Open-hearted joys 開開心心 44
Ahh it feels good to tuck myself under a blanket and write a gratitude list! Last week, I was busy celebrating my birthday in Rome and exploring another gorgeous Italian city and, now, I’m just another 32-year-old seeking out a pocket of home comfort while her to-do list grows by the second. It’s been a busy but incredibly joyful fortnight, but you knew that already from my incessant social media posts, right? As I get gratefully older, I am reminded that it is most important to lean into the little things and, especially, the things you love. While there is always room to evolve, it’s also good to embrace the things you already adore, no matter the opinions of others.
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. Being completely absorbed in my work. It feels like a real blessing to just love what I do for work. Our Paris Fashion Week prep was hectic but it was all worth it in the end – what a show!
二. Equally, sinking into my cloud of a bed after a long and busy day. Invest in good pillows and bedding, friends, you really won’t regret it.
三. A Sunday spent trying a new-to-us spot for an early birthday roast, before popping into town to pick up coconut matcha lattes, browse books and feast upon cute vegan bakes.
四. Celebrating my birthday in Rome with my love! I feel pinch-myself-lucky to have him. It was such a magical trip.
五. Therapeutic venting sessions with the girls on WhatsApp. It’s a necessity, sometimes.
六. Post-gym breakfasts.
七. Spotting snowdrops and irises on our bitterly ice-cold walks; winter is finally on its way out!
八. Clear skies, followed by star-gazing evenings.
九. Breathing in crisp late winter air.
十. How soul-soothing it feels to check life admin tasks off: consolidate bank accounts, pack up bags for Oxfam pick-up, sell a few more tote bags’ worth of books. Check, check, check.
What are some of the little joys in your life lately?
