For Those in Pursuit of Beauty
Let’s talk about something we all crave, whether we admit it or not: beauty. And I’m not just talking about surface-level beauty—the perfect home, the flawless outfit, or the picturesque sunset (though those things are wonderful too). I’m talking about the kind of beauty that seeps into every part of your life. The kind that fills your days with peaceful moments, meaningful connections, and experiences that make you pause and say, “This is what it means to truly live.”
If you’re like me, you probably long for a life that’s full of beauty. You want to surround yourself with things that bring you joy, experiences that make your heart feel full, and moments that leave you feeling at peace with the world. But how do we get there? How do we live a life where beauty is not just an occasional surprise, but a daily experience?
Who in the World Are You? Why Living Authentically Is the Only Way to Thrive
Let’s get honest for a moment.
So many of us are out here trying to build beautiful lives on foundations that don’t even belong to us. We’re chasing jobs we don’t care about. Wearing masks that keep us palatable. Numbing our discomfort with productivity, perfectionism, or pretending.
And not so deep down, we know something’s off.
Here’s the truth:
You can’t live joyfully if you’re not living truthfully.
You can’t thrive when you’re constantly editing yourself to be more acceptable, more successful, more likeable, more whatever-they-expect.
Because none of those things will make you feel like you belong—not even to yourself.
Welcome to Your Cottagecore Era: Romanticize Your Life with Rustic Intention
Have you ever dreamed of a life that feels like it was plucked from the pages of a well-worn novel? A life where time slows down, where fresh bread bakes in the oven as linen curtains flutter in the breeze, and where even the simplest tasks feel like rituals of self-love?
Welcome to cottagecore—an aesthetic and lifestyle rooted in nostalgia, nature, and intentional living. But more than just a pretty Pinterest board, cottagecore is a gentle rebellion against hustle culture. It invites you to slow down, tune in, and infuse beauty into your everyday routine.
Contrary to what Instagram might suggest, you don’t need to move to the countryside or wear puff-sleeved dresses every day to live the cottagecore dream (though we certainly support these cottagecore activities). You can start exactly where you are, right now. Whether you're in a tiny studio apartment or a suburban home, the essence of cottagecore is about how you live, not where you live.
Here’s how to add cottagecore elements to your life—beautifully, purposefully, and sustainably.
The Cottagecore Revolution: Why This Generation Dreams of Abandoning the City for the Countryside
Once, the city symbolized everything young people longed for—opportunity, culture, progress. It was the place where dreams were built. But something is shifting. A new kind of dream has taken hold, and it’s far from the skyscrapers and subway lines. Welcome to the Cottagecore Revolution—where pastoral fantasies are becoming a real-life exodus.
Believe in Your Dream: Take the Leap and Begin
There’s a voice inside you that knows what you’re meant to do. A quiet, persistent pull toward something deeper, something more aligned. Maybe it’s a creative project you’ve buried. A brand you’ve dreamed of building. A story you’ve been waiting to tell.
And yet... you haven’t started. Not really.
You’re not alone.
Starting—really starting—can be one of the hardest things we do as creatives. Not because we’re lazy or unmotivated, but because it’s personal. It matters. And when something matters, fear shows up.
A Letter to Liars: Embracing an Honest Life
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why are you like this? Really, think about it. Why do you keep pretending to be someone you’re not? Maybe it’s the fear of not measuring up, low self-esteem, or the desire to blend in. Or maybe it’s a thrill you get from keeping up a facade. Whatever it is, if you’re willing to look closely, you’ll probably find that your first lie wasn’t to someone else. It was to yourself.
Now, I know the thought of giving up the comforting illusions you’ve built around you feels terrifying. It’s like giving up armor that’s kept you safe for years. But ask yourself—are you really “safe”? Or are you just trapped? Living behind the walls of who you pretend to be is no real way to live. And deep down, you know it.
10 Simple Ways to Add Tranquil 'Ghibli' Moments to Your Day
In the whirlwind of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the small things that make life magical—those quiet, heartwarming moments that remind us of scenes from a Studio Ghibli film. Think of sunlight filtering through trees, the warmth of a cozy blanket, or the joy of handwritten letters. Just as Ghibli characters find happiness in the everyday, we can bring that same charm to our lives. Here are ten simple ways to invite these moments into your day.
The Effects of Trauma Don’t Disappear Until They’re Properly Addressed
Trauma has a way of leaving invisible marks on our lives. It’s not like a bruise that fades over time or a cut that heals with a little care. The effects of trauma run deep, often lingering long after the event itself has passed, sometimes even when we think we’ve moved on. It binds us up, clouds our judgment, and keeps us from moving forward. And here’s the truth that many of us struggle to accept: trauma doesn’t just go away on its own—it needs to be addressed to truly heal.
How to Stop Accepting the Bare Minimum: Why You Deserve More From People, Jobs, and Life
Let’s get real for a second. How many times have you found yourself saying, “It’s fine” or “At least it’s something,” even though you knew deep down it wasn’t enough? Whether it’s that friend who only calls when they need something, the job that pays you but doesn’t value you, or even family members who take you for granted—why do we keep settling for the bare minimum?
The truth is, we’ve all been there. But at some point, you have to ask yourself: Why am I accepting less than I deserve?
It’s time to stop giving passes to half-hearted effort from others and start setting higher standards for how you’re treated—by people, your workplace, and even yourself. Here’s how you can break the cycle and demand more from life, one step at a time.