Open-hearted joys 開開心心 14
When the seasons are on the brink of turning, I feel more compelled than ever to take stock of everything around me. From the leaves on the big tree outside our house turning ochre to the dipping mercury, autumn is most certainly on its way. For some reason, my week has felt full of anxiety. I’ve journaled, called friends and taken self-care evenings, yet it persists. But that’s fine too. It’ll change, improve.
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. The sound of late summer rain; persistent, comforting and a gentle reminder that it’s completely fine to be indoors sometimes.
二. Date night, and how easy it felt for the first time in so, so long. (Even if we did bump into my little brother’s friends…!)
三. The unbeatable feeling of getting properly organised and having all of your ducks in a row, no matter how briefly. Additionally, the slow burn of inevitable chaos.
四. Mornings getting admin done with a backdrop of old school Gossip Girl.
五. Bumping into my cousin and auntie at a local coffee shop. I hadn’t seen either of them in months and it felt so lovely to catch-up over a coffee.
六. My first nail appointment in weeks and, in turn, a giant gossip session with my nail artist. I’m absolutely besotted with my lilac ombré cloud nails and had the best time chatting away to Jo.
七. Unexpectedly enjoying creating video content both on TikTok and Instagram Reels. I’ve really struggled to shoot any photos that I’m both proud of and wanting to share, and I’m absolutely here for the more undone format of short-form videos.
八. Afternoons ‘off’, spent curled up with a good book and a little music, played quietly.
九. A Sunday under the sun, chattering away with Natasha, one of my longest friends.
十. How satisfying it (still) is to open up my candle cupboard to select a home fragrance for the day. Despite owning a whole candle business, I still have a big thing for buying new candles!
What are some of the little joys in your life lately?
