This month has been one of simple joys. It truly feels as though spring is right around the corner (even though I know we’re in a bit of a false spring). But knowing that a new season is near, it breathes new life into almost every experience. Something that Dr. Ellen Langer, recently reminded me of is that even if there are activities I don’t necessarily love, if I try to notice just one new thing about that activity that is pleasant it will ultimately improve the experience. Essentially any event can be enjoyable…even the most mundane. So, if you’re dreading something it’s going to be dreadful. If you choose to notice something new within that activity, you might just find some joy.
And so here is a list of 10 seemingly simple, possibly mundane activities that have surprisingly brightened my day these past few weeks:
1. Google Flights notifications. Dreaming about the next place that I want to travel to and then signing up for Google Flights alerts to find out when the price changes is one of my favorite simple pleasures. Google Flights scans over 300 Airline and online travel agencies to help find the best prices for a future flight. You can also set up notifications for specific dates and destination. So easy.
2. The KEYFRC monthly schedule. It’s one of the best places to spend time with the kiddos in your life. I know I reference this facility a lot, but it is LIFE for a parent/caregiver and the activities just keep getting better.
3. The Reebok High Neck Zip Up One-Piece bathing suit that I found from Walmart for $35. Maybe I’m super middle-aged but I think it’s so cool.
4. Crate and Barrel’s free interior design service. Love this for anyone who’s interior design skills are a 2 out of 10 like mine.
5. An article by Celine Nguyen on how to begin to produce better work. It’s directed at writers but could be used in any context of trying something new that you’ve always wanted to get better at. It focuses on the techniques of people whose work you aspire to. Breaking down the mechanics to help you find your own way with a guiding light. It’s brilliant.
6. Dusting off the inherited fine bone china teacups and sipping tea with a good friend. It’s simply one of the most delightful things I’ve done in a long time. It put a smile on my face every time I picked up that sweet little cup. 5 stars. Highly recommend.
7. The $12 soup and sandwich at Kindersley Co-Op. Possibly the best lunch for the best price in town.
8. A novel, The Power Pause. I have yet to read it, but it’s focus is on planning a career break after kids and then preparing you to come back stronger than ever. In no way do I believe there is a one size fit’s all for working/stay at home mothers, but I have equated raising my kids and coordinating a household to the steep curve of any new career position that involves finances, strategy, management, etc.. I’ll be reading this as soon as I get my hands on it. My only wish is that I found it sooner.
9. Our 25th visit (feels like it anyway) to the Kindersley Aquatic Centre this winter. I’ve never loved going swimming in the winter months but somehow our visits get better and more enjoyable every time. Not only do we almost always have the place to ourselves, but my boys’ swimming skills improve drastically every single time. It’s so fun to witness.
10. When people announce that they’ve deleted an app or a function on their phone. My phone still has quite a bit of power of me, taking me out of the present moment more times than I care to admit. And so, I love the inspiration of a friend sharing that they’ve removed all their social media apps, or that they’ve deleted their email app from their phone or that they’ve (gasp) switched to a flip phone. Some are saying it’s bringing the romance back into their lives. Remember the good ol’ days when you had to wait until the end of the day to read your emails on your computer? So dreamy.
Wishing you all a wonderful fools spring. Keep searching for the joy.
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