People always ask me why I find joy in the simplest things—why I romanticize everyday life. My answer remains the same: because life isn’t always easy, so I cherish the peace when it comes. I try to savor the small, quiet moments & offer gratitude for the life I have— exactly as it is.
Friday
I slip into my signature Iowa-core style—effortless yet refined. There’s something special about living in a place where you don’t have to be flashy to be seen. The most successful people here can be found grabbing milk at the local grocery store in denim & leather sneakers. That’s where my style draws its power: simplicity that speaks for itself.
I wander through the aisles of the library. My fingers brush the worn spines of vintage books.
There’s something humbling about holding history in your hands, knowing the world was turning long before I ever arrived. Being able to touch something tangible in this digital age feels sacred.
I do a crossword puzzle—because I’m a lover of words. An avid reader. A spelling bee champion in my own right. Words are spells, after all. Cast them carefully, my loves.
Saturday
Grocery store runs are a form of self-love for me. I pick up nourishing foods that support the body I’m proud of. It’s the daily routines, & overlooked details, that shape the life we live; so I treasure every small moment. I show up everywhere I go looking & feeling beautiful. That’s how I honor myself in this life. When you look good, you feel good—& feeling good is powerful.
I close the evening with my favorite Twilight book. The series that first introduced me to the idea of soul-stirring, world-shifting love. I see myself as Bella—plain to the eye, perhaps, but rich in strength, softness, & soul.
I know my Edward is out there somewhere. He’s magnetized by my energy, drawing closer as I ascend to my highest, most radiant self. A Queen in the making.
Sunday
I start the morning slow. I wake up to the soft hum of a quiet home. I head to the kitchen to make a sweet cinnamon rolls for my daughter & me; with fresh strawberries & blackberries on the side. Her sleepy smile makes everything feel just right. These are the kind of mornings she’ll remember forever.
I welcome the 55-degree breeze like an old friend as a true Midwestern girl. Just brisk enough for a light jacket & a cozy stroll. Even a trip to Dollar Tree becomes an adventure when you learn to find joy in the little things—like a pink, vanilla-scented ice cream cone lip gloss that makes me smile like a kid again.
Later, I wander through nature with my mini me. I let her explore to remind her that happiness can be found in the simplest things—a scooter ride, the rustle of leaves, the sun peeking through trees. I want her to grow up knowing that true bliss doesn’t have to cost a thing.
And that’s the secret:
The best things in life are free. Laughter. Peace. Connection. A good book. A walk in the sun. My life may be simple, but it’s full—overflowing with intention, beauty, & love. That’s the magic of living gently. To show up fully. Of being the one & only… Tayla Jay.
