Finding Joy in Everyday Things
Written By: Hanbi Lee
Photo by: David Mao on Unsplash
It has almost been a year since the first lockdown. It’s pretty crazy to think that most of us have been confined to our homes for almost a year. Even though that experience has come with its fair share of inevitable challenges, it has also enabled me to find joy in the mundane, small, and everyday things. Here are a few things that bring me joy each day:
Family Time
I didn’t realize until the lockdown, when I was forced to spend almost all of my time with my family, just how little time I had been spending time with them pre-pandemic. Being back at home for the entire year, I got to rekindle and even deepen my relationship with my family members. And even though they drive me crazy sometimes (but then again, whose family doesn’t), I’m so glad I have people to binge TV shows with, make midnight snacks with, fight over stupid things with, and have a grand laugh fest with. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more appreciative for their company, during a time that would otherwise have felt extremely isolating.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and All the Coffee Breaks in Between
Even before the pandemic, I was an avid lover of all things food and drinks. But not being able to go to my favourite restaurants and cafes really prodded me to sharpen my skills in the kitchen. As a result, I’ve discovered a plethora of amazing, diverse recipes. Often, the highlight of my day is cooking, then promptly eating what I cooked. I also went through an amateur coffee connoisseur phase, where I was trying out different brews for months. I swear I instantly feel more awake the moment I catch a whiff of coffee brewing first thing in the morning. And not to toot my own horn, but after all that practice, I think I might be qualified to work as a barista now…
Exercise...at whatever time you prefer
While I was genuinely concerned I would come out of lockdown with an extra 20 pounds, I have thankfully also discovered a new love for exercise. Those who know me can attest to the fact that I hate working out (and frankly, all things exercise-related). But being sedentary for so long finally took its toll on me, and I felt that it was a necessity to move my body to feel somewhat alive. The key to enjoying exercise is finding what you actually like to do because exercise can truly be excruciating for some (like myself) when you’re forcing yourself to work out for the sake of working out. After dipping my toes into a range of exercise options, I realized I had an affinity towards pilates. So it’s become part of my night routine now. When I feel like my brain has had enough for the day, I go to the basement, put on some pilates videos, and wind down.
Quietness
Don’t you just love when you’re the only one awake in your house, whether early in the morning or late into the night, and you realize how quiet it is? I’ve really come to appreciate such moments of silence, especially these days when the buzz of social media and news outlets seem louder than usual.
When a really great throwback song comes on unexpectedly
Whether you’re in the middle of vacuuming, taking a walk, working on an assignment, cooking, or whatever it is you do while listening to music, it’s always such a pleasant surprise when a song you absolutely love (and know all the words to) starts playing all of a sudden.
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