5 Joys of Living on My Own + Bonus

I can’t believe I’m writing this post when I’m about to start the second semester. My supervisor has tasked me to write a course description that is new and quite innovative, and yet my brain is wandering all over the place.

But I’m enjoying my peace. 

It’s been five months since I first went on an apartment hunt and finally settled for one that is so, so, so close to school. There are ups and downs in maintaining my own place and now I’m out of the nest, I am overwhelmed with sheer pleasure. To be specific, these are my simple joys.

 

 

1. I Prepare My Own Food, Learn To Budget and Not Seeing Food Go To Waste 

I’ve been joking around, telling people around me that all I need is a house since I already have a mini rice cooker, a refrigerator and a microwave oven and electric kettle. I get up in the morning and prepare my own food which I have learned to budget and I’m pleased to make sure that nothing goes to waste. I’m happy to have the freedom to even experiment lol. 

Talk about easy, I set the table when I am ready to eat. There is only a mug, a plate and a pair of utensils to wash after each meal.

  

2. I Go To Bed On My Own Time And Get Up to The Sound of Silence

 

I believe in going to bed early and having a good start to the day. I don’t like the sound of a noisy alarm clock, not even a phone alarm. Ever since I got used to getting up at 3 in the morning to catch the 6:30 bus, I’ve learned to appreciate the spill of golden glow among the trees and on the streets. It may sound poetic, but that’s the picture of hope that comes in each new day. 

My body is responsible for waking up in the morning and this is better compared to a noisy alarm clock protruding into my “almost there” dreams and screeching in my ears. 

 3. I Enjoy My Own Stock of Everything

I have a Weekend Movie Selection, that’s when I reach for my popcorn and nachos. I also have my art stock, for when I want to create something and have some art therapy. This girl can be so happy with just watercolour and pencils. And finally, my Wi-Fi allows me to complete writing projects. I indulge in long showers and there’s nobody to knock on the door telling me I’ve been in there for twenty minutes already.

4. Concentrating On What I Have To Do On My Own Free Time and Working In Silence

When I am assigned tasks and face deadlines, I concentrate and work in silence. I now manage my own time and work in silence, getting up and eating when I want to, putting on shoes and going for a walk or running when I want to. I do it all the time with a smirk on my face. :p

5. Tackling Domestic Problems On My Own

Sometimes domestic issues are a challenge to how innovative I am. A dim light bulb just meant I had to switch it for a brighter bulb and I learned to replace it all on my own. I had to keep my place clean, and thank goodness for honest neighbours! Also, the real me shows itself when I am so particular about dirty dishes and budgeting my needs. At the end of everything, I am just so grateful for the peace and for being on my own.

6. Bonus: Oggling At Cute Puppies Downstairs

Here’s a plus, you all know how much I adore puppies. My landlord has a bunch of cute Shih Tzu puppies downstairs and I get to see them make a mess with all their furry faces every time I see them. They are just so cuuuuttttteeee! 

I guess it all boils down to being responsible. This may be a small flat, but taking care of it made me know myself more, that I like plain sheets over printed ones better, that I do enjoy silence most of all. It’s knowing that I have me and myself to depend on and that makes me feel content and somehow just grateful. 

It’s during those quiet hours when I feel really creative and productive; no wonder I thrive so well at night as long as I have a good lamp.