SMALL JOYS — Passions

Things that make my life feel so good

• Making my partner laugh
• A cup of hot genmaicha on a quiet Sunday morning
• Pizza crust—I simply love it
• Hours-long catch-ups with my closest friends
• Playing my favorite song on repeat
• The beach—the waves, the ocean, the sun, the warmth
• Handmade pancakes or waffles topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup
• Still having the same best friends from high school
• Winning a board game or a card game
• A matcha burnt Basque cheesecake I baked myself
• Late-night movies with good friends
• Receiving and opening an email with good news
• A Pilates class that is challenging, but not overwhelming
• A new bouquet every week—Chinese asters, roses, sunflowers
• Earning a good grade after studying diligently
• Finally remembering the name of something I struggled so hard to recall
• Delivering a successful presentation I have thoroughly prepared for
• Very spicy makaroni ngehe, or anything drenched in sambal
• Arriving at the train station or airport on time, without the stress of almost missing it
• Knowing that my writing and work are published, read, and used by others