Open-hearted joys 開開心心 43
Between the Winter Illness that seems to have taken many of us down and the busyness of everyday life, I feel like no time at all has passed since my last gratitude list check-in. Really I feel like I’m still getting back in the swing of things, even now! Work, study and social lives have all considerably ramped up and I suppose I’m really trying to lean into the smaller things, since that’s all I have the bandwidth for. Me-time mornings at the gym, mindful work hours, cosy evenings with my sister… All have been tonics for the soul as I ease back into the world.
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. Easing back into work after sickness with a day at home, writing and editing away to some pretty excellent playlists.
二. Blue skies that whisper of imminent spring. And, lighter skies even a whisker after 5pm. The long ol’ British winter is almost over, friends!
三. Our Valentine’s celebrations that stretched over two weekends, for various reasons.
四. The inaugural post-sickness bubble bath, exfoliate, sheet mask and hair wash. Unbeatable.
五. Spending a Sunday in London with Winnie. We hadn’t caught up IRL in a good six months or so, and it was so good to have a big ol’ chat, eat delicious food and explore an exhibition. The ‘Chinese and British’ exhibit at the British Library is a great little afternoon activity.
六. Evenings spent travel planning. I’m so happy to be back to researching fun spots to discover for our upcoming trips.
七. Closing my book a fraction earlier in the evening, in favour of spending a little longer on my skincare routine. This mindful switch is making a big difference, somehow.
八. ‘Bonus’ walks with my dog. Now that the weather is a little more mild here in our hometown, I’m enjoying taking Milo out for an extra walkies in the afternoon. He gets to explore and I get to hit my 7k daily steps!
九. When the Tupperware cupboard is actually properly organised.
十. Always, silent South Korean cooking vlogs.
What are some of the little joys from your life lately?
