Earlier, as I was stepping out of the shower, I was reminded of my high school years. One of the things I've been doing for as long as I can remember is indulging in my nightly routine. I’m talking way back to early elementary school, lounging in the bathtub for two to three hours every night. I’d get into arguments with my parents about spending so much time relaxing—my dad telling me I was running up the water bill, and my mom trying to figure out what in the hell I was doing.
At one point, my mom made me keep the bathroom door open because she was afraid I might fall asleep in the tub and drown! She wanted to be able to check on me at a moment's notice.
Now, here I am, 30+ years old, and I still love taking baths. My nightly wind-down is sacred. But these routines have evolved into so much more than just a bath. I’m particular about the candles I light, the lotion I use—do I want to add essential oils? If I do, should I go with eucalyptus or lavender? Or maybe I’ll skip the scent altogether and spritz on a gentle body mist.
Should I wrap a soft towel around myself while I wash my face, or should I put on a satin robe? Or maybe I’ll dry off first and slip into these new silk pajamas. The possibilities are endless.
What I love most is how, today, I naturally rediscovered that joy. I wasn’t consciously searching for it; I just realized it happened. I’ve been able to recover this place of intentional joy because, several times throughout the day, I stop and ask myself, Jessica, what do you want? And I answer honestly.
I don’t think about what I could be doing or what I should be doing. I ask myself, What will make me happy in this moment? I visualize it for two to three seconds, and if I feel joy, then that’s what I want. Being present in those moments is so crucial.
It’s in these little acts of presence that I’ve noticed something powerful: I’ve returned to so many of the things that instinctually brought me joy in my adolescence. Not out of obligation or nostalgia, but simply because they feel good. And honestly? I fucking love it.
Final Note: Take a moment today, just for you. Stop and ask yourself, What do I want right now? Answer honestly. Don’t overthink it or get caught up in the "shoulds." Visualize it for a few seconds, and if it sparks joy, go for it. Maybe it’s lighting that candle you’ve been saving, slipping into your favorite robe, or just taking a few extra minutes to breathe. Be present. Be intentional. And remember, you deserve to feel good—every single day. 💛
— Jessica Nichole