I am working from home since Tuesday afternoon, mostly in this meeting room in our building so I don’t get distracted by husband or the cat. I feel peace when I enter the room. I lower the AC to make it colder. I open the blind to let the natural light come in and turn off the lights. I put on my sweater because it’s cold (to keep me alert). I lay out my reading materials, my note pad and pencil, intentionally not bringing laptop, phone face down in DND mode. Ready to tackle what I have planned.
I managed to focus (at 100%) for 4 hrs in the morning, then took a lunch break with husband, and another 2 hrs in the afternoon. I booked a home massage to unwind and let all what I studied cement, let my mind to make the connections needed. Then I came out “fresh” to meet the family for dinner.
It is mentally exhausting but I know it works. It reminds me of my study model when I was in high school and college. Read slowly, take notes (my preferred way to absorb), review, and relax before the exam.
I try to not think what I need to do later, that’s for later, just look at the current step and the next. It reminds me of how we climbed up Rinjani (one year ago), one step at the time, and we eventually summit.
Sharing joyful things I noticed lately:
Finding the perfect kabocha in a new groceries store. I can literally live on kabocha if it’s perfect.
Hearing Lizzy say how nervous she was before the swimming event: like her gut and stomach are all mushy.
Lizzy wanting a hug like a baby before/after her swimming events. She literally climbed up on me and stayed there, a bit too big to be held that way but I was so happy to hold her that way, forever. Total contrast with the little athlete she has became.
Seeing girls devouring the galette pizza and asking for more.
Lizzy silly postures and faces before bed. Even Sofia tells me that Lizzy could be annoying sometimes (quite often) but she’s really funny.
Seeing the pink sky when stuck in traffic. I never get tired of sunset colors.
Seeing Sofia enjoying her friendship with T. She’s a good girl, a good complement to Sofia as T is carefree, easy going and not serious with academics.
Seeing the face of the girls after their first bit of freshly baked banana bread. Priceless.
Learning about Lizzy’s new lego creation. I got my own desk while daddy is sitting on the toilet (most of the day, haha!)
Our New Journey 
I love your list of joyful things. I love it when a kid grabs my hand even thought they are”too old” or wants to snuggle and read a book or watch a movie. It makes me want to go hug my Mom!! It’s such an instinct to want to touch someone even though we sometimes fight against it as we get older.
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I like that study setup – having a separate room where are you free from distractions is great. I also like to learn with hand-written notes.
Are you studying a subject for your job? Meaning: are the hours you spend studying paid for? That would be awesome!
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Yes, I’m also curious to know what you’re studying and how it relates to your job! Sounds like a great setup, and a method that works well for you.
Love your joyful things. I especially love “seeing the pink sky when stuck in traffic.” It’s nice to notice a joyful thing, instead of being annoyed about the traffic!
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