Vanilla
Vanilla
12 June 2026
Vanilla.
You know how it’s become one of those words that’s rarely a compliment?
It’s used to describe people, experiences, lives.
A bit plain.
A bit predictable.
A bit lacking in pizzazz.
More an adjective than a flavour, really.
And it’s the word that came to mind as I sat down to write this.
For a couple of weeks now I’ve been thinking I’m due to put a blog post up.
Then I think…
About what?
A short while back I said I’d show up more often.
I’d really try at that.
And here I am…
Knowing I’m overdue.
And yet not inspired.
I’m really not about rushing things.
Or doing it because you’re supposed to.
Or acting out of obligation.
I’ve never found much magic in forcing things.
So now I’m sitting here wondering if that’s the problem.
Is it because nothing noteworthy has happened lately?
No.
Stuff is happening all the time.
Good stuff.
Meaningful stuff.
Life stuff.
Am I just desensitised to its brilliance?
Does it make my life boring?
Am I somehow just going through the motions?
Am I…
VANILLA?
Heaven forbid.
But the longer I’ve sat with that thought, the more I’ve realised something.
Maybe life isn’t supposed to constantly feel remarkable.
Maybe some seasons are quieter than others.
Maybe life is just unfolding.
And maybe that’s exactly what I’m struggling to write about.
Because we’re taught to share the milestones.
The adventures.
The transformations.
The moments hanging dramatically off the edge of a cliff.
But what about the months where life simply… works?
Where nothing is on fire.
Nothing is broken.
Nothing desperately needs fixing.
There are quiet moments that join themselves together over and over again to simulate a day.
Then a week.
Then a month.
And perhaps in themselves they’re the message.
They are the joy.
I don’t need to go hunting for experiences worthy of social media stories.
I can just be.
You can just be.
We can all just be.
And be okay with that.
Right now, I’m Vanilla.
Maybe even a little melted.
And I’ll choose that every time over chaos for the sake of distraction.
Or chasing a version of life that isn’t really mine.
I’m happy to watch others.
To see their self-expression spill over and become part of a collective joy.
It’s beautiful.
And for now, it’s enough.
Much love
Kate




