Adulting Series #4: Romanticizing Life

In the past few weeks, I've found myself embracing life with renewed enthusiasm, visiting cozy corners, and cherishing the mundane and big moments.

It's a mix of rest and action, honestly. Taking pocket-sized moments in the middle of all the hustle to simply breathe, observe, and think without immediate purpose has proven invaluable, reminding me of the importance of rest in our fast-paced world.

It reminded me of the joy found in simplicity and the profound power of embracing change.

Where My Productivity and Caffeine Addiction Unite

I've always had a soft spot for coffee shops, those little sanctuaries bustling with quiet energy and rich aromas. Recently, I've explored two charming new cafes, each offering its distinct charm.

One was The Brewman at Cubao Expo where I met with a friend. As a fan of sweeter coffees, their Spanish Latte is as good as their aesthetic—warm, not too sweet because it cuddles you with a cool-kid vibe.

Kyusi Cafe, on the other hand, has one of the sweetest Spanish Lattes I've tasted, and I love it. I just don't like the current trend of small round tables because it doesn't give enough room for my drinks and pastries. But I guess that's the trend now, so table huggers like myself don't stay for long. Haha

And as always, my comfort cafe, Our Humble Beginnings. Ever since discovering this last year, I keep coming back whenever I have big decisions to make. They also have a social enterprise section and I'm proud to say I've bought 70% of their catalog (they're for good causes promise!) The latest one is this Tidy Money cash organizer. As I transition to a more cash-based flow this year, it would be helpful for me to do YNAB in real life.

These places have become my mini-escapes, where the coffee fuels my creativity and the ambiance gently reminds me to slow down and savor the little things.

Savoring Sweet Victories

Recently, I've made it a habit to celebrate even the smallest milestones. Every achievement, no matter how tiny, is now lovingly acknowledged with a culinary adventure.

My palate has been enjoying an ongoing love affair with Japanese and Korean food—onomiyaki and spicy tteokbokki have become synonymous with my quiet victories. These moments of self-indulgence serve as reminders that every step forward deserves recognition.

Pink Dreams and Smiskis

Life is feeling brighter, gentler, and undoubtedly pinker. I'm proudly stepping back into my pink era, surrounding myself with my favorite color that evoke joy, comfort, and positivity.

This shift has also rekindled my affection for collecting Smiskis—those adorable, whimsical figures that illuminate my spaces with tiny hints of happiness. They symbolize a newfound optimism that's permeating my everyday life.

Creative Comeback

Perhaps most excitingly, I've returned to writing with passion and purpose. My creativity is flowing freely again, pushing me closer to finally finishing my book—a goal I've nurtured patiently over the years.

Additionally, I’ve begun curating a personal poetry collection for my The Pink Book project. Each poem reflects a slice of my heart, raw and beautifully authentic.

Embracing balance against the noise

Lastly, I've embraced a mindset of mindful productivity. Optimizing my work has been transformative, allowing me to accomplish tasks more efficiently while ensuring I have enough space to breathe and enjoy life outside of my professional commitments.

 This newfound balance feels empowering, proving to me that growth doesn't always come from hustling alone but from finding harmony.

Life lately has been beautifully balanced between self-care, creative fulfillment, and meaningful connections. And honestly? I'm thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.