Little luxuries that keeps me from spiraling

Being an adult (or young adult) is not easy.

At least for me, after graduating college, everything felt like a downhill spiral filled with “hanging by a thread” moments. Little did I know that finishing one project or showing up to class would turn out to be the easiest of my worries. Can anyone else relate?

These days, most of the time, the only thing keeping me sane is a nice warm shower where I stay a little longer just to breathe, or that overpriced Target run where I “treat myself” to a new scented candle and a snack I definitely don’t need. Even the occasional weekend getaway that slightly blows my budget somehow feels like a form of survival.

We live in a world where the pressure to always deliver is nonstop - the hustle mindset, the productivity obsession, the feeling that you're constantly falling behind. So yeah, adulting is hard. And that's exactly why I’ve been learning to embrace the tiny, arguably unnecessary, and totally justifiable little luxuries that keep me grounded. Whether it’s that fancy coffee you buy just for the vibes or (like my friend) curating an aesthetic Pinterest board of dream apartments even though you can barely afford new furniture - these small joys matter.

They add a little softness to a life that sometimes feels too sharp, but reminds us that it is bearable and sweet.

So here is your reminder: You’re allowed to find comfort in the little things. You’re allowed to indulge, to rest, to romanticize your life, spend a little more and “treat yourself” - even if just for a moment.

Now I want to hear from you - what are your little luxuries that are keeping you sane lately? What are you missing right now?

- with love. JiHun -