Friday open thread: small joys

[dolorosa_12]

It's been a long, and busy summer, and my availability on Dreamwidth has suffered a lot as a result, but I finally think things have calmed down to the point that I can commit to these Friday prompt posts with some degree of regularity.

Let's ease back into things with a pleasant prompt:

What are some (small, low-cost or free) things that you do regularly that make your life better and happier?

I was brought up by a mother whose solution to all life's ills was to go outside for a walk, so it's striking that it took me until the pandemic lockdowns to start doing this (other than walking with the purpose of getting to a specific place, which I've always done; my main mode of transport is my feet). But one of the things Matthias and I implemented in the first week of working from home was regular lunchtime walks — a way to see something other than the walls of our house, and a way to break up the day. After returning to hybrid working, I stuck to this routine on days when I worked in the office, and it's astonishing how much it's improved my mood.

The ritual of making tea for breakfast, or my morning coffee, in a slow, deliberate way, with nice ingredients.

Reading books while eating breakfast, and a general 'no social media before mid-morning or after dinner' rule, implemented ruthlessly at times of mental pressure.

Being awake in the early morning, and starting my day (especially on weekends) when most other people prefer to stay in bed.

Listening to music while cooking crepes for Sunday breakfast, or while drinking a glass of wine when preparing dinner on the weekend (which is, in fact, what I'm going to do once I've caught up on Dreamwidth).

I used to be terrible about hoarding the nice things people gave me as presents or that I bought to use only on special occasions. Then I realised that those special occasions might never happen, or my tastes would change and I'd no longer like the thing by the time I'd slowly used it up over years (and in some cases decades). I decided that everyday life was the special occasion, and if I wanted to light the expensive candle or use the 'good' olive oil or perfume, I had permission to do so.

What about you?

Comments

[rmc28]

Cycling rather than taking the bus, in particular for the school run and getting to the ice rink (going to the ice rink is a big expensive thing I do to make my life better and happier!). The timing is much more predictable, and the exercise settles both me and my child.

The route to the rink has a particularly lovely stretch alongside the river through Stourbridge Common and Ditton Meadows, and then alongside a field which often holds horses. I love the river and the space and the sight of the animals, it's all good. (Less fun in the rain, but that's what waterproofs are for.)

Cold-brew tea made in the fridge and/or home-made tea latte with soy milk heated in the microwave, for small pleasures. I can drink cow milk, but specifically for tea latte I prefer the lack-of-sweetness of soy.

[dolorosa_12]

Oh, that route to the rink is a gorgeous one — I know exactly where you mean, and it must be so glorious to glide through there, especially in nice weather! And I totally agree with you about travelling between places on your own steam (in my case walking, cycling in yours) — it clears the head and helps settle the emotions, and I find it puts me in the right frame of mind to start work (or to leave difficult parts of work behind at the end of the working day).