Everyday Joy

I had a few revelations last week.

I took the day off on Wednesday. It looked like the weather would cooperate and give us one of those early spring days with sun and a teaser of some warm weather.

I was very aware that I needed a break. I had moved late last summer and hadn’t had a break since that difficult process.

It’s so easy to get into a certain rhythm and forget to notice that stress is playing a bigger part of your life each day that you neglect your own self-care.

On the way down I wondered why it’s so hard to take time for the things that can infuse such joy in our lives.

We sat bundled up but well-dressed for the stiff wind blowing and basked on the beach in the sun. We laughed and told stories. We breathed the wonderful salty air. We completely relaxed and didn’t give one thought to anything but being present to enjoying the day.

It’s possible that we neglect the value of finding joy every, single day.

I know I have been guilty of plowing through when things feel difficult instead of getting away – even a few miles – to talk a walk, learn something, something that feels extremely compassionate to myself.

I’m starting to think of joy as a navigational tool for life.

it’s a new lens that raises my awareness and makes me aware of all the little things that cause me joy: great coffee, deep conversations, a terrific book, a project, well-done – all of these are easily found every day.

When you commit to finding joy every day, it changes you- in such a happy way.

You know the days when you wake up and nothing seems right – everything is going to the dogs?

Joy changes that. Instead, you get up and make that amazing coffee. You did your research, found the right ratio of water to coffee, and found a French Press or some other maker that created the perfect cup.

Starting your day with that kind of perfection should be an indicator that you are on the right track.

Joy is all about the little things. The little things you do for yourself that you will find cause great happiness and those you do for others to make the circle go around.

It might be a note or the phone call I got from a friend yesterday telling me where a vaccine was available.

It could be attending an online tour or lecture and inviting some friends.

The possibilities are endless but the important thing is that you make time to do this every single day. Only then will you understand the power that this kind of encouragement has to shift your lens into seeing what is possible.