Open-hearted joys 開開心心 11
I’m so happy and content, this week, that I could simply burst. From checking off house errands to enjoying a more balanced pace of life, there’s a lot to be joyful for and grateful about. Life is busy, it always is, but I’m finding more and more pockets of time where I can quietly indulge in hobbies, spend time with friends, and generally better and further myself. It feels quite nice.
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. My cosy, dreamy desk set-up! I recently reconfigured my desk and added my new mechanical keyboard, and it feels more ‘me’ than ever. I’m looking forward to long writing stints and fun gaming sessions here.
二. Our two-hour dog walk at the weekend. There are incredibly few things that I’ll leave the house for on a Sunday morning, but it was so perfect to enjoy a Sunday morning stroll at the lake with a coffee, my Milo, and one of my best friends.
三. Redecorating my parents’ living room for them whilst they’re away. Picking paint samples, putting up shelves, hemming curtains and getting the place in order… I’m already thoroughly excited for when I get to do this in my own house.
四. Getting my second Pfizer dose! I’m fully vaccinated!
五. It being ‘august’ and joining in on the Swifties’ month-long celebrations. I love this song more than words can ever do justice. If you’re wondering what I’m up to, just assume it’s writing/playing a game/reading/cooking and listening to Taylor Swift’s ‘august’.
六. Surprising my friend Amelia with a BBQ party for her 30th! We had so much fun gathering to celebrate her.
七. A day spent in London with my little sister. I had to head into my old office(!) to return some equipment and my old security pass. It felt incredibly odd to be there, that’s for sure! And, as it was a long-dish journey in, we rewarded ourselves with bento boxes at Eat Tokyo and bubble tea from NUTTEA in Soho. Needless to say, I’m still thoroughly exhausted from my trip, but it’s good to check off errands from my seemingly never-ending list.
八. Slow mornings. Gosh I love it when I don’t have to be somewhere for 9am. Lately I’m enjoying my morning coffee in the garden or sipped whilst out walking Milo.
九. The garlic, red onion and coriander croissants I make for my late breakfast. Truly on another level.
十. Playing Pokémon UNITE! Even though all I do is button mash and pray to the Pikachu gods, it’s surprisingly fun to team up with random online players for this new format Pokémon game.
What are some of the petite joys in your world, lately?
