Five little things that can make my week a bit nicer.

Certain songs make me want to dance. There's the one by Shaboozey about everyone get tipsy. Every time it comes on I want to stand on a table. Instead I just dance in place. Sometimes, like yesterday, I turn up the music and dance around the studio. It brings a lot of joy to an ordinary day. 

So does lightning a candle when I write or hook, though I hardly ever do that because I am so afraid of leaving it burning. One woman said leave your keys by the candle so if you leave the house you will remember to blow it out. But then what if I just go in the next room for a nap. I am forgetful and I am known for getting in the zone and completely forgetting what I did last. So though I love the flicker of a candle I don't often light them. Perhaps if I set an alarm? Somehow though that ruins the moment. Sometimes though when I am really careful I will light myself a candle while I hook. I will often blow it out after a half hour while I still remember I have it lit.

Baking bread. Today I will make some pizza dough. Lately though I have been baking big round cottage loaves suggested by my friend Lily. Last night I never had supper because I was out at a party and came home and made myself tons and butter with bread sliced from the freezer that I had made myself. It feels pretty great. I don't go through a whole loaf in a week so I slice it and freeze it and that little comfort is there for me when I need it. 

Sliced ginger in boiling water with a squeeze of lemon. I have never found a lemon ginger tea that tastes this good so I like to make it myself. I take two thin slices of ginger root, a squeeze of lemon and pour boiling water over it. It tastes like a warm ginger ale, with sounds awful but is actually very nice. It is like a tea with a bit of fizz.

Salads for lunch. Big crunchy green ones with pumpkin seeds, and fresh fruit, or dried cranberries and almonds. Maybe a bit of cheese. A good homemade dressing. I like olive oil, apple cider vinegar and maple syrup with a touch of dijon and Worcestershire. When I have a big salad for lunch I always have more afternoon energy. I always feel better eating my supper. A good soup feels the same. Sometimes I make a big soup and freeze my lunch size portions and take them to work with me. I like eating my own home made food at lunch.

These are five things that make my days a little nicer. I bet you have a bunch too that work for you and I'd be happy to hear them because maybe they'll make my days nicer too. Doing little things for ourself is simply self compassion. The things that make us feel better are often there waiting for us. We just need to embrace them.