Simple Pleasures

We are one month in to 2021, and I’m very much still processing 2020. Anyone with me? The year 2020 was a year of questions: What is true? What is real? What is the purpose of life? What will happen next? What does it mean to be safe? When will there be true equality? Why aren’t we there yet? What actually matters most? Who sincerely cares about me? Who and what do I really care about? This list could go on and on. So many questions. I’m still very much working on answers.

One of the lessons of 2020 for me was the big reminder of the importance of focusing on the simple pleasures in life. It is often focusing on the simple pleasures that get me through my day: clean sheets, sunshine on my face, a hot cup of coffee, a beautiful smelling candle, petting my pups, seeing a bright red cardinal out the window, taking a walk, savoring dark chocolate, deep breaths…my list could go on an on. I’ve become a simple pleasures master. Today, I thought I’d share a few of my simple pleasures with you that bring a bit of extra joy.

One of my favorite simple pleasures these days is taking a hot shower. Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed showers, but I wouldn’t say I looked forward to them. Now, I do. Sometimes they are the highlight of my day. I purchased a 12 inch rain shower head (which I would highly recommend), and there is truly little that compares to having that hot water shower over my entire body. Showering is an opportunity to get really present in the body–feel the sensations, smell the scents, and relax. One of my favorite parts of showering is savoring the smells of different soaps and oils. My current favorites are L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil https://rb.gy/rmvzbe, Zum Bar soap-I enjoy all the scents, but especially love Patchouli (I purchase this from Clover’s or Natural Grocers), and Harry’s Fig Body Wash https://rb.gy/dwna3z. All three are very different scents, but I love them all. I shave every day. I love the feeling of having smooth, shaven skin. Up until a few years ago, I used to purchase the cheapest razors I could find. Then, one time I tried out a 5 blade razor, and there was no going back. It is so much smoother and comfortable on my skin. I am currently using Billie razors because they are just that good, and I appreciate the convenience of them being delivered right to my door. https://rb.gy/yvhekb With my natural curly and somewhat unruly hair, (which BTW I’ve totally embraced my curly girl status during this pandemic) a good deep conditioner is a must. I have been using Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioning Balm for probably over 20 years. It’s a must for my hair. https://rb.gy/kehmzc Nothing makes it softer and healthier. Lastly, after I shower, I always put on body lotion. One of my current favorites is Palmer’s Coconut Body Lotion with Vitamin E https://rb.gy/b7ulxy. If you like the smell of coconut, this lotion smells divine and is good for the budget as well! These are all my current shower loves that spark a little extra joy!

The next simple pleasure is one I discovered a few years ago. For me, living in Missouri during the winter months is hard. The lack of light, sunshine, warm weather, and color definitely takes it’s toll on my state of wellbeing. A few years ago an Aldi went in close to where we live, and I started purchasing small bouquets of flowers from there a few times a month during the wintertime. They are usually only around $4 and definitely worth it to me. I noticed that simply having that little pop of color and life in my home made a big difference in how I felt. During the months of January and February, especially, fresh flowers in my home are a simple pleasure I greatly appreciate.

You may have guessed from all my previous posts with playlists that listening to music is another simple pleasure. I appreciate many different types of music; however, most frequently, in my home, I’m trying to cultivate an ambiance of relaxation and peace, so relaxing music is my go-to. This playlist is one I created last winter (when I actually used playlists in my in person yoga classes). If you have Apple Music and you want a new chill & relax playlist to listen to, here you go: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/yoga-mix-26-winter-flow/pl.u-d2b00PYCMB0RWJ

Once again, it’s the simple pleasures these days that make all the difference. Be intentional about seeking them out, and you’ll find they are everywhere.

***I am not yet sponsored by any of the brands mentioned, but I wish I was!***