Home design seemed to hit peak sameness. Think all-white kitchens, greige walls, cookie-cutter furniture from the same two big-box stores. Everything looked... tasteful, yes. But also a little sterile.

Ask any college student what they’re trying to balance, and you’ll likely get a laugh, followed by a list: classes, homework, social life, internships, maybe a part-time job—and oh, yes, sleep (if they can fit it in).

There’s a lot of pressure to “win the morning.” The 5 AM club, sunrise journaling, green juice, three-mile jog—there’s a narrative that if you don’t start the day early and perfectly, you’re already behind.

Have you found yourself going through the motions at work, doing just enough to avoid raising eyebrows but no longer feeling invested? If so, you might be quietly quitting—not by walking away from your job, but by disengaging emotionally while still showing up physically. It’s a concept many are familiar with these days, fueled by workplace dissatisfaction, burnout, or a deeper desire for something more meaningful.

For years, I lived by checklists I hadn’t written for myself. Good grades? Check. A “respectable” job? Check. Reliable income? The same. On the outside, it seemed like I had my life together. But inside? I felt restless, like I was wearing someone else’s shoes and pretending they fit. It took me a long time to realize the problem wasn’t my effort; it was the definition of success I was chasing.

Let’s be honest—“no” doesn’t exactly have the best PR team. It’s often treated like the social equivalent of a brake screech, or worse, a missed opportunity. Especially in the workplace, where ambition is currency and agreeability can seem like a shortcut to success, saying no can feel risky. Like you're declining momentum.

Money has this way of touching almost every part of our lives—it can feel like a tool for freedom or, at times, like a source of stress. The key, I’ve found, is understanding how to navigate it in a way that fits your life. Whether you’re just starting out, tackling a big financial goal, or planning for the future, some lessons about money seem to grow with you, offering guidance no matter where you are.

We all like to think we’re clean. Or at the very least, clean enough. The laundry gets done. Dishes are where they should be. The bathroom gets scrubbed semi-regularly, and hand soap isn’t just for guests.