Open-hearted joys 開開心心 03

I’ve been looking forward to compiling this fortnight’s ‘Open-hearted joys’ for a while, not least because I knew it’d be time to capture the best little moments from my birthday. As it happens, a lockdown birthday did hunt me down and I spent it cosied up at home with Mum, Dad, my sister and Milo. We celebrated with a few gifts, an Indian takeaway, a few outfit changes, and I got to head out on a masked-up, socially distanced walk in my favourite corner of town. Stepping into my 30s feels unbelievably clarifying and I feel so content and at ease with myself. Here’s to 30.

There’s a lot to be said for appreciating the smaller, not necessarily finer details of the everyday mundane. Here’s to another list of petite joys, the moments that’ve brought and woven poetry to my days, this fortnight:

一. The pair of days where it was jacket weather! Oh the thought of spring is so tantalising. I can’t bloomin’ wait to be shimmying back into blazers and jackets and trainers, instead of chunky coats and my umpteenth pair of wellies or boots.

二. Blissful time off work. I feel like this week of annual leave has really helped me to calibrate and restore my senses a little. I’m not going to completely jump the gun and say I’m ready to hit the ground running, but I definitely have a smidge more headspace to properly work on some of my goals at work.

三. True Beauty!! I started it (the K-drama!) at long last this week, and am thoroughly obsessed. Team Suho! Next up, to read the webtoon too.

四. Receiving gifts from friends for my birthday, completely taking me by surprise! I’m so lucky.

五. Oat milk biscuit teas. Holy moly, how did I only just discover them?!

六. My beautiful birthday blooms! I just adore having fresh flowers in my room.

七. Plentiful long walks, despite the cold. We’ve been heading to the lake most days with Milo, and it always feels so good to be by the water. Nature is such a tonic.

八. Completing Chapter 1 of Atelier Ryza: Ever Garden & the Secret Hideout. I’m absolutely loving this game and can’t wait to pick up more Atelier games!

九. Virtually hanging out in Sian’s Be Messy Be Magic streams on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. They’re so relaxing, exude the best chill vibes, and really help me feel less alone whilst stuck indoors. Follow her Twitch channel, and I’ll see you in stream on Monday 😉

十. Receiving some very exciting news indeed – watch this space!

What are some of your little, open-hearted joys lately?