Life is exhausting.
I hate to feel that way. And I feel guilty for not being more positive. But life has been hard for many years, and it’s exhausting.
Life being hard is the reason I have to intentionally and deliberately look for joy connections. Seeking little moments of joy didn’t come about because I was happy all the time and seeing joy in everything, it came about due to the necessity of finding ways to keep myself going.
I started the practice years ago, and it continues to this day. Because I need it.
Some of my recent joy connections include…
The very-welcome visitors we have to our little backyard. The rabbits and hummingbirds and lightning bugs and butterflies and red birds (and other birds).
Kitchen radio music with so many songs from the 70s and 80s.
Reading and breathing the fresh air and general porch sittin’ time.
Going for walks with my husband.
Pulling out an old canvas to add new layers. And making time for my personal at-home summer art retreat.
Roaming around YouTube and letting it randomly play old music videos, including part of a 1973 Eagles concert.
Talks with friends.
Bursts of unexpected laughter while watching TV.
These are all joy connections, moments of connecting to joy. Often little things, and often brief, but these things can make such a difference in the course of my day.
What joy connections have you found lately? Look for them. Notice them.
It really can help when life feels exhausting.
❤
Ginger Simpson White 