Simple Joys of the Week, April 24th Edition

A few of the simple, sensory pleasures that have brought me joy over the past week...

HEAR: This American Life
Okay, you all know by now that I'm obsessed with podcasts, so it will come as no surprise that like any good podcast listener, This American Life is one of my favorites. I've gotten kind of behind on my podcast listening this week (Gasp! I hate it when I have so many unplayed episodes in my queue!), but I did get a chance to catch up on the last two TAL episodes on Wednesday, and they were great + made me very happy. If you're not listening to TAL already, what are you doing? Get on it. 

SEE: Old students + friends at my Tranquil Space workshops 
It was soooooooo good to see all of my beloved Tranquil Space students + friends last weekend! OMG, it gets me every time! It's amazing how it's been 1.5 years since I taught there regularly, and yet, walking into the studio still feels so comfortable--like home--and seeing all of my old regulars on the mat feels totally normal. Life is crazy like that, isn't it? To those who came to my workshops: Thank you for being there. It meant so much to me. 

TASTE: Sugar Snap Peas
I have a new love and it's sugar snap peas. I've always enjoyed them, but I often forget to get them at the grocery store, so they've been in and out of my life. This week, however, I remembered them, and after eating an entire bag in just a couple of days, I've decided that they're my new go-to snack for the foreseeable future. They're SO delicious! Don't you agree? 

SMELL: Cupcakes baking in the oven
Believe it or not, after decorating about 30 cupcakes for a 3-years old's birthday party, I didn't eat a single one. I wanted to, but somehow, I just never got around to it and kind of forgot! That being said, I was able to enjoy the smell of the cupcakes as they baked in the oven, and then as I iced each one and decorated the tops, so I did get a sensory pleasure out of the whole experience. Plus, I had no idea that icing cupcakes was such a meditative activity...I must try it again sometime! ;) 

TOUCH: Little kid hugs :) 
Is there anything as sweet as a little hug from a baby or a toddler? I mean, can you believe how heart-warming they are? I loved getting lots of sweet snuggles and hugs from all of the babes that I got to spend time with while in DC. It was very special and I miss them already.

Other SJOTW? I got my hair cut yesterday and lost 5 inches! It feels so light and springy and fun! Also, we went on a family walk at 6:30am this morning, in the brisk New England air, and it was glorious. So glad I said yes when Ben asked if I wanted to join him and Sayde (instead of write like I usually do). Great reminder that no matter how much you like your routine, it's good to mix things up every once in a while...  

What brought you joy this week? Take some time to pause and reflect today, if you can. It will fill you with gratitude and it's good for the soul. 

In other news, Ben turns 32 on Sunday! So, he'll be dropping in for a guest SJOTW next Friday, as has become customary during the week of his birthday celebration over the past few  years. Get excited, I'm sure it will be silly and wonderful ;) 

Have a great weekend!