Open-hearted joys 開開心心 33

August so far has been a dream, even if at one point I felt overwhelmed by how many plans were in my diary. This introvert isn’t used to having more than one or two occasions to look forward to at a time! However, it’s been such a joy to spend time with my best friends, family and loved ones and make the most of one sweltering British summer. It might sound cheesy, but I really feel a deep-seated gratitude for my life lately. I am so lucky.

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. Homemade vegan tiramisu. My boyfriend surprised me the Friday night before last with homemade tiramisu! It was the loveliest surprise and so delicious, a nice way to shake off the holiday blues. Then last weekend, he made us vegan mint chocolate mousse! What did I do to deserve this man?!

二. Bright August mornings. They make my morning gym sessions and reading sprints feel even better.

三. Sundress weather! I just love popping a sundress on and calling it an outfit. My boyfriend and I even managed to colour-match fully for date night last weekend.

四. A self-care hour to get my nails done, and then an hour after that to enjoy a quiet read in my favourite local independent bookshop.

五. Family gatherings. It was Mum’s birthday last week, and so nice to have my brother home. This week it was Dad’s 60th so we threw him a traditional Chinese banquet, and then a couple of my boyfriend’s family members are next! Busy busy!

六. How great it feels to suddenly catch yourself in a moment and realise how lucky you are to be here.

七. Summer evenings down at the lake.

八. Rare Monday morning optimism.

九. The Sunday reset; clean home, fresh laundry, lunchboxes made, groceries replenished.

十. Savouring every word of Fonda Lee’s Jade Legacy – the final instalment of The Green Bone Saga is really everything.

What’s a small joy from your world lately?