After being inspired by Simon Dillon's article, I felt motivated to share my own list of essential items. Interestingly, Eric Piercece’s ideas, influenced by a GQ feature on YouTube, also contributed to my thoughts.

From childhood, we often contemplate what essentials we need, especially during significant life changes like field trips, visiting grandparents, or moving into new living spaces. We frequently ask ourselves questions such as:

• What do I need to bring to thrive?
• Where can I buy these essentials, and is the store nearby?

We quickly learn that it’s impossible to carry everything from home, leading to personal evaluations of what we truly need, which can differ for everyone. Below are my ten essentials, presented in no particular order.

1. Sports Events With the Olympics reaching their climax, I'm eager to catch various competitions and speculate on the winners. Any games catching your interest? I’m planning to watch basketball and baseball games over the next few days. My excitement stems from my past participation in sports, particularly basketball, and the nostalgia of cheering for players I admire.

2. Television While I could theoretically live without a TV, my previous attempt to do so for a year proved otherwise. Although live news is accessible online, it doesn't match the convenience of TV. It keeps me entertained while multitasking, whether I’m cooking, folding laundry, or browsing the Internet. TV keeps me informed about local and global events, making it a necessity for me.

3. Films I enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary films, particularly from the 90s, while steering clear of horror movies. Sci-Fi films can be entertaining, some leaving a lasting impression. I aim to watch about one movie weekly, having transitioned from DVDs to online and TV viewing for over a decade.

4. Three Meals and Snacks Dietary habits vary widely; some eat more, while others stick to fewer meals due to lifestyle choices. I generally enjoy three substantial meals daily, often filled with vegetables (though I’m not a vegetarian). I also love snacks, ranging from healthy options like nuts to indulgent treats like donuts. These are crucial for me during breaks and moments of hunger.

5. Physical Activity Exercise has been a constant in my life, especially walking, which I’ve maintained since childhood. I also enjoy participating in various sports, though I don’t train like a bodybuilder. I find joy in playing basketball, tennis, and other fun activities, whether competitively or casually.

6. Continuous Learning Currently, I’m focused on learning about artificial intelligence and 3D modeling. My recent project was creating a geometric snail, which I am excited to share in an upcoming article.

7. Cute Photos and Videos Who can resist adorable animals? I have a particular fondness for images and clips featuring dogs. One of my favorites is a scene from The Secret Life Of Pets. Occasionally, I also enjoy watching shows dedicated to humorous animal antics online.

8. Toiletries Toothpaste and toilet paper may seem trivial, but they are essentials I use daily. Unlike toothbrushes, which last for months, these items require frequent replenishment, making them vital for my daily routine.

9. Accessories I have daily accessories and special occasion pieces, including simple pierced earrings. Forgetting to wear them feels wrong, but putting them on lifts my spirits. They have become a comforting part of my daily life.

10. Beverages Coffee and tea are irreplaceable in my routine. I enjoy various types of both, with hot chocolate being my go-to when feeling under the weather. Learning about the historical use of chocolate as a medicinal drink has made it a comforting choice for me.

Conclusion The ten essentials I’ve highlighted include sports, television, movies, meals, exercise, learning, cute media, toiletries, accessories, and beverages. While there are many other items I cherish, this list encapsulates what I consider vital. As Simon noted, it’s a thoughtful prompt to explore, and I encourage others to share their own essentials.

Happy writing to everyone this weekend, and thank you for reading!

The author shares humorous stories, writing experiences, and insights on technology, including 3D modeling and AI. Check out her latest article for more.