to ask what are your simple joys?

[crochetmonkey74]

I'm a bit low at the moment and very overwhelmed with work. Live alone so can be lonely. I do have some things to look forward to, but I want to recapture my love of home and life. Think clean sheets, the perfect cuppa and the perfect biscuit
What are your simple joys?

Walking my dog across the golf course and looking at the trees changing colours. I love seeing the changing of the seasons and the reminder that time moves on and what seems terrible today might not seem so bad tomorrow.

Lighting a few candles and snuggling up with my dog watching the great British Bake Off on a wet autumn night.

My little cat lying on bed in my office room while I work. My 3 YO son telling me he loves me.

Tea. A good book. Yoga. Losing myself in a podcast.

Here she is.

Feeding the birds. They will be mates with you if you do it regularly and for long enough. We have a feeder that suckers directly onto the window, it’s better than watching tv.

I also enjoy the changing seasons, and particularly enjoy walking my dog while looking for conkers at this time of year.
I often smile when I get into bed, the end of the day, nothing left to do.

Cooking. I love the smell of onions and garlic sizzling gently in the pan. It just makes me feel like all is good.

Cooking. I love the smell of onions and garlic sizzling gently in the pan. It just makes me feel like all is good.

My DD2 being nice to us for a change!

My dogs are my simple joys. They get me out of the house every day and give me so much love.

Pot of tea in the proper pot with the nice cup. A seasonal candle. A favourite dvd. Fluffy socks.

Also a lovely hot cup of something, putting my feet up to watch MAFS (I blame DD1 for getting me in to it!), and my darling cat cuddling up to me in bed

running,
walking in the woods on a sunny morning,
seeing my ds asleep
My ds hugging me
Climbing into bed after a long day

I don't know why I’m admitting this, but DP is intent on forming his own “crow army”, so almost every day he goes for a walk passing the local Sainsbury’s carpark with a pocket full of bits of dried ham and “trains” the crows that gather there by making them line up on a railing and then throwing the ham for then catch it midair. They go mad for it. He hopes that one day they’ll follow him home and become tame. He took it up during lockdown and I think it gave him a sense of comfort and routine.

I like a walk around a quiet cemetery; or riding my bicycle along a route with varying terrain and seeing the effect of seasons changing.

Seeing my washing blowing dry on the line.
A good book and a blanket.
My youngest ds3 coming in my bed for cuddles.
Getting into bed with freshly washed linen.
A new wax melt.
Morning coffee.

Getting out for a quick walk and fresh air.

Cooking something from scratch that I usually buy ready made. Easy things like sausage rolls or pizza.

Burning candles

Putting on perfume even if I won't leave the house

Dark chocolate

Watching crime documentaries

Researching places to put on my travel list for the future

Books

I have a big bowl of quinces ripening and every time i walk passed i stop, stick my face in and inhale deeply. They smell indescribably good and make everything okay for a moment. I make the kids sniff them too and they agree :)

Going for a walk round the block with my toddler. Having all the time in the world to stop and look at a spider or pick up a leaf.

Reading a good book or magazine in the bath, a cosy duvet day at home watching my favourite tv shows with lots of nice snacks, going for a walk in the sunshine listening to a podcast, spending time around animals and going to watch a good film at the cinema.

Meeting my friend for a morning walk.
Making a lovely homecooked dinner for my children after a long day at school.
Clean bed sheets
A shower and clean pj's
Relaxing on the sofa with a blanket watching a good documentary.
A nice takeaway
A few beers at home on a Friday night.

loads of excellent ones here - will make a list

I was thinking of little tips I could do to look after myself like putting my mug next to the kettle with a tea bag in for when I get home, I think I am missing the feeling of being welcomed home if you know what I mean

Perfect pot of tea with a home made cookie.

Sitting out in the garden (all wrapped up at this time of the year) just enjoying the fresh air.

Snuggling with the kids and DH on the sofa in front of a good film.

Have you got a set of friends / family that you can phone in rotation ?