Small Joys

 I don’t know about you all but recently I’ve been having the same time of pandemic feelings that I was having back in March and April of 2020. It’s hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel right now, but instead of focusing on things I can’t control, I’m trying to focus on the small things that I can control that are bringing me joy.

• My diffuser. In our new place I set up the diffuser right next to my desk so I can smell it while I work. Recently I’ve been using the grapefruit and the lavender essential oils in heavy rotation.
• Coffee. Every morning I have coffee with my Hearthstone Collective drops and then my Apothekary powders. And since we moved I’ve also been taking the opportunity to explore the neighborhood by taking a walk in the afternoon to local coffee shops and grabbing a treat to go.
• My 2021 Spotify playlist. Every year I make a playlist with the songs I find and fall in love with that year. My 2021 playlist is off to a great start.
• This Nancy Meyers’ Kitchen playlist. Like every other millennial I’m fully obsessed with Nancy Meyers movies and her gorgeous kitchens. This playlist totally evokes that feeling and I’ve had it playing in the background while I work. Definite mood booster.
• Seco cocktail classes. I’ve learned SO MUCH in these classes. And I do feel like I’ve made some friends since I’ve attended almost every class. They’re the perfect balance of fun and learning.
• Workout classes. I feel much better when I move my body. So I’ve recommitted to doing that on a regular basis. I take classes with spark by gabby–my favorites are core & more, HIIT, and then set the week and finish the week. 
• Sitting in my new bay windows and reading or working. I’m beyond thankful to be in a new space (and to be in a house instead of an apartment building). I’m making the most of it by setting up my workstation in the front window where I can watch the world go by my little street.
• Reading, obviously. I’ve already read EIGHT BOOKS this year!!! My preferred method is to be constantly reading two books (lol @ me): one as my bedtime book (right now that’s The Power of Ritual) and a daytime book (currently: Can’t Even). This helps my brain know when it’s time to settle down and go to sleep.
• Going on walks. Such a simple thing but it really does bring me joy to get out of the house and move (with a mask, obviously). Having a dog helps with this since she forces me to get out of the house but I also love exploring new neighborhoods sans dog. 
• Baths!! I finally have a bathtub again! I haven’t had one for four years and I’ve certainly missed the way it forces you to stop and slow down. I like to do a face mask and put on a nice playlist and just relax.