Soft Life Chronicles: Poetry about the true meaning of luxury

Let’s be honest. Most people just picture champagne in Paris, the City of Love; buying designer dresses on Fifth Avenue; or yachts just off the coast of Monaco when they hear the words “luxury” or “soft life.” For years, that was the narrative. Luxury was mostly perceived as extravagant, foreign, and often out of reach for the ordinary African. What if I tell you that you can experience luxury without all the aforementioned?

If you’re Nigerian and on social media, you’ve seen the phrase “soft life” floating around. It’s all over Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. It’s the girl sipping fresh juice at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday, the guy journaling by the beach, and the couple posting #staycation vibes from a fancy but serene Airbnb in Accra. But don’t get it confused. “Soft life” doesn’t mean sloth or aversion to hard work. If anything, it’s pushback against decades of the “no food for a lazy man” way of thinking.

Too many of us were raised in a world where hardship was rewarded. Where burning yourself out was a sign you were doing something good, and that sleeping was a luxury you had to earn with hardship. The soft life is not bank alerts and appearances. It’s about finding peace when the world makes hurt look glamorous. And if you’ve ever worked from morning till night just to be able to treat yourself to a little suya and one cold malt — my darling, you need a soft life.

And so, in good Aishasavvy tradition, I wrote a poem about it — because some things are better felt than said.

Soft Life Chronicles

They said luxury is heels-walking in Paris,
Drinking champagne by Monaco,
Spending in Milan and dining in Rome,
But I felt it in whispers, sipping zobo at home.

It's not always shining, not always golden,
It's the soft ease when your jollof is not cold.
It's being able to say "no" without fright.
It’s resting your body and still feeling clear.

Soft life isn’t laziness masked in lace,
It’s slowing down, not running a race.
It’s skincare with love, journaling with tea,
And dancing alone, just being free.

It’s solo trips, staycations, a robe, and a vibe,
It’s knowing you’re worthy, even without the hype.
Soft life whispers — it doesn’t scream,
But trust me, it’s the boldest dream.

Let’s Break It Down

One beautiful thing regarding this movement is the way it transcends geography and is relatable to many people from various parts of the world. After decades of working multiple jobs and drenched in sweat, many are now emphatically saying “no” to burnout and “yes” to living on purpose. 

People are finally realizing that happiness is not something you chase once you’ve gotten somewhere, but something that can be infused into your daily existence. The “soft life” is a soft revolution and a means of reclaiming your time, your peace, and your happiness.

It reminds you that you do not have to bleed first before you rest. It reminds you that you can hustle and yet choose joy. You can be in Lagos and yet find nuggets of peace.

What “Soft Life” should look like anyway

Soft life is:

Saying no to things that suck the soul out of you

Taking a break before you break down

Splurging your cash on therapy, skincare, or massages without shame

Booking that budget-friendly Airbnb in Ibadan just so you can breathe

Treat yourself to a solo date in Abuja and look cute for yourself alone

It’s not escaping duty. It’s not glamorizing stress. It’s being intentional about peace, even amidst chaos.

You need to feel light. You need softness, even when your life has been tough.

The True Flex

Finally, soft life is revolutionary for someone like me who grew up enduring first and maybe smiling later.

It’s not what you wear or where you are anymore.
It’s what you do with yourself.
It’s looking for happiness again in a country where “problem no dey finish.”

So start small — make your room a sanctuary, light that candle, bubble bath, choose rest, say no to stress, protect your peace.

Does choosing the soft life mean turning a blind eye to struggle? Not at all. Life is hard, but soft life is not about sticking its head in the sand and sidestepping trouble. It’s about choosing to smile, seeking out pockets of peace in a crazy world, and not letting struggle control you. And remember that you don’t need permission to live well.

What’s your view about soft life? Are you trying to live the soft life, or are you still overwhelmed with life stress? Feel free to leave your comment(s) in the comment section below. If you enjoy my blog, please share the joy with your loved ones using the share button. I am growing my blog and would love for you to are part of the journey. Thank you for visiting and I hope you remember me in your thoughts!