Open-hearted joys 開開心心 08

I’ve had the strangest May and I’m sure the lack of posts, well, anywhere online allude to that. After everything that’s happened and with the helping hand of Be Messy Be Magic, I decided to start counselling. I’m a few sessions in and can already notice a glimmer of difference. I’ve been so inside my head and heart that I don’t even have a fun pop culture anecdote to link this all to! That coupled with the washout and endless rain we’ve had in England has meant seeking out small joys has felt harder, yet it’s been necessary.

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, open-hearted joys, the moments that’ve brought and woven poetry to my days, this fortnight:

一. Embracing the ceaseless grey rainy days with bountiful cups of tea and books and Vincenzo episodes and games. This homebody is still enjoying some of lockdown’s vibes.

二. Being invited to an early preview screening of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train! I LOVED this anime and was thrilled to be able to see the film early – it was incredible and you need to go and see it. There’s a reason it’s the bestselling anime film! Thanks Funimation UK for my invite, you made this girl’s month worth something.

三. I ordered and received my 30th birthday present at last. For many reasons I didn’t buy it back in March, but I finally treated myself as a hybrid ‘you survived lockdown’ ‘you turned 30’ ‘you’re growing’ ‘you got a pay rise’ gift. Welcome to the family, Stella McCartney Mini Marlee.

四. Hanging out with my brother – and his girlfriend! – after months and months apart. Us Chai siblings always function better when together.

五. Early morning and late night journaling sessions, reminding me to be grateful that it ever even happened.

六. My Hello Kitty Tamagotchi! Yes, at the grand age of 30, I bought a new Tamagotchi and the nostalgia… you just can’t beat it.

七. I moved my bedroom around earlier in the week (I always find my space directly affects my mood and productivity), and I’m enjoying it so much. Feels fresh, or as fresh as a space you’ve spent 24/7 in for over a year can feel.

八. These gorgeous flowers from Bloom & Wild. I’m one of their ambassadors for the rest of this year, and can’t bloody believe it. The Alice peonies bunch is a colour-changing bouquet and they’ve brought me immeasurable joy during a tricky month.

九. A Friday night chill with my friend Amelia. For endless reasons, we’ve not done this in years and it felt SO good to have a lengthy catch-up and gossip (and enjoy puppy cuddles).

十. Evening drives with my sister, to take & Chai parcels to the drop-off box. We sing, vent, chat and plan, and it’s a great way to bookend long days.

What’re some of your open-hearted joys lately?