5 things that bring me joy this week

You can check out the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here. It's a collection of seemingly insignificant things that remind us to appreciate the little things—those small joys that make a difference in our daily lives.

I was hoping to start the first post of 2025 in this series on a hopeful and happy note, but my heart is heavy today because of the events in California. Once again, to share a post about joy feels like a mockery, and I thought about canceling it but changed my mind at the last minute.

Having gone through two hurricanes just a few months ago, I know everything can change in a matter of minutes. “Checking out” is our default response, but if we continue to do so, we become lost, and that, we can’t do.

If you need help or are looking for ways to help those affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area, check out these sources:

World Central Kitchen | First Alert: Relief Team Responds to Southern California Wildfires

Los Angeles County fires: How to help those affected.

Eaton Canyon Fire Update - Pasadena Humane

Planet Fitness open L.A. County locations to residents, first responders affected by wildfires.

WalkGood LA (@walkgoodla) is sharing resources and important information.

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I began writing this post before today, but the last item on this list is fresh from today… With that said, here’s what’s bringing me joy, or more like a sense of comfort this week:

sunshine. Normally, this is something I shun as it’s too much and too intense, but these days, it’s very much needed and appreciated. Temperatures have dropped significantly so we need all the “help” we can get to warm up. Needless to say, sunrays bring me joy this week!
hot tea in the evenings. It’s cold, and we’re looking for all the ways to keep warm. These days a cup of this organic green ginger tea in the evenings does it just fine. Plus, that mild yet refreshing taste soothes and sparks joy.
this body oil. With the cold temperatures, my skin needs a little extra care, and this body oil is a joy to apply. The lightweight texture goes on smoothly making the skin look and feel much better. No wonder this product is loved by so many!
a hot cup of coffee in the morning. The highs this week are hovering around mid-50s (with lows barely around 40s), so it’s been quite a shock for us, the uninitiated. Needless to say, a hot cup of coffee in the morning, when we’re forced to leave our warm beds, sure brings a lot of joy and comfort.
gratitude. Ending this post with choosing gratitude; for being safe, for my loved ones being safe, and… yeah. I sobbed several times today at the images and stories coming out from LA… My heart shatters at the devastation and suffering, especially the suffering of animals. Hug your loved ones, especially your fur babies tight tonight and keep them close…