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

[lirazel]

Always keeping my eyes open for especially good trees or beautiful flowers.

Taking a shower before bed. There is no feeling like sliding into bed clean and cool.

Surrounding myself with art that I love.

Listening to whole albums. I just like going on a whole journey with an artist instead of hearing random songs like on the radio.

No algorithms. I refuse to use social media that makes my choices for me. On Instagram and Tumblr, I ONLY look at the accounts I follow (which I'm intentional about) in reverse chronological order. That's the only way I want to see internet "content."

Writing life updates for my journal. It gives me a chance to record for my future self what Im' thinking about or concerned about or looking forward to at a given time in my life. I tried for years to consistently keep a physical journal, but I would start it and abandon it. By knowing that there are a few friends out there who might actually care about what's going on with me, I feel enough of a desire to actually write it down.

Paying for a yoga class. I do not have the will power to make myself exercise. But when I pay for a class, I go because I refuse to waste my money, and once I'm there, I'm obviously going to do what the teacher says. That's the only kind of exercising I can consistently do!

[dolorosa_12]

I love all of these things so much!

I find that I'm more aware of trees and flowers now that a) I have a garden and b) I use Instagram and post a lot of pictures of various growing things. They're such bright spots in the day.

Listening to whole albums. I just like going on a whole journey with an artist instead of hearing random songs like on the radio.

I do this, but I find increasingly that I listen to whole concerts, where again it feels as if the artist is taking you on a very specific journey.

I agree with what you say about Dreamwidth — having that built-in audience helps make it feel worthwhile, and because I tag things very deliberately (and excessively), it's easy for me to go back and get a glimpse of my past life. I do keep a paper journal as well, but with no pressure to do so consistently, and I find that works well.

[lirazel]

, but I find increasingly that I listen to whole concerts, where again it feels as if the artist is taking you on a very specific journey.

I love that!

I do keep a paper journal as well, but with no pressure to do so consistently, and I find that works well.

Nice!