Open-hearted joys 開開心心 64

With it being just weeks and days away from Christmas Day, I’m sure you won’t be at all surprised by most of the things on this fortnight’s gratitude list. I’ve even been capitalising on the ‘gratitude’ mood by beginning to think about my plans and hopes for 2024. Have you started considering next year’s goals yet?

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. Cosy winter evenings nestled in a blanket with the Christmas tree lights twinkling away. I always wish we could keep the lights (’til January) all year!

二. The chana masala I batch-cooked and ate for dinner most of last week – delicious and so comforting during these chillier days.

三. Finishing my Christmas gift-shopping! And, actually, my food bits too.

四. Spending a Sunday beside the tree, lights flickering and Mamma Mia 2 playing in the background, starting to work on my 2024 vision board and bullet journal setup.

五. A sick day. (Or multiple sick days…) I logged off early from work, hopped into bed, took a nap and then read the rest of my book. Silver linings.

六. Wintry walks in the crisp fresh air.

七. Watching The Holiday more times than I can count.

八. The look of wonder and excitement on Milo’s face when it hits his after-dinner witching hour. He might be nearly eight, but he has such a puppy sensibility.

九. A cosy Saturday afternoon with my boyfriend, wrapped up in coats and hats and scarves, spent Christmas shopping for books for the little ones.

十. You’re Losing Me on repeat, all the time, properly.

What’s a small joy from your life lately?