I had the idea for this post on Sunday evening, so I’m pretty thrilled that it’s only Tuesday and I’m already about to hit publish. In previous months, it would have taken weeks to find the time and headspace to write this, not to mention all the overthinking that usually comes with it.
There’s something so nostalgic about this style of writing. It feels like stepping straight back into the early days of blogging, when sharing was just about documenting the small everyday details of life. Back then, we would never have used a word like “content,” would we?.
Life moves so fast these days, and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind. So, in true old-school fashion, I’m taking a snapshot of right now and documenting the small, ordinary moments that are currently making me smile.
Here are 10 small things bringing me joy right now
Deciding to double down on what I already have. Following on from my last post about careers, it feels so good to focus on what I do best instead of starting something new. Leveraging the platforms I’ve built here and on my other blog, while reaching out to new consultancy clients feels like a massive weight off my shoulders. It’s such a relief to stop chasing the next shiny thing and finally back myself.
Decluttering the house. I’m taking 10 minutes several times a day to massively reduce the amount of stuff in the house. I’ve been chipping away at it since the new year but things need to move a bit faster. Every time I drop a bag at the charity shop or sell something on Vinted it feels so satisfying. I’m tired of my house feeling so chaotic, I’m on a mission to get it sorted before September.
Potato people drawings. My youngest’s current drawing style consists of big heads with stick legs attached directly to them, aka “potato people.” I know this phase passes all too quickly, so I’m soaking up every single oversized head.
Evening drives with the music turned up. Taking a quick drive alone in the evening with loud music blaring. Picture it: no questions, no obligations, the sun setting and total playlist and volume control. Bliss. These drives are even better if they’re teamed with going for a swim (something I plan to be more intentional about over the next 6 months).
Dappled light in the woods. Walking through local forests and nature reserves with my children on sunny days. Stopping to collect way too many pine cones and watching the sunlight filter through and dance on the ground. I’m planning for many more days like these over the summer holiday.
Reformer Pilates. Quite simply, 45 minutes of complete, uninterrupted time where my mind has to focus on breathing, form, and most importantly, not falling off the carriage. It’s impossible to overthink my to-do list when I’m concentrating that hard on staying balanced.
Reading in bed with my little book light. After years of relying on Audible while pushing prams, getting my steps in or driving, I’m finally getting back into physical books. The evenings where I put my laptop down and allow myself to click that tiny book light on in the dark, turn real pages, and get lost before going to sleep are some of my most restful.
A solo coffee with my notebook. Sitting at a quiet table with a warm drink and either my laptop or notebook. No interruptions, no quick questions, just an hour to write, brainstorm, or organise my thoughts in my own space.
The start of the summer holidays. Watching my child unwind and step out of the school-term routine has been wonderful and much needed after the last couple of months. Seeing them happy, stress-free, and living in the moment is the best.
Having something exciting booked in for August. This thing is something I’ve thought about a couple of times over the years and recently decided it was time to dive a little deeper. It’s very early days, it’s something I’m totally new to but I just have this feeling that the thing I’ve booked could lead down a rather exciting path. Keeping it mostly to myself is making it feel even more special, a quiet, personal spark of anticipation for the month ahead.
Writing this post felt just as freeing as I hoped it would. No overthinking, no strategic planning, just a simple snapshot of life right now. These types of posts are really nice to look back on as the years go by. Even if you don’t blog it can be nice to do something similar in a journal or the notes app of your phone.
What’s one joyful thing on your list at the moment? Drop it in the comments below or join me over on Instagram for a chat.