Reflecting with the Simple Things Magazine
I found my new favorite magazine! It's a UK publication called The Simple Things. I stumbled on it through Libby, and it's the only magazine I have Libby auto-download when new issues are published.
The Simple Things is like an ode to reflection in The Four Stages of an Event, encouraging us to take time to appreciate the little things in life that might make us happy. The magazine features essays by people sharing a love of an object, such as a cherished figurine or an antique furniture piece, or a type of clothing (after reading an article, I have a newfound appreciation of capes. Maybe I'll try one for the fun of it!). Each issue includes travel articles, usually one written by a local about their city to inspire travel dreams. There's typically an article about an unusual career to showcase the myriad ways in which people fill their growth needs, in some way in service to others. One or more articles will touch on a subject that wellness research has highlighted as a way to increase happiness, such as how dancing begets joyful moments (maybe try line dancing?) or how good proper nutrition is for your mental health (physiological).
It's clear that I have found my people in the publishers/contributors and the readership of the magazine (social). Every page is a delight, and it's one of the few magazines of which I'll read almost every word. It has a monthly article called, "My day in cups of tea." Birds are often revered in its pages. The magazine often celebrates the arts with poetry and feature articles showcase beautiful interiors, gardened landscapes, photography, or visual arts (the last issue featured the stunning artwork of Angela Harding) and the creators behind them. My favorite piece in each issue is the playlist made up of songs representing the issue's theme. I love thinking of music I know and love in a different way as well as being introduced to new music.
As a side note, I keep a subscription of Real Simple magazine (a US publication). It's a magazine I have enjoyed for years. There is a bit of overlap between the two magazines, but my perception is that Real Simple is geared more towards productivity with loads of practical tips to make life easier (so that one has more time to enjoy the cups of tea) while The Simple Things is focused more on the cups of tea.
Have you tried The Simple Things magazine? What's your verdict: yay or nay? Is there a magazine you love and would recommend? Tell me about it in the comments!