the joy is in the moments…

If I’m honest, I have to admit I want to be happy all the time. I want to feel a sense of inner peace all the time. I want to feel joy all the time.

(Those are three different things, three different feelings and experiences and senses. And yes, my wish is for all three.)

But none of these are constants for me.

And I’m reminded, again and again, that even if these aren’t constants, they do exist in moments.

Joy comes in the moments.

Like watching a fun tv show with my husband, being relaxed and feeling contented and simply enjoying being together.

Like walking into the kitchen and spotting our kitty playing in some sunshine.

Like hearing a great song on the radio, a song that sets my spirit soaring.

Like being out with my husband on a beautiful day.

Like drinking coffee on the front porch and catching a lovely breeze.

Like laughing with a friend on the phone, and feeling that heart-connection of being seen and heard and mutually cared-for and witnessed.

Like playing with paint and just having fun.

Like… well, so many other things that lift the soul and bring a sense of joy.

Noticing them. Connecting with them. Not clutching them tightly, because there isn’t really a way to save or force joy – but we can be more aware of it when it comes.

And I think the more we notice those moments of joy, the more of them we’ll notice.

Sometimes I forget about that. But then a moment of joy will remind me.

 

all shall be well – printable…

This freebie downloadable/printable is a phrase I say to myself, silently or out loud, quite often.

It helps with calming me when I feel anxious. It helps me reconnect with faith and trust.

All shall be well.

It comes from the writings of Julian of Norwich, who lived many centuries ago, and the words she shared have been repeated through the years:

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.

As with the other printables here on the blog, there’s no charge and nothing to sign up for – just download and print as you wish.

The files include one pdf file (you can set the size when you print), as well as jpg files for sizes 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10. These are high quality, 300dpi, suitable for printing to frame, or put on a bulletin board, or use in an art journal – or just have somewhere as an inspirational piece, a reminder, a comfort: All shall be well.

Get the pdf file here.

The 4×6 jpg file is here.

The 5×7 jpg file is here.

The 8×10 jpg file is here.

Other freebies (of various kinds) are coming, so please check back or follow the blog – or sign up to receive blog posts in your email inbox  (just go to this link  to sign up) to get them as they’re posted.