“[…] he felt the old beat of pleasure inside his body, like watching a perfect goal, like the rustling movement of light through leaves, a phrase of music from the window of a passing car. Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything.” - Normal People, Sally Rooney
Earlier this year, I came across a word circulating on social media: glimmers. While there are many definitions floating around, they are essentially the opposite of triggers—things that spark joy instead of triggering bad energy. I found myself creating folders and highlight reels on social media and in my planner to capture these moments. Over the past few months, though, it has evolved into a list of everyday things I’m grateful for and those little sparks of joy that brighten my daily life.
As part of my practice to cultivate more self-compassion, I also began incorporating a consistent gratitude practice into my life. In March 2024, I decided to dedicate a notebook to the little things that made me happy each day. A couple of months in, and my 64-page, Passport Traveler’s Notebook insert1 is nearly full. Imagine it: a notebook brimming with nothing but good memories and happy feelings. I feel warm and fuzzy every time I leaf through it. Highly recommended for the soul! ✨
Here are my favorite ~glimmers~ from October:
Flower party: an (annual) meetup that started last year with my close friends here in Belfast. I can’t help but look back at the year that’s passed and realize how much has happened in my life and theirs. I’m grateful for the kind of friendship that’s carried me through all of it. It was a bittersweet reunion, with some people moving away, but I like to think we’ll find a way to make it work. I’m constantly reminded of how much stronger I’ve become in weathering change.
Anniversary of my very first date with C: We talked all night long, parting ways at 6 in the morning, and we haven’t stopped talking since. I can’t believe it’s already been a year.
Finally acknowledged out loud a topic I’d been too uncomfortable to discuss or even think about. To being more open and vulnerable.
Eating cheesecake for breakfast, straight from the baking tin, with forks in hand, on a chilly Sunday morning. Pure bliss.
Spending an hour-long video call with a friend talking about life and everything in between. To friendships that stand the test of time (and distance)! 🥂
Being greeted by name by my Pilates teacher, even though I haven’t attended in a while. That lovely touch of acknowledgment and being remembered means so much.
That moment when everything lines up: You’re caught up on work. You feel productive. Your mind is clear. For once, it’s nice to feel like I actually have space to breathe. Feeling happy and sparkly, even if just for a moment.
The dreamiest fall photoshoot with a friend: A perfect mid-autumn day—the sun shining just right, the wind playing its part like a paid actor. I even managed to unearth a cute outfit. The resulting photos were just beautiful, and I loved every second of it.
Random brunch with friends, just to catch up and recharge my social battery, even if only for a little while. Working from home worsens my social anxiety, but slowly making time for meetups and trying to spend more time in the office is helping.
Finding a random pub that feels cool, homey, and ‘quiet’ enough to read books, with a killer view. Plus, the most gorgeous garlic (potato) cubes we’ve tasted to date. (Visit: The Mariner at Newcastle, Co. Down)
A lovely author interaction with a post of mine where I gushed about how much I loved their work. This is one of the reasons I can’t let go of bookstagram, even after all these years. I live for moments like this.
Read the essay "Our Grief Books" by Mayukh Sen from the In The Kitchen essay collection and felt inspired enough to write this newsletter about my own grief books over the years.
Being complimented about what I’m wearing without shrinking and shying away from it; and generally feeling good about myself, which is nice as it doesn’t happen often.
Finishing Only Murders in the Building with C. This season was bittersweet, and I personally feel like it was the most affecting murder in the series so far.
Watching random movies in the cinema (i.e., The Wild Robot AND Heretic) and getting pleasantly surprised by them.
Finishing my (simple) October bucket list for fall.
Finally getting a classic trench coat and falling completely in love with it.
Settling into a quiet daily routine with someone. Having my side of the bed.
Trench coat + scarf + knitwear combo. It’s officially the start of scarf season and I love it.
Meeting a new person and feeling like I handled it well.
Encountering the most gorgeous aioli that can make you feel like you need to lick it off the plate (and I kinda did). (Check out: Blend & Batch at Banbridge, NI)
Autumn colors (i.e., my favorite color palette) everywhere.
Random lunchbreak walks on a rare sunny day.
Morning coffee at my favorite cafes in the city. (Check out: Phin Belfast / Neighborhood Café)
Freshly fallen leaves crunching under my boot as I walk.
Walking on a wet pavement after the rain.
Coming to the office more often.
Cinnamon-spiced everything.
The world feels bleaker with the recent news and events unfolding around us. It may seem inappropriate to celebrate even the small things that bring light to your days, but please know that the act of gratitude, no matter how small, can work wonders. Sometimes, we need to do whatever we can to protect our peace, even if it's just to breathe. I want you to remember: The world can still be a good place, despite it ALL.
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I’ve treasured this brand of notebook for so long. One of the things that consistently spark joy for me: my Brown Passport Traveler’s Notebook that I got from way back 2018. This is my very first Traveler’s Notebook as well. We’ve been through a lot. And seeing the patina that the leather developed through he years always makes me happy. Someday, I’ll write about this.
Loved reading this (but you knew that already)!
Keeping a gratitude journal, both offline and online, has completely changed my outlook on life for the better. And thanks for the reminder that I'm a few episodes behind on Only Murders in the Building!