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.

 

breathing a moment of joy and peace…

A few days ago, a weekend morning, I spent time with my husband at a small park we like to visit.

The sky was a somewhat hazy blue, and a gentle breeze kept us company.

We walked two times around the not-very-long path, with me being able to walk without holding onto to anything – not my husband’s hand, not a walking stick. (Walking unassisted while out ‘n about has been a challenge the past few years.)

Then I took a seat on one of the benches as my husband made another round on the walking path.

I took a few photos while sitting there. The above picture is one of them. Sunlight through branches and green leaves, the rolling hills in the distance.

I felt relaxed. At ease. At peace.

I felt joy.

And I breathed it in.

 

more journey with joy…

When life throws up a bunch of hurdles and challenges, I have to keep reminding myself that I can connect with joy even if I don’t feel happy about what’s going on or how I’m feeling otherwise.

For me, connecting with joy sometimes means that I have to really, really look for those moments, those little pockets, those little somethings, that bring me joy.

Sometimes it means being very deliberate, very intentional. I have to watch for them, so that I can notice them when they happen, and capture them to bring them into my heart and my day.

Sometimes it means I have to actively do something to connect with joy. To make a deliberate choice and decision to make that connection… Even something simple like pulling up a favorite song to listen to. Or spending a few minutes gazing at a beautiful sky. Or giving our cat some scritches and cuddles.

Sometimes we have to deliberately notice. Or consciously choose.

And I’ve found it’s sort of like a muscle – the more I work this joy muscle, the more often I realize I’m feeling joy.

Even when things are difficult. And even if I’m not exactly happy.

I created this art journaling JOY page two or three years ago. It’s nothing fancy, but if you’d like it as a reminder of JOY, it’s yours if you’d like to have it. Just click below to access the downloadable and printable pdf of the image – as with all the printables here, it’s free.