In a world where we’re inundated with advice on how to live better, love deeper, and hustle harder, it seems everyone has a list of essentials for thriving. I’m no different. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a mix of practical items, cultural touchstones, and quirky habits that keep me grounded, inspired, and, frankly, sane. Think of this list as a peek into my personal toolkit—because whether I’m navigating the highs of life or the curveballs, these are my non-negotiables.

1. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: Liquid Motivation

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? There’s coffee, and then there’s Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee—a nectar so smooth it practically whispers, "Get up, my friend. We’ve got this." Growing up, my mom brewed it every Sunday morning, filling the house with the scent of home. Now, as an adult, it fuels my mornings, writing sessions, and, let’s be honest, my late-night existential crises about whether I’m making enough time for cardio.

This coffee reminds me of my roots, but it’s also my daily indulgence. When I sip it in my favorite mug—one gifted to me by my sister that reads “Do the ting!”—it’s like I’m reclaiming a small piece of joy amidst the chaos of adulthood. Sure, it costs more than the generic stuff, but some things, like love (and Jamaican coffee), are worth the price tag.

2. My Spotify Playlists: The Soundtrack to My Life

Music isn’t just background noise; it’s a time machine, therapist, and hype squad all rolled into one. My playlists are as eclectic as my upbringing: one minute, Bob Marley’s "Three Little Birds" is reminding me that every little thing will truly be all right, and the next, Chuck Brown’s go-go beats take me straight back to the block parties of D.C.

When it comes to relationships, music has always been my love language. I once created a playlist for someone I was dating titled "For Us"—a subtle yet unmistakable flex of thoughtfulness. (Pro tip: Nothing says “I’m into you” quite like curating a list of bangers that perfectly fit your vibe as a couple. You’re welcome.) And when things don’t work out? There’s another list for that. Heartbreak isn’t official until D’Angelo’s "How Does It Feel" signals the crying in the car interlude. Real ones know.

3. My Dad’s Recipe for Curried Goat

Growing up, my dad didn’t cook often, but when he did, it was curried goat—a labor of love that transformed our small kitchen into a fragrant carnival of spices. As a kid, I used to hover nearby, sneaking cubes of potato from the pot when he wasn’t looking. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a story of resilience, migration, and celebration. These days, whenever I make it, the rhythm of chopping onions and stirring the pot feels meditative, almost sacred.

Cooking his recipe reminds me that love is in the details—whether it’s marinating the meat overnight or setting the table just right for people you care about. Relationships thrive not in the grand gestures but in the care we pour into the mundane.

4. A Pen, a Moleskine, and the Quiet

In a world of never-ending notifications and scroll wars on TikTok, nothing feels more rebellious than sitting down with a blank notebook and a pen. Yes, I know this makes me sound like a Gen Z kid cosplaying as an analog-loving millennial, but hear me out—writing is my therapy. My Moleskine journal is where I jot ideas, vent frustrations, and figure out why someone’s texted me “we need to talk” without any follow-up. (The audacity!)

Sometimes life gets messy, and you’re not always ready to talk it out with your friends or therapist—or the group chat, if we’re really going there. That’s where journaling comes in. If you’re not into journaling yet, this is your sign. It forces you to pause, think, and listen to yourself. After all, how can we connect with others if we're strangers to our own thoughts?

5. My Georgetown Sweatshirt

There’s no flex quite like surviving D.C. public schools and making it to Georgetown University. My navy-blue sweatshirt with "Hoyas" blazoned across the chest is more than just a piece of clothing. It’s a reminder of late nights in the library, the privilege of studying alongside brilliant minds, and the sacrifices my parents made to get me there. But it’s also my unofficial uniform on chill days when adulting feels especially heavy.

And here’s the plot twist: this sweatshirt’s batting .300 as my go-to for first unofficial "lazy" dates—think Netflix marathons with someone you’ve finally stopped pretending to impress. It’s comfortable, and somehow, putting it on feels like wrapping myself in reassurance and saying, “Yeah, you’ve got this.”

6. Sunday Dinner Rituals

In my family, Sunday dinner is non-negotiable. Every week, we gather, not just to eat but to reconnect—to laugh, argue about who makes the better rice and peas, and maybe have a debate over the latest political hot topic. These dinners helped me appreciate the importance of showing up, even when life gets messy.

When it comes to relationships, I’ve learned that keeping some form of this tradition matters. Whether it’s scheduling dinner with friends or cooking with a partner, breaking bread becomes a way of saying, without words, “I’m here for you.” So yeah, dinner itself might be humble, but the gesture? Chef’s kiss.

7. The Group Chat

Let me tell you something: the group chat is sacred. My friends—both from D.C. and my time at Georgetown—are a lifeline. Nothing beats logging in to find 37 unread messages about everything from Beyoncé’s latest tour to someone oversharing mid-breakup. The group chat is part dumpster fire, part safe haven, and a reminder that we all need people who will gas you up, call you out, and remind you that you are not alone in your mess.

And when it comes to dating? We all consult the group chat. Whether it’s sending screenshots of a questionable text or crowdsourcing “Should I just DM them already?,” there’s something comforting about knowing your people always have your back.

8. Courage

Okay, this one’s not like the others—I don’t exactly carry courage in my pocket—but it’s a constant essential nonetheless. Over the years, I’ve learned that life and relationships both require a healthy dose of guts. Whether it’s baring your heart to someone or walking away when things no longer serve you, courage isn’t about not being afraid. It’s about leaping anyway.

For me, courage shows up in smaller ways too: like attending events where I don’t know anyone or raising my hand when it’s easier to just shrink into the background. It’s something my parents taught me by example—stepping into unfamiliar spaces, building a life in this country with little more than a dream and unshakable determination. That same spirit courses through me, pushing me to do things I once thought impossible.

What we rely on often says more about us than we imagine. These essentials aren’t just things I can’t live without—they’re pieces of who I am, symbols of where I’ve been, and reminders of what keeps me going. So, whether your list includes a 90-step skincare routine, a book you’ve read so many times its pages are falling apart, or simply a habit that steadies you, carry it with pride. After all, we’re all just trying to make it through this wild journey with a little more joy and a lot more connection.