Open-hearted joys 開開心心 23
Brace yourself, because this soft Pisces girl has fully embraced February as the month of love. We’re back at it. And how could I let this fortnight, of all fortnights, pass without noting down and sharing some of my joys? It’s been a messy month, if I’m honest. Amongst all of the everyday magic and petite joys, I’m currently trying (badly) to cope with a friendship break-up and, as this month marks my Granny’s passing, surging waves of grief.
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 huge French press of vanilla doughnut coffee that my sister and I enjoyed on a quiet Wednesday afternoon. What a treat!
二. Feeling strong again at the gym. One of my goals this month was to go up a weight set across the board, and I can confirm your girl is lifting.
三. The beyond-beautiful sunset on the 2nd February. I think it sparked some springtime hope in us all.
四. When people surprise you by remembering little things about you. My boyfriend surprised me with a night at the ballet for my Valentine’s gift, something I’d mentioned in passing once when we first met eight years ago.
五. Really long catch-ups with friends, even those you chat to every day. Even more so while I try to navigate this friendship break-up.
六. My morning bake-at-home Pret croissant and biscuit tea routine, oft-coupled with 30-40 pages of my current read.
七. How good it felt to be reunited with my little sister after her recent trip. We went for a coffee and shared literally. every. tiny. detail. from our weeks!
八. … Similarly, how good it felt to have a week-long stretch of alone time. It’s so valuable to spend time alone and check in with yourself. Turns out, I really needed that time alone.
九. Days and days of celebrating Valentine’s. Knowing that St. Valentine’s Day fell on a Monday, we made it our mission to keep the sentiments going beyond that. I love feeling loved.
十. That stretch of time after work when I get to cuddle Milo, make a snack and unwind from my working day.
What’re some of the petite, open-hearted joys from your life lately?
