Things I Love

A couple of years ago, I wrote down the things that made me happy.

More recently, I have found myself thinking more about problems that frustrate me rather than being grateful for the things that make me happy. It's so easy to fixate on what isn't working (we all are problem solvers, after all), and spiral on figuring it out. So today, after what felt like a near-perfect day, I decided to write down the things that I love doing.

I love feeling tired after a sweaty badminton session at night with friends, ticking off another juice flavour at the local juice store, and coming home to a warm shower.

I love playing board games with my cousins and friends, as our competitive sides create temporary grudges that spill outside the game.

I love that my dad will say the poorest of dad jokes and have the heartiest laugh himself as he is applauded with eye rolls from the rest of the table.

I love opening my lunch bag and seeing that not only has my mom packed three whole dishes, but my sister has thrown in a chocolate she's brought all the way from the US.

I love being able to drive my sister (who claims she taught me to drive) to restaurants that have popped up since the last time she was here.

I love being able to go to Cubbon Park for a run with friends and follow it with a hearty South Indian breakfast (very crucial for a successful Sunday).

I love having friends whom I wouldn't have met in ages, but will check in monthly as we all navigate adulting.

I love being able to discover new (and rediscover old) music while I drive across the city to meet friends whom I haven't talked to in ages. I also love having friends whom I wouldn't have talked to in months but who will send me a Spotify link because they know I will relish it.

I love being challenged by things I read, people I talk to, and problems I haven't solved yet.

I love having friends who introduce me to their friends. How cool is it that you think I'm good enough to become a part of their lives as well?

I love looking forward to being on vacation (and travelling), and while on vacation, I love looking forward to being back to work and routine.

I love reading and being recommended books that I will go on to recommend to other friends.

I love having my friends as my neighbours, who will occasionally spend more time (and meals) with my parents than I do.

I love finding new sports, games, activities, and hobbies, being extremely poor at them, and then learning how to get better at them.

I love that friends who became friends from playing video games, also became friends outside of it.

I love having stupid traditions - taking the same photo after a badminton session or signing up to do the same race every year (why are you paying to run?, someone asked me recently).

I love being able to travel with friends or to visit friends and having new experiences with them.

I truly am so fortunate to have so much love in my life.