The big broad strokes of Istanbul life fill my writing. It’s an amazing knot of a city that I never tire of trying to tease out, no matter how frustrating that occasionally becomes.
But my day-to-day life is filled with smaller wonders, and recently I’ve made more of an effort to let those little pleasures in.
I buy myself bunches of flowers every week or two, depending on how long they last. The streets of Kadikoy are dotted with woman selling colorful blooms, but I used to think that it was frivolous to buy something that would only die. Now, I consider it part of my ongoing goal to fill my life with beautiful things. Waking up to sunshine on petals brightens my whole day.
It’s not always flowers. In the summer, I treat myself to pedicures. Maybe I will get a slice of fresh-made cheesecake at my favorite cafe. Or perhaps I’ll buy a cheap floaty scarf. It’s not about spending money and it’s not about filling a specific need; it’s just allowing myself to indulge in small beauties.
It might seem basic, or insignificant, but my daily life is made so much better. I want to continue to fill my life with beautiful things; it’s a lovely way to live.
(I have a hashtag on Instagram– #FillYourLifeWithBeautifulThings –where I document all the little lovely things I bring into my life. Take a look and join in!)
2 Comments
Alexandra Bellink
August 19, 2016 at 12:12 AMAw I love this! I always thought buying flowers was pointless as well, but now I see it in another way. Also, it makes me miss Istanbul so much. PS are these all film shots?
Katrinka
August 19, 2016 at 12:00 PMThanks Alex! Just the first and the last are film photographs– the rest are from my iPhone.