Open-hearted joys 開開心心 52
A little prescheduled post for you this week since, right now, I’m in Athens celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday! Life lately has been a rollercoaster: this fortnight saw me view houses, fall ill with an ear infection and have a very chaotically busy week both professionally and personally. But, I’m proud of myself for actually using any downtime to actually down tools and rest. We’re getting there people!
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. Buying myself flowers with my weekly groceries. Sure, the big shop is more expensive now, but a small joy here and there shouldn’t be sacrificed.
二. Designing my own Kindle lock screens, using Tessa’s handy hack on Instagram. And, then, matching phone lock screens too.
三. Strolling ‘round West London during my in-office lunch breaks. Often I’ll call my sister for a little midday catch-up, other times I just soak up the beautiful townhouses, leafy London and search for the perfect matcha latte.
四. My evening journalling sessions. I’m usually a mid-morning writer, but I’ve enjoyed devoting some of my evening to journalling and have found my brain just works best then.
五. Pre-holiday anticipation.
六. The lovely store manager at Specsavers, who was so welcoming, kind and thoughtful when I popped in for an eye test and to buy new frames. She truly went above and beyond!
七. Sunny after-work reading sessions in the garden, followed by an at-home workout. I adore the gym, but it was nice to shake things up and enjoy a lower-impact workout.
八. A farewell lunch with one of my colleagues. I’m so sad to see them leave, but new horizons are always exciting. And, it was a lovely little way to send her off!
九. Morning dog walks and enjoying cuddles with all of Milo’s friends!
十. This one-pot tomato and garlic orzo. I made it for dinner once last week and it was absolutely delicious. I’m definitely making that one again.
What are some small joys from your life lately?