of different colored balloons all together (think Up vibes)
3. The smell of your favorite perfume/essential oil
4. The first bite of fresh Cane’s chicken tenders
5. Getting under cold sheets
6. The smell of freshly brewed coffee
7. Clean sheets
8. Taking your makeup off
9. Getting complimented
10. Therapy
11. Hugging a friend you haven’t seen in a while
12. Feeling genuinely happy for someone else and excited to see where their life goes
13. Doing your people proud
14. First kisses
15. Dancing for real
16. Picking out a truly *killer* outfit (or like a high school homecoming dress you pick out four months in advance…oh Iiii remember)
17. Doing your makeup in a way that makes you a little extra confident
18. Cats
19. Horses
20. (Obviously) dogs
21. Finishing a to do list
22. Getting a good grade
23. Learning something new and really getting it down pat
24. Listening to loved ones play the guitar
25. Doc Martens
26. This playlist
    • https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Tee3wIdQhB2VEoih3fcql?si=-sOiA9SHTAulciflUasbzA
27. Reading your favorite book for the tenth time
28. If you’re a girl…you should check out something called yoni steaming. That’s all I’m going to say.
29. Getting a present you’ve been really wanting
30. Getting the whole family together (whoever your “whole family” might be)