Open-hearted joys 開開心心 66

At last, January is almost over. In a way, I’ll be sad to wave goodbye to another month. I spent it both hibernating and preparing for the year ahead, which looks like it’ll be packed with fun, change and new experiences. January seems to be universally loved or detested and it’s easy to see why: the nights are still long, the weather – in the UK at least – is bleak, and we’re all missing the cosiness of Christmas. But plenty of downtime has given me much food for thought. I even wrote about lots of it on my Substack!

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. Frost-coated grass tips and ice-blanketed trees surrounding the farmhouse I drive past en route to work. The weather might’ve been shockingly cold, but it looked nice.

二. Being back in the swing of things with & Chai. Plus, my limited-edition Daisybutter & Chai collection is back for a couple of weeks, if you’d like to indulge in some ‘Petite joys’ and ‘Sundaze’ goodies.

三. A Sunday brunch date with some of my oldest friends. We hadn’t seen each other in several months, but it was so much fun to see them and catch up! There’s nothing better than hanging out with pals that instantly fill your cup.

四. My current weekday evening ritual of a book and Love Island: All Stars after my skincare routine. That show has a grip on me…

五. Beginning to slot in plans for the year at last!

六. Baking my first focaccia loaf… and it turning out deliciously.

七. A cosy Thai takeaway night with my family – such a rarity for us, but a real treat.

八. Bird-watching country walks with my love.

九. Lazy Sundays and that blissful five minutes while you’re relaxing – post-clean, fresh candle burning – when you realise that everything is feeling exactly how you dreamt it.

十. Monday afternoon cups of tea.

What are some little joys from your week?