life really is lived in the smallest moments
Let’s be honest for a minute. Life a whole lot of the time and for many people, doesn’t always feel that easy. However, we here at CURATE are firm believers that it is most often the simplest, smallest joys in life that can keep calling us onwards, keep lifting us up through whatever we are living in at any given time.
That’s what these Simple Joys posts are about, they’re about collecting up some of the things that we’ve been enjoying lately – the things bringing us simple joy. We offer them out into the abyss of web space in the hope they might encourage a little joy in someone else too.
Using the word enjoy isn’t accidental either, in fact where the word comes from helps drive home what our hope is for this collection of posts.
enjoy (v.)
late 14c., “rejoice, be glad” (intransitive), from stem of Old French enjoir “to give joy, rejoice, take delight in,” from Latin gaudere “rejoice” (see joy );
So, scroll on for some of the things we’ve been enjoying lately;
top five
1. Ted Lasso
In the pandemic world we’re currently living in, this show delivers both comedy and meaningful depth. For the topics it explores and the way it does so, I really needed this show. I am grateful to be able access it.
The show is currently streaming on Apple TV, which seems to have meant it hasn’t really reached a huge following in New Zealand yet. I hope that it soon will.
[Issy, Aotearoa]
2. Pancakes on a weekday
I am not a morning person. I thought I would grow out of it, but so far it isn’t looking likely. So, in an effort to fit in with social norms, I’ve been looking for creative ways to make the mornings a little easier. A great find was that it’s actually possible to have pancakes for breakfast during the week (even cook them up the night before). It just makes those first few hours of a day a little bit better!
Here’s a couple of gluten-free recipes I’ve enjoyed so far, either this one using a Gluten-Free Bread Mix or this one with just banana & egg!
[Issy, Aotearoa]
3. Animated inanimate objects
On the grey, windy days in particular, animated inanimate objects bring me some joy.
I’m grateful for pots with faces and for succulents that make excellent hair. I seem to have quite the [growing] collection.
[Issy, Aotearoa]
4. Adding some colour
I haven’t been able to do what I normally can for a few months now. I had to find some simple ways to pass my time and ended up finding great joy in adding colour to nice pictures. I’m looking forward to sharing with you some of my favourite pens at some point, and exploring more about the power of colour. Adult colouring books have been on the rise for a few years now, aimed at promoting mindfulness, rest & simplicity. I’ve really enjoyed filling the pages of this book by Emma Farrarons.
[Issy, Aotearoa]
5. Changing seasons
The changing of the seasons always helps me pay more attention to the different seasons in my own life. I’m personally very happy that the start of spring leads us into summertime. The colours and blossoms bring joy too.
[Issy, Aotearoa]
joy-collective 0.1
Below is a full feature of some of the things we have been loving recently and what has been bringing us joy. We hope you enjoy them and they might inspire joy in you too.
Kinstugi.akl
Six60 - Pepeha
Six6o released this song during lockdown in August 2021 and it’s their first original release in Te Reo Maori.
Six60 singer Matiu Walters says the waiata is “a pepeha for all New Zealanders.”
You can check out their lyric video over on YouTube.
Make an ordinary day special
I always thought pancakes were reserved for the weekend, but who said they can’t help you out of bed on a weekday morning? If you’re not a morning person – cook some the night before and reheat them the next day!
Two recent favourite recipes are either this one using a Gluten-Free Bread Mix or this one with just banana & egg! Both are amazing!
Things you can say "Yes" to today
Check out the 10 things on Morgan Harper Nichols Instagram.
Adding some colour
I haven’t been able to do what I normally can for a few months now. I had to find some simple ways to pass my time and ended up finding great joy in adding colour to nice pictures. Adult colouring books have been on the rise for a few years now, aimed at promoting mindfulness, rest & simplicity.
Animated Inanimate Objects
On the grey, windy days in particular, animated inanimate objects bring me some joy.
I’m grateful for pots with faces and for succulents that make excellent hair. These guys got a little makeover for their joy debut.
Changing Seasons
Personally, I’m very happy that the start of spring leads us into summertime. The colours and blossoms bring joy too.
“Here’s to the moments when you realise the simple things are wonderful & enough.”
Jill Badonsky