This spring semester of classes has felt abnormally long. I don’t know if it’s distance learning and the lack of motivation that comes with doing online classes, or the fact that UCF’s spring break got pushed back to a week before finals and I feel entirely burnt out. Either way, I’m tired and there are very few things pulling me through these last few weeks. However, the spare few are things that I value more than anything else in life and are the sole source of my mental stability.
- Oat Milk Lattes
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Matcha green tea, white chocolate mocha, iced, hot, caramel, hazelnut. You name it, I’m there. I recently discovered oat milk to be the premiere of the alternative non-dairy milks, and now that Starbucks has introduced Oatly to its never-ending arsenal of deliciousness I’ve racked up an embarrassing amount of stars. I can’t really explain why lattes are so much better with oat milk in them, they just are. If you haven’t tried one, do yourself a huge favor and try it! I suggest turning it into a cold foam which is sure to be impressive and my personal favorite way to enjoy it.
- This Spotify Playlist
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Life without groovy music is pointless. It’s literally life support. And if I listen to this playlist three times a day, that’s okay. That’s my therapy.
- Quorn Meatless Nuggets
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The quality of plant-based foods is of utmost importance to me, and a mushy plant-based chicken nugget just isn’t going to cut it. For some reason, I’ve had the most trouble trying to find realistic enough chicken substitutes, but Quorn does a really good job. Unfortunately, they’re not vegan, but for my fellow vegetarian friends, these are a great option! They come out so yummy and crispy if you pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
- My Houseplants
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One of my rarest plants is an Aglaeonema Pictum Tricolor. The fact that’s it’s growing is everything to me. This might be my houseplant collector agenda speaking, but I promise that if you buy one plant and commit yourself to keeping it alive, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by its growth and excited for its potential. One of my favorite phrases is, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Plants are something you have to continuously nourish, very similar to the ways in which you need to take care of yourself. For me, they’re a fun way of keeping myself excited about the future, and also making sure I take that extra step in thinking about myself and what I need for a moment.
- My Simon
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Last, but never ever least, is my boyfriend. If you’re reading this: hi, I love you. Sometimes I feel like I’m floating out in space, but he manages to throw a lasso, bring me all the way back down and make me feel sane again. I feel like finding someone who makes you feel like more of a human being than you feel like you are is important and very special. Cherish those people in your life and don’t let them forget how grateful you are. If they constantly remind you of who you are, that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that you are in fact growing from everything you experience, keep them around. They’re watering you. Remember to water them too.
It’s the little things. They get you through the everyday ups and downs and even make you look forward to tomorrow. Take a moment to appreciate them while they’re there.