So it’s been a while.
No real excuses other than life happening. And life right now – even with some wonderful times – is a challenge in various ways. The need for self-care is high, and self-care can look like many different things, and can vary at different times.
One way I’m tapping into self-care is consciously finding what I call the joy connections.
Joy connections are those things, even tiny or seemingly unremarkable things, that connect me with joy.
One very small example that relates to this blog is making the decision to change my tagline and switch my header font color back to blue – because it’s my absolute favorite color, and looking at it brings me joy.
Another joy connection for me is painting. I’ve been deliberately making the space and the choice to spend time at the easel. Because painting on large canvases grounds me, calms me, and brings me joy.
Joy connection for me definitely involves those I love.
Including our sweet kitty…
And I’ve been remembering and reconnecting with things I love, things I used to do, but have put away or pushed aside – or somehow thought I couldn’t have in my life anymore.
Like our old 35mm film camera.
I always loved using this camera so much. Whether changing lenses, or focusing, or simply just holding it in my hands and the feel of it, this camera always made me feel connected to my creativity and to my joy.
But for years, this camera has been put away. Just because it’s not digital.
And then a couple of weeks ago while I was telling a friend in a text about how I never used this camera anymore, it hit me: There’s absolutely no reason for me to stop using something I love, something that’s brought me so much joy.
No reason at all. Sure, it’s less convenient than digital. But the point is the joy it gives me.
So I got the camera out of its case, put in new batteries and film, got reacquainted with its various lenses and settings… and now it’s part of my life again.
It’s a little thing to give myself permission to get out a put-away object I love, and start using it again.
It’s a little thing to take just a few minutes to stand at the canvas and paint a few strokes.
It’s a little thing to give our kitty a cuddle or reach out to hold my husband’s hand.
But sometimes it’s those little things that can connect us with deep joy.
Being aware of what brings joy – and then consciously, deliberately, intentionally bringing those things into a day or a week – it can make such a difference.
And this is one way self-care looks. By choosing to find (and make) those joy connections.
♥
Ginger Simpson White 