Your Cozy Corner

This year, I welcomed my birthday with no plans—and surprisingly, a full heart. No party, no pressure. Just me, a glass (okay, a few glasses) of wine, cozy clothes, and my favorite anime lighting up the screen. It was quiet, slow, and exactly what I needed. There was something so peaceful about not needing to “do” anything to feel celebrated. I woke up excited, not because something grand was happening, but because I felt… good. Like I was stepping into 29 with a calm kind of joy. No rush, no panic—just a soft sense of self. And then the gifts came. Books. Thoughtfully chosen ones. From my family, from friends who see me, and from my fine man who makes me blush when I think of him. I cried—actual tears. Because it was the first time I was getting birthday gifts that felt like me . From people who just wanted to make me smile. It hit me differently, in the best way. It reminded me that birthdays don’t need to be loud to be memorable. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are...

Photo from Pinterest Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to the little things, the tiny, everyday moments that are so easy to overlook but quietly bring so much beauty. Like the way the morning sun slips through my curtains just right, painting soft golden lines across the floor. Or the sound of Skye’s little paws as she follows me around, her curious eyes watching my every move. Even something as simple as the first sip of tea in the morning feels extra special when I really stop and savor it. I’ve realized that so much of life’s magic is tucked into these small, ordinary moments. They don’t shout for attention, but they have a way of grounding me, reminding me to slow down and be present. Even on days that feel repetitive or a little off, there’s always something—a smile from a stranger, the rustle of the plantain leaves in my compound, the quiet comfort of home, that whispers, there’s beauty here too. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next big thing, the ne...

This past weekend, I gave myself permission to do nothing, and honestly? It felt like the biggest act of self-care. Life moves fast, and I’ve noticed how easy it is to get caught up in the rush of to-do lists, deadlines, and that ever-present feeling that we should be productive. But sometimes, your mind and body just need to slow all the way down—and that’s exactly what I leaned into. I let the days unfold gently. No alarms, no plans, no pressure. I stayed in my comfiest clothes, made endless cups of tea, and let myself drift between reading, napping, and simply staring out the window. It was quiet, it was slow, and it was everything I didn’t realize I needed. Skye was my little companion the whole time, curling up beside me like she knew we were in full relaxation mode. We moved at the same unhurried pace, soaking in the stillness together. I think there’s something really special about allowing yourself to rest without guilt. To recognize that rest is just as valuable as...

My birthday is coming up soon, and if I’m being totally honest, I’ve been in my feelings about it. You know that strange, quiet kind of mood that creeps in right before a birthday? That’s exactly where I am right now—sitting in the in-between of excitement and a little sadness I can’t fully explain. There’s something about stepping into 29 that feels big. It’s the last chapter of my twenties, and while part of me is grateful for everything these years have taught me, another part is feeling the pressure. The “Am I where I should be?” thoughts keep swirling around. I’ve caught myself reflecting on past decisions, the milestones I thought I’d hit by now, and all the ways life has surprised me—both beautifully and painfully. It’s not that I’m dreading my birthday; it’s more that I’m... processing. Letting myself feel the weight of time passing and trying to make peace with everything it brings—growth, change, uncertainty. In the middle of these feelings, I’m also holding onto ...