some recent joy connections…

As we enter into the second half of September, and hot summer temperatures still have a grip on my little corner of the world, and high stress and anxiety still have a grip on me, I continue to find it important to be on the lookout for joy connections.

I try to be aware of them when they come. I try to grab hold of them when I notice them. I try to be grateful for every joy connection that comes my way.

I go looking for them, sometimes even try to create them for myself, because that’s how important they are to me and my well-being and my soul nourishment.

Here are a few recent ones…

Diffusing essential oils while I relax and watch art videos.

Before-breakfast walks – and the nearness of a deer running right past us one gray and cooler-than-usual morning.

Lots of front porch sittin’ before the day turns too hot, just breathing the fresh air and reading…and sometimes looking up at the blue sky, and sometimes looking at the colors of the nearby painted rocks.

A lunch outing with a friend and my husband.

Painting.

And doodling.

Laughing at funny shows.

Spotting the rabbits and butterflies and birds (including hummingbirds) in our yard.

Little things. Sometimes only brief moments. Small pockets of relief in what can otherwise be a blanket of stress.

What’s a recent joy connection you’ve had?

❤

joy connections & soul nourishment this week…

At-home movie time with my husband.

Watching hummingbirds and rabbits in our backyard.

Having a dream where my cat Betsy is hanging out with me. She passed away in 1998 when she was at least 18 years old and, even though it’s been so long, I still miss her – as I do all of the animals who’ve shared my life – so very much. It’s always good when one of them visits me in a dream.

Listening to music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Painting and doodling.

Lots of time reading on the front porch.

Going for walks in the freshness of early morning.

Moments of feeling peaceful. I don’t have those very often, and I treasure them when they come.

These things have nourished me and brought me joy.

What joy connections have you found this week? What has nourished your soul?

❤

a reminder (and a printable)…

Play. Create. Breathe.

Take it moment by moment.

Play helps. Creativity helps. And consciously taking a few breaths, making sure your exhale is nice and slow, also helps.

And then…repeat as needed.

❤

If you’d like this as a printable, please feel free to save the image and print, with no need to sign up for anything. Other printables can be found here (be sure to select “older posts” to see the full selection).