Some words just feel good. Not because they’re fancy or impressive, but because of how they sound, or how they make me feel when I say them. I collect them like little treasures, tucked into poems, scribbled in the margins of old notebooks, or whispered to myself while doing the dishes.

They’re not always practical. Some are too tender, too slow, too soft for everyday use. But I love them anyway.

So I thought I’d share a few of my favorites, and the reasons they’ve earned a little corner in my heart.

Vellichor – The wistful feeling of being in a used bookstore. Dust, silence, old pages, and a bit of mystery.

Petrichor – The earthy scent after rain hits dry ground. One of the most poetic words in the English language.

Lilt – A gentle rise and fall in tone. Musical, airy, almost like a smile you can hear.

Solace – Comfort in sadness. A word that feels like a hand being held.

Nestle – Warm, safe, close. Cozy by nature.

Hearth – More than a fireplace. A feeling of home, warmth, gathering.

Glimmer – Soft light that dances. A little hope, a little sparkle.

Serendipity – A happy accident. When the universe surprises you with something gentle and good.

Dulcet – Sweet-sounding. Soft, harmonious, like velvet spoken aloud.

Whimsy – Imagination and playfulness with a dreamy touch.

Eloquence – Graceful speech. A word that makes you think of handwritten letters and quiet wisdom.

Moonbeam – A silver thread of light. Romantic, delicate, magical.

Tendril – A curling vine or thought. Feminine, botanical, delicate.

Halcyon – Calm, peaceful days. A golden kind of nostalgia.

Ephemeral – Lasting only a moment, but deeply beautiful while it’s here.

Wanderlust – A longing to explore. Soft and hopeful.

Sonder – The sudden realization that everyone has a story as rich and complex as yours.

Mellifluous – A word that sounds like what it means: sweet and musical.

Evermore – Timeless, poetic, full of promise.

Dandelion – Light and golden and wild. It reminds me of wishes, tangled hair, childhood, and sunlight. It’s a word that feels like freedom.

Incandescent– Bright, burning, full of warmth. A word that feels alive, like passion you can’t quite contain.

So much of life feels hurried. But every now and then, it helps to pause for something simple, like a word that makes you feel something. A word that’s beautiful just because it is. I keep these close, like little charms in my pocket, reminders to speak gently, write honestly, and notice the quiet things.

Maybe you’ll find a new favorite here. Or maybe it’ll remind you of one you’ve always loved.

Either way, I hope these words bring you a little warmth today.

Autumn