You Have Really Good Taste

Written By : Hannah Corbett

I read this quote that said, "Develop a taste for yourself in the world—art, books, films, inspiring figures. Find everything that you’re drawn towards is a piece of you that’s attempting to speak back."

I truly feel like I live my life that way. My day-to-day life always feels better when I’m surrounded by things that are so easily, temptingly, and selfishly me.

Today, I woke up feeling down. Maybe it’s the weather, the fact that it’s gray and rainy. I don’t mind a rainy day every once in a while, but I’m a sunshine girl; my mood and personality depend solely on the weather. But there are little things I can usually use to pull myself out of it—things to surround myself with, wear, and look forward to.

For example, today I was kind of regretting starting to write because I didn’t know what to write about. Then, I saw I was still waitlisted for a Pilates class later, and since it’s raining, I knew my dogs' paws were going to be all muddy—which takes a village and a certain mindset to conquer. So I thought the day was gone to shit to be honest, and for lack of a better word.

But then, I had a fun meeting for an event at the end of May. I put on my favorite blue-and-white striped linen pants, turned on some of my favorite music, and got off the waitlist. I realized my day can, in fact, turn around even though it’s cloudy, just by bringing some of my favorite things around me that make me me.

Another part of me that I get super fixated on is the way my house looks. The decor and having a happy, curated space are essential to my mood. I’ll spend hours—days, weeks, even months—moving things around, sourcing a new rug, finding a thrifted trinket, or even scouting things on the side of the road that people are ready to throw away.

I swear, a couple of my most prized possessions are furniture items that people were too lazy to list on Facebook Marketplace and settled for the curb before garbage day instead. Just last week, I was walking my dog and saw a black steel lounge chair. I’ve been looking for one for my back patio, but the price tag on a new one with a high-quality cushion is usually crazy. Then, low and behold, there’s a chair by the curb with a perfect white linen, zippable, washable, looks-like-new cushion. I looked up the tag: it was a $350 cushion. Jackpot. You really can’t beat it. I called my dad, tossed it in his trunk, and now it’s sitting pretty on my patio like it always belonged there. It’s moments like that that make me feel like there are pieces and moments throughout my day simply meant for me to find and to escape into.

When you cultivate a space, or your closet filled with things that are uniquely yours—like the texture of a rattan side table, a worn in button down shirt, a favorite tank top or the weight of a perfectly curated coffee table book—your everyday life starts to feel like a treat. These aren't just objects; they are anchors. No matter what the weather is doing outside, I’ve realized I can always find my way back to myself through the things I choose to keep close. Whether it’s the comfort of my favorite clothes, the discovery of a new book, my favorite music, or the energy of getting off a waitlist, I’m reminded that I’m the one who creates the atmosphere. Even on the grayest days, I’m surrounded by a world that speaks back to me, telling me exactly who I am.