IMAGE staffer Dearbhla Lovett shares her ‘little bites of pleasure’

Life is all about a little pleasure – here, IMAGE staffer Dearbhla Lovett shares the little everyday things giving her joy this month, from the sight of starry skies and spring's blooming cherry blossoms to her favourite sweet treat.

Growing up, my grandparents owned an Aran Sweater shop on Inis Mór on the Aran Islands, which we would frequently visit during the summer holidays. On the May bank holiday of 2007 (I had just made the big one – my First Holy Communion), we took the ferry from Rossaveal over to the island.

We spent the entire day cycling around, enjoying ice cream from the one and only shop on the island. Granny’s house was at the very end of the lane beside the Worm Hole, completely secluded by the edge of the island. That first night when we got back to the house, we were met by a sky illuminated with yellow diamonds.

To this day, I’ve never seen anything quite like the stars that night, and I often think about the joy we all got from it.

Since then, I’ve done a lot of things in life that bring me small joys, but the most important thing I’ve come to realise is to take joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. We hear a lot about the benefits of mindfulness and gratitude for our bodies, and what that really comes down to is noticing. And, I know it sounds cliché, but gratitude and genuinely noticing the little moments really do make you feel good.

I noticed after I turned 25, maybe it’s related to the frontal lobe development or that this age seemed more significant than any other, but I started to panic and got caught up in the feeling that I wasn’t where I was ‘supposed’ to be in life. Then, after careful consideration, I realised is anyone? I decided I’m going to take every day as it comes and that it’s much more productive to take joy in the simple pleasures this way, rather than worry about tomorrow or next year or five years’ time.

Some of my favourite bites of pleasure include: Catching a sunrise or sunset, walking down to get my morning coffee (and no, this is not the reason I cannot afford a house!), and walking my two gorgeous dogs whenever I get home to Cavan. Fashion and colour also bring me so much joy, letting me play around with outfits and styling. I also love a little Thursday evening sweet treat – I love Magnum Vegan Ice Cream Sticks while my boyfriend gets Magnum Bonbons – they’re like a little pre-weekend treat that makes you even more excited for Friday. Available in four delicious flavours, we enjoyed them after a nice sunset walk (The white chocolate and cookies are his favourite!).

At the moment, the cherry blossoms are blooming. They always remind me that springtime is here and Ireland will soon see the return of the good weather (it’s hailstones outside my window as I write this, so my fingers and toes are well and truly crossed).

There really is a lot to be said for the little moments, the ‘bites of pleasure’ that create lasting memories shared with your loved ones, that truly make you feel joy and gratitude.

Whether it’s going for a Sunday spin and grabbing a Magnum from the shop with someone you love or just taking a sudden look up at the stars some night – try to find a moment of pleasure in your day today.

Available in four decadent flavours, Magnum Bonbons are the ultimate sharing treat to enjoy with friends, family or keep them just for yourself. Magnum. Designed for Pleasure. To learn more, visit www.magnumicecream.com.