Open-hearted joys 開開心心 04

The days are stretching out a little longer than the last at the moment, and blue skies wave a cheery ‘hello’ to us for a touch longer than before. I’ve never been so excited for spring after this treacherous winter. Perhaps it’ll inspire me to get back to routinely writing and publishing here again; some of you have noticed I’ve stepped back a touch. Thank you thank you if you reached out, it’s meant more than you can imagine. It’s been hard to put things into words, and so I simply didn’t. But brighter horizons are coming, I really believe they are. I’m getting a little more mental and physical rest in, and 2021 ain’t gonna know what’s hit it when I leave my personal hibernation.

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. Candyfloss pink skies, just as I left Tesco to pick up essentials. So dreamy.

二. I’ve been getting back into working out again, after more than three months of barely moving. From Nike+ Training Club programmes to an hour here and there on RingFit, and from virtual Barre class to slightly lengthier walks, it’s really helped to lift my mood and help me to sleep.

三. Reaching the midway point of Atelier Ryza! … But now I’ve slowed down considerably because I don’t want the game to end.

四. Spotting early blossom and buds on branches on the dog walk. Even Milo stopped to admire them!

五. A coffee jar of posies. Unconventional, but your girl is fast running out of vases!

六. Spoiling Mum on Mother’s Day; she’s done so much for our family over all the years, but particularly during the pandemic, multiple lockdowns and helping me get back on my feet.

七. Being two weeks into my refreshed outlook and frame of mind for a healthier work-life balance. I’ve been much stricter with my hours, and more assertive with pushy deadlines, and I feel much more positive towards work.

八. Sunday night bullet journaling. I’ve been so lax on this lately, but I took the time to plan out my week last weekend and it meant I started Monday feeling rested, prepared and Not Anxious.

九. The ‘new book day’ feeling.

十. Stretches of days without social media, culminating in words that suddenly seem to fit better, real-life interactions that feel better, thoughts that slot in better.

What are some of your little joys, lately?