Things I do to Fill my Own Cup
Cafe Hopping
Probably the biggest addiction of my 20s. Cafes are the beacon that guides me to all my stress-relieving hobbies. Though my home is quiet, I will forever be more enticed to take over an entire table and dedicate it to a journal spread while trying new drinks. Although it's an expensive addiction, I'd be happy to entertain it at least once a month… I say as I start my car, with a craving for matcha. One of my goals is to try cafe hopping around different parts of the world. Though it is a minuscule 8oz, it is another contribution to my cup.
Quiet Mornings
More often than not, I used to disregard mornings with successive frowns. Growing up, mornings were one thing I never looked forward to; going so far as to gaslight myself into believing that adapting the lifestyle of a night owl was more my speed. Unfortunately for me, day-to-day life is busy with a plethora of unrelenting obstacles; challenges that have no plans to stop coming my way. Amidst the morning rush hour and incessant alarms to prevent oversleeping… Silence. Peace. The Quiet. The once treacherous mornings that I once despised brought the most comfort in times of stress. I learned to appreciate those mornings. Mornings that introduce pauses, frankly an essential for those in their 20s. A pause for the world that continues to spin around me. A momentary stop, a time in place where I am in control, where I can press play on my own terms to start the day. So, as much as I associate myself with the night owl psyche, being an early bird does have its perks.
Endless Scrolling Pinterest
"I like that one." Add 10 pins to around 15 different boards, each with a distinctive theme. A platform I always used for inspiration, goals, and ideas. I honestly consider it my first real form of social media, downloaded on my home screen since I received my first phone. Though most people might have contrasting opinions, Pinterest is the all-time favourite app, and I'd like to believe it continues to shape me today. Consequently, it feeds my delusion and promotes the romanticization of my life. For now, though, it doesn't seem like a big problem, so I'll keep letting it contribute to filling my cup.
Fashion
Historically, I've gone through several styles. Some are less cringeworthy than others, but considerably memorable for the eras they reigned over. As of now, minimal office outfits have been my go-to wardrobe selection. The seemingly minor changes to my outfit rotation supply me with just enough serotonin to satiate a lifetime. I hope to continue elevating and changing my overflowing wardrobe, which I'm im receiving wall-to-wall glaring for at the moment due to the lack of wiggle room.
Reading
Lately, reading has been my greatest escape and sharpest learning tool. Back in my novice page-turning days, I stuck to the ‘read within the realm of genres you are most comfortable with’. I was an exclusive Fantasy and Romance aficionado. Forget judging a book by its cover; I just assumed that if the genre could give me butterflies, then I’d be safe. However, nothing prepared me for how broad the horizons of my book world would expand once I started exploring different genres and authors. To be uncomfortable is to grow, afterall. I learned so much more about myself and the aspirations I have for navigating my life. Two things can be true at once. You can welcome the familiar as an old friend while expanding the horizons of your knowledge. The books we chose to read, and navigating through them, are up to you. There will never be a concrete manual on cultivating your garden of stories and experiences. That's the beauty of reading, and that's what fills my cup
Self Dates
Burnout is a looming obstacle that plagues me every few months like clockwork. Work keeps me sustained, and yet the exhaustive feeling overshadows my rest. This is where having self-dates and rest days is essential. Would it be too self-assured to say that I enjoy my own company over regular hangouts or actual date nights? Does that make me sound independent, or appear as if I have a hatred towards people? As an extroverted social butterfly, I sometimes like to cosplay as a quiet introvert who pretends to be allergic to social interaction. During the days of my recluse, I'd like to treat myself out. With lots of different activities to choose from, like cafe hopping and bookstore lingering. Not to mention the quicker, small mini-hobbies like journaling, painting, and re-shuffling my playlist for the 3rd and supposed final time. Self-dates are healthy, fufilling and one of many ways to fill your own cup.
Cooking
Fast food may be quick, but rarely is it good food. I’ve levelled up my cooking skills, and it keeps me from dying of starvation. Not to mention, cooking at home limits my spending and keeps my wallet alive. It makes sure that looking at my bank account won't hurt, and I’m no longer crying from broke girl syndrome. Lately, I've been trying new recipes with the help of my for you page. I find happiness in cooking for others as well as myself. Meal prep, hosting, and home cafe days are now part of the cycle.
One, or Two things I hope will fill my next cup
Put my phone down by 10pm
The bright light that continues to shine throughout the night, artificial sunlight that nurtures my eye bags and brings me a smile.
As I flip through the chapters of my fanfiction, I pause to consider whether I should finally shut my eyes. Do I let my circadian rhythm take over? Is it really time to welcome this thing called sleep? It’s a tough battle, but alas, the latest drama fanfic won. The following day, I pray that the 10 layers of concealer can fool the next person into thinking that I slept the recommended 8 hours. Unfortunately for me, my mask slips each time I yawn; it's becoming increasingly apparent that my 1 hour of "sleep" didn't do wonders. To take accountability for that, this year I want to put that phone away at a reasonable time and reduce my eye bags, which also have their own bags…
New Language
The one longstanding hobby/skill I'd like to expand on. The language I want to relearn, re-explore and reintroduce myself to is Korean. Although I'm already bilingual, it's invigorating to learn another language. To me, it's a complex challenge, but it'll teach me discipline and routine. Will I be an expert by 25? Or suffer the consequences of continuing to use subtitles… I plan to either have a conversation or wait 3-5 business days for a kdrama to finally get an English dub. Though daunting, this surely will fill my cup.
