Taking the time to reflect on the things and experiences I’ve loved in a year has become something of an annual tradition. It’s nice to be able to look back on what’s sparked joy in previous years (here are the lists from 2019, 2018 and 2017) and to share some goodness with all of you.
As a post format, it’s pretty self-explanatory so I’ll jump right in. But before I do, I just want to say no one has paid or encouraged me to share any of the things that are on this list. They’re things I have loved all on my own.
Running
If there’s one thing (besides the global pandemic) that has shaped this year for me, it’s running. Last year I found the joy in moving and reconnecting with my body. I had hoped that this year I would continue to work on my strength and mobility in my favourite Frame classes, but unfortunately the pandemic put a pin in that dream. So instead, I somehow learned how to run. Now running is a huge part of my weeks. I run three times a week and clock up around 16 miles across those 3 runs every single week. It’s a release. It’s a way to get out and see my local area. It’s a way to manage my anxiety. It’s a reminder I’m a person in a body and that body can do so much more than I give it credit for.
My bathrobe
For my birthday this year I was very kindly gifted a bathrobe. The time I spend in that robe is my best time. I truly shine in the small luxury of being wrapped in white towelling. It’s like being in a spa or fancy hotel as you step out of the bath or shower. It’s a reminder to take time for myself and that I’m worthy of a little luxury. It’s also just fun to wear.
Imagining Future Space
It wouldn’t be one of these lists if I didn’t share my favourite thing I’ve made in the year. This year, that’s definitely Imagining Future Space. It’s the most ambitious thing I’ve ever made. It’s a piece of speculative design to try to get people (myself included) thinking about more imaginative and potentially positive futures so that we can try to make them happen. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making it from developing the idea and questions to creating the illustrations then coding the site and chatbot support tool. Even more than that I’ve loved seeing people engage with it. Check it out if you haven’t already!
Tiny tea selection box
Christmas last year, my Dad got me a selection box of tea pigs tea. I duly put it at the top of our kitchen cupboard to be saved for a special occasion or when we had guests so I could offer them any tea their heart desired. But then no one came, because of the pandemic not because we’re hosts. So I forgot about the box. Until late into October when I decided I didn’t need to wait for someone special to drink the tea, I am someone special. Since then I’ve been treating myself to a special tea on a weekend and trying some blends I would never have sought out otherwise. Take this as your reminder not to save all the fun things for a special occasion, any day can be special if you want it to be.
My new notebook layout
I made a whole blog post about how my new notebook saved my mind. But I want to take the time to share the new layout I use here as a 2020 favourite. It’s taken me so long to find the right balance in a working notebook between sketches and notes and cataloguing, but the method I have now is just the right balance and has just enough flex to feel sustainable. Taking physical notes has grounded me in a sea of screens and video calls. There’s nothing like the feel of Rhodia paper under your pen and hand.
Friday treats
Some time in the autumn, between lockdowns, I started a habit of walking out to a local bakery on a Friday to pick up a sweet treat to celebrate the end of the week. It’s become a real source of joy and not just because I love cake. It’s great to have a reason to get out in the middle of the day and step away from my laptop. It’s also been so good to have an excuse to visit lots of local small businesses and meet the people who run them, even if I’m doing it from 2m away while wearing a mask.
Weaving
I took a weaving course in January at The London Loom (FYI I book all of my classes in London through Obby, and you can get £10 off your first class with this referral code). It was a brilliant introduction to the craft. I’m so glad that Francesca not only sets you up with all of the skills you need but also sends you home with the little frame loom, comb and needle that you use on the day. I’ve continued to practice and make my own body weight in bookmarks, tiny tapestries and coasters and its been a joy. I’ve loved honing my skills and making practical things. I’ve shared lots of my woven goods and that’s taken the joy to a whole new level. Speaking of a whole new level, I can’t say enough good things about Allyson Rousseau’s online classes, she’s taught me so much.
New home
Finally I moved out of my giant house share into a little two bed flat with my boyfriend in February and I’m so glad we were lucky enough to find our own space before the pandemic closed in. I love our space, even after spending every single day within its walls. I love having a home I feel comfortable in and have already had lots of happy memories in. I love having a bath and knowing which tea towels are clean too.
