Open-hearted joys 開開心心 53

It feels like I lived several lifetimes during this fortnight, and what a joyful two weeks it’s been! From aaallll the Taylor Swift news to starting afresh on Threads, bountiful sun to cosy afternoons reading with a backdrop of thunderstorms, I truly can’t complain about how lovely things feel lately. Plus, I even snagged a tax rebate, which always feels like a treat. (I treated myself to a very rare pedicure and a new Taylor Swift hoodie with some of it.) All in all, this is shaping up to be a cool summer indeed.

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. Basking in the lilac glow of Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). Finally getting her rerecords has been so special to me: I feel like comparing the me I was then to the me that I am now highlights the healing and growth that we’ve all been on.

二. On that note, we got The Eras Tour tickets!!

三. THREADS. Goodness I am obsessed with Instagram’s shiny new alternative to Twitter. It feels like a wholesome, cosy space. And I am perennially amused by the users who clearly never tried Twitter before Instagram. Hop over and join me?

四. Post-period workouts. It surprises me, still, just how much stronger I am when my period is done with. I’m so excited by my current gym plan and I’m looking forward to building even more strength over the coming weeks.

五. Summer Fridays! Each Friday until the end of August, we finish work three hours earlier – cue even more time at the lake.

六. Getting excited for our mini trip to Berlin next week – can’t wait to explore another new-to-us city together!

七. Sunshine after days of rain.

八. Mid-morning playtime breaks with my dog on WFH days. The best reminder that we should all take regular breaks.

九. Grey’s Anatomy evenings. Deep into season seven now, and I can’t believe I didn’t watch this show sooner?! It’s SO good and I totally recommend it.

十. Potting vegetables on into new, larger pots. Grow, little babies, grow!

What are some little joys from your life lately?