I got a rejection email on my book. I was expecting it, but was still disappointed. For a moment, it made me feel like giving up on writing. But I have learned a few things over recent years. The first is that I couldn’t stop writing, even if I wanted to; it is a part of who I am and how I live. The second is that when I am feeling disillusioned or uninspired in my writing, it usually helps to come back here, to my blog. And the third thing is that, in writing and in life, it often helps to focus on the small things.

So, here I am, ready to share with you the small things bringing me joy and encouragement this week. I wonder, briefly, if this is all incredibly self indulgent, but I hope that in sharing my small joys I can help you reflect on your own. And, as I have written before, in the world we live in, I don’t think we should hesitate in spreading a little joy and light.

I have been so proud of my children this week. BRIMMING with pride, is how I would describe it. Since they joined our family, when we adopted them as little ones, we have all been on quite the journey as a family. There have been – and no doubt, will continue to be – many challenges for each of us, but so much joy, too. They are becoming resilient, caring, funny people and I love them wholeheartedly.

You may know that I am obsessed with plants and flowers, an interest which my daughter sometimes tolerates grudgingly, and sometimes jumps right in with. This week, she and I both needed some sensory regulation, so we made some flower based products. I have been growing calendula, which, as well as being bright and cheerful to look at, is also good for us. We experimented with scents and enjoyed stirring, testing and lining up pots. (Oh, the peace and satisfaction that comes with a pleasing line of things!) My daughter was also excited to share what she had made with my mother-in-law. I am glad that she knows already the joy of giving.

My son, meanwhile, has been quietly managing the hugeness of endings and transitions with humour, diligence and thoughtfulness. These are situations that are challenging for any child, and especially for him, but he is managing them admirably.

My husband has been working hard in the heat. I will never tire of the sweet smell of the barns being filled with the hay he makes each summer. The cats come in smelling of it, and the goats make quick headway into his supplies.

The animals will always be a source of joy and comfort to me, from the little gecko, to the cats and dog, to the goats. Even the praying mantis is fascinating and beautiful. It reminds me how big and full of wonder the world is.

I, as always, have been reading a lot (see my previous post on this). When I get tired, I have been binge watching Queer Eye and The Rookie on Netflix. I’m still obsessed with making wild strawberry and mint tea in my cute teapot. And I am loving listening to The Paper Kites.

Despite my love of books and Netflix, I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, an indoor person, and some of my best acts of self care in recent weeks have been swimming in the sea, resting in the woods and spotting butterflies in the lanes. Summer has arrived!

What are your small things this week?