Open-hearted joys 開開心心 73
Spring is in full swing and our diaries are packed to the rafters with occasions, events and appointments. My boyfriend and I are super introverted, so we’re prioritising plenty of quiet downtime together in-between it all. If I’m honest, I’ve been feeling more and more compelled to switch off recently, and I’m not mad about it. Real life feels nice and balanced and fun if not a bit scary, and less screen time is a huge bonus.
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. The dependable rhythms of my everyday mundane. The click and swoosh of the patio door opening when I let Milo out in the morning; the slurping sound as my first cup of tea fills up; my morning gym sessions; lunch at 12.30pm; afternoon playtime with Milo; evenings in the kitchen with a smooth playlist, cooking up something fresh; the unbeatable feeling of lounging on the sofa after cleaning up and lighting a scented candle.
二. Soul-soothing evenings with friends. An old colleague and I met for dinner and a catch-up at Hoppers the other night and I left feeling all warm and fuzzy.
三. Feeling both metaphorically and physically swaddled by loved ones that have unfailingly supported me through a rough health patch. I’m a real tough kid, but it’s felt nice to relent a little and be taken care of.
四. Finishing Couch to 5k! Friends, I can now run 30 minutes without stopping and I’m so proud of myself. My sister and I now plan to continue running at least twice a week, but ideally three times. I’d totally recommend the NHS Couch to 5k app, if you’re curious about getting into running – it worked a treat for us!
五. Breakfast dates.
六. The shared excitement of my colleagues and I as we all discuss our upcoming trips.
七. Home-cooking from scratch.
八. Celebrating two years of my boyfriend’s nephew with a fun barbecue party at the weekend. Our first of the year and I always seem to forget how delicious food tastes when hot off the grill!
九. The anticipation of getting to start a brand-new bullet journal notebook! I was getting bored of mine after living in it for five whole months, but now it’s a necessity to move into my next book.
十. Conversations with strangers on dog walks, nature walks, popping-out walks.
