Joy

by

The Things That Give Me Joy

Some days can be tough. I get tired.  Or I have a rough day at work.  Or having to work full time is competing with (and usually winning against) having  too many domestic things to do.

But on those occasional days, I look at my Joy List.  I love lists.  They keep me focused.  They keep me in the present or they help me look ahead with hope or anticipation of things I want to do and eventually will do.

One particular list, my Joy List, is of some of very small things – things that cost nothing, nor take any time at all, really.  They are just a few simple things that make me happy and give me the most profound joy.  They are things that I do not and could not, take for granted.  For I am well aware of how everything can change in the blink of an eye and life as you know it is turned upside down – for better or worse.

Each time I experience, even for a moment, something on my list, my soul – my entire being,  is filled with gratitude and peace.  And no matter what I’m doing, my body inadvertently stops, and takes a moment or so to just breathe it all in.  Pure joy.

Here are a few things on my Joy List:

  1. Getting into a freshly made bed with crisp, clean sheets.
  2. The first sip of coffee in the morning.
  3. The smell of honeysuckle.
  4. The smells of sandalwood & patchouli.
  5. Gazing at the miracle who is my son.
  6. My cat, purring.
  7. The sounds of a harp or the bagpipes.
  8. Sipping red wine at it’s perfect temperature.
  9. Sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
  10. The feel of washing my hair clean after a sweaty run.
  11. The smell of the air in the Fall (chimney smoke mingled with crispy leaves)
  12. Hugs.