Open-hearted joys 開開心心 37

Of all the things that I have reset this year (and in 2021), I’m glad that my love for capturing life’s small everyday joys remains. It’s one of the most gratifying practices that I started years back and it really allows me to be grateful for what I have and see more clearly what I want more – or less, I suppose – of. In cutting down the amount of time I spend online and even what I share online, I’m thankful too that I still feel good about this series. And, I’m even more proud that so many of you do the same on your blogs or social media accounts or journals. This is such a great habit of ours.

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. Trading sunset photos for sunrise vignettes with my boyfriend. Opposite shifts are hard, but there’s still plenty of great things from it.

二. Glimpsing October fog hanging above the trees – with all their glorious changing colours – on my commute to the office. Autumn is such a magical season.

三. The feeling of finishing a book! Unbeatable.

四. The rare moment when you have all your ducks in a row: house clean, laundry away, to-do list checked and snack on the coffee table. A dream (if only for a few hours)!

五. Anticipation for the second round of our traditions.

六. Hitting new PBs at the gym after a really long, stagnant period of maintenance.

七. Steaming bowls of ramen when it’s chilly outside.

八. When people surprise you with the most special treats, after remembering the smallest things about you.

九. Knowing there’s a delicious packed lunch in your work bag, ready to keep your day on track. See also: prepping lunch in advance. See doubly also: Sunday afternoons spent cooking delicious meals.

十. Sunday night bubble baths.

What are some of your little joys lately?