I’ve learned a lot about myself since quarantine. This time has forced us all to step back and reflect on what is truly important in life. Firstly, it’s made me recognize all of the things I took for granted before. Petty things, like sitting on patios and the backstage chaos at fashion shows. Furthermore, it has taught me to slow down and enjoy living in the moment without distraction. A year ago I would have given anything to have a break like this; to have time to read, do crossword puzzles and just be.

This topic has been popping up all over numerous platforms. While listening to the podcast The High Low - if you have not listened to it I highly recommend it! - one of the hosts, Dolly Alderton, wrote a list of activities she missed doing. The list was geared toward more superficial, silly and just fun; instead of serious things like hugging your loved ones. What starts out as a seemingly superficial exercise morphs into an appreciation for the small stuff. 

This inspired me to create two lists: the first one is the “Small Things I Didn’t Think I’d Miss” and the second is the “Small Things I’ve Learned To Enjoy”. I found this activity uplifting and honestly just fun! This lockdown has taught us how quickly life can change. I think it’s important for everyone to make these lists to remind ourselves how fortunate we are when things return back to normal.  Life has so much to offer, so let's not forget to look forward with joy, hope and a little lightheartedness. 

So, without further ado, here are my lists! 

The Small Things I Didn't Think I'd Miss:

• Relishing every moment of sitting on a plane - everything from the cramped seating, recycled air and odd food 

• Being backstage at fashion week: prepping models, organizing looks and being a part of the chaos 

• Going to a fashion industry event to drink too much free champagne 

• Going to your favourite restaurant, ordering like crazy and sharing all the deliciousness with friends

• Getting a pedicure for my very sad looking feet  

• Get something to eat after a night out (which would normally taste mediocre, but in that moment is a 5 star meal)

• Savouring every sip of a $16 cocktail with beautiful presentation and a ridiculous name

• That moment when you hear Lizzo come through the speakers at the bar and grabbing your friends to dance

• Going to your favourite bar in the afternoon and staying until last call 

• Going for dim sum on a busy Sunday and existing amongst the chaos 

• Going to Sephora and swatching a million different samples from the never ending list of products I want to try 

• Spending hours in a bookstore browsing the travel section

• Going to every concert, live event and festival manageable 

• Giving/getting a pep talk in a bar bathroom 

• Going on a first date with a stomach full of butterflies and ending it with a first kiss 

• Sitting on a sunny patio, enjoying a cold drink and way too many oysters

• Going to any store, from a grocery store to clothing store or even drugstore, and browsing to your heart's content

• Getting dressed to the nines, wearing heels and feeling absolutely lush and go for a big night out 

• Taking public transit that’s bursting at the seams and not be bothered by the lack of personal space

The Small Things I’ve Learned to Enjoy:

• Reading, reading and even more reading 

• Lazy mornings full of copious amounts of coffee, staring out the window and watching the world float by 

• Cooking while having a glass of wine, listening to a mellow playlist, and not feeling rushed

• Listening to podcasts without distractions 

• Crossword puzzles and sudoku

• Going for long walks aimlessly around your neighbourhood with no destination or time restraint 

• Really appreciating a bought coffee instead of it being part of your routine 

• Wearing no makeup and loving your fresh face 

• Buying fresh cut flowers for your home to simply beautify your space 

• Continuing to practice patience and slowing down, not doing to many activities at once

• Spending time with your thoughts

Fill out your own lists, share them to your Instagram Story, and tag @faunstudio for a repost!