Some things that are bringing me joy right now...
You guys know by now that I’m all about looking for the good in life, and our current situation hasn’t changed that. Like everyone, I’ve experienced the lows and the worries that come with life in lockdown, but I’ve been choosing not to dwell on that, and to instead turn my attention to all the things that are bringing me joy right now. And do you know what? That list is pretty long.
I wanted to share it with you all today, both to remind you to focus on the good right now, but also for me to look back on one day - because before we know it, life will have gotten back to normal, and it’ll be hard to remember how it felt to go through what we’re all experiencing.
So here goes - here are the things that are bringing me joy right now…
Video calls with my parents and my sister. They mostly involve my sister taking the mick out of all of us, and me ending up with a stitch from laughing.
Being pen pals with my little cousins and nephew. I’ve been writing letters to them and getting their replies in the post is the loveliest thing.
Mornings spent sipping tea, meditating, and journaling in my notebook. I always feel better when I start the day this way.
Hearing the birdsong. We live near a nature reserve, and now that the hum of traffic has all but disappeared, we can hear the birds chirping away from dawn until dusk.
Enjoying the sunshine in our garden. We were very lucky that the builders finished re-paving it for us the day before lockdown began, and we’ve been feeling very grateful to have somewhere to enjoy the lovely weather.
Noticing the seasons change and the world around us start to bloom again on our daily walks. I think pink, heavy blossom trees are one of the most joyful sights.
Escaping to other worlds via the brilliant books I’ve been reading. I’ve been getting stuck into some corkers recently, and I’m so grateful for the distraction they provide.
Sitting down at the table every evening for dinner. We never do this usually, but there’s something about making an occasion out of our meals that feels really special.
Getting to spend more time with my husband than ever before. I’ve really been enjoying getting out for our walks together and spending the evening playing Scrabble or watching telly.
Proper catch ups with my pals. From quizzes to virtual breakfast dates to good old fashioned deep and meaningful chats, I’ve been loving having more time to hang out with my favourite people, even if it’s not in person.
Trying new recipes - I feel like I’ve added lots more signature dishes to my repertoire, and I can’t wait to cook them for my loved ones once this is over.
My work. It sounds cliche, but I adore the work I do, and it really does feel like right now, it’s more relevant than ever before.
Finding lots of lovely new walking routes near our house. There are so many beauty spots nearby that we weren’t aware of, and discovering them all for the first time has felt like a mini adventure.
Rediscovering old pleasures, like jigsaws, embroidery and baking. I’ve really relished activities like these that allow me to switch my brain off for a little while.
Proper rest. Being at home all of the time has meant I’ve been able to properly catch up on sleep and recharge - something that usually only happens on holidays.
Cuddling up in bed with my husband and our cat, and feeling so, so lucky that I get to do this whole lockdown lark with them.
What’s been bringing you joy during lockdown?
