Open-hearted joys 開開心心 24

Life feels deliciously busy but in that lovely, syrupy-slow way that I’ve always preferred. I hadn’t even noticed that it’s been a month since I last shared one of these ‘Open-hearted joys’ posts! Worry not, though, things have felt very joyful and very open-hearted, I’ve just been busy soaking it up rather than noting it down here. It’s also pretty much spring now! And I’m very ready for a seasonal shift, and to embrace a lighter season and no-coat weather. I finished my latest freelance contract today, so it feels very apt to step into a new season with a clean slate, boundless opportunities and a chance to get cracking on lots of shiny new things.

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. Our Jujutsu Kaisen 0 date night! Couples that anime together… It was so fun to shake things up with a mid-week date night, and even better that we got to see JJK0 together. Have you been to see it yet?

二. These beautifully bright, blue-skied days. Spring is pretty much here, and I’m ready for it.

三. I treated myself to a tarot reading for my birthday, and it was such a personal and affirming experience. I went with Jeni at @thepisceanaura on Twitter, who was so warm and friendly!

四. New game season. I started playing The Cruel King and the Great Hero last week, and it is so cute! Feels like it won’t be a super long game, which is just what I want when Kirby and the Forgotten Land is about to release too. So many games, such little time…

五. A productive fortnight of workouts. I’m thoroughly back into my usual fitness/wellness routine and I’m absolutely loving it. From candlelit BodyBalance classes to lifting with my boyfriend (we’ve become that couple…), I feel stronger and my mind feels clearer. A winner all ‘round!

六. Twilight strolls on cobbled paths.

七. How great a hot shower feels after a long, anxiety-filled day.

八. My new desk configuration. I seem to rejig my desk every couple of weeks at the moment. My current one feels great and looks cosy; it’s going to be perfect for my brand-new working week set-up, now that my latest freelance project has wrapped.

九. Celebrating my boyfriend’s new job! We popped to a nearby town for Vietnamese street food, and gelato for dessert. One of life’s greatest pleasures is being able to celebrate the people you love and their successes.

十. My new Papier recipe journal. I can’t wait to fill it up with my favourite recipes that I’ve found from TikTok and Instagram. And, someday, I might even be able to pass it down to my children, and they can see what I cooked and baked throughout a pandemic!

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