1/12/12

Get Your Joy On

the joy wheel
Image by Rakka via Flickr
Taking a page out of Lisa Napoli's Radio Shangri-La, for the last few months I've spent the end of each day thinking of three moments since that morning when I felt happy or content.  The results surprised me. In no particular order, here are the things that always gave me joy:

1.  Working with my students.  Hands down happy.  I should pay them.
2.  Quiet time in my backyard.  Whether digging in the dirt or just watching butterflies with my dog it is always rejuvenating.
3.  Finishing things.  Clearing that in box feels good.
4.  Writing something that makes me laugh.  It's the cubicle goose all over again.  My owning my life means doing something that will undoubtedly never make me money, but will always make me giggle.
5.  Hanging with my hubby.  He's a keeper so psych on you!
6.  Walking with a friend, especially one who makes me laugh.  Priceless.

What gets your joy on these days?  Do tell.
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21 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this idea of thinking about moments that brought you joy throughout the day - and I am definitely going to start it...tonight! I'll let you know what I come up with! :)

Watson said...

What a great idea Margaret. When I see Daisy looking happy and confident, I get a real thrill. Or the smell of fresh garlic when I'm cooking. Or the jolt of fresh air when we go outside. Walking by the river. reading fun blogs. discovering a new idea. having coffee with a friend. connecting with others. Heck...just getting out of bed and finding the new day ...at my age...every day is an adventure!

Watson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Watson said...

well, we didn't need two copies! No secrets here! :-)

Olga said...

I just returned from a walk on the beach and I was feeling full of joy. Then I read your post and I am still smiling. Some days it is so easy to find joys, but this is an exercise for every day.

Joanne said...

Walking. Every day.

Live music.

Writing.

Time in the garden, especially in the summertime.

Cat antics.

The list goes on ...

Bec said...

I like the idea of contemplating joy . . .
watching my girls accomplish something or try something new (little did a block puzzle and laughed out loud at herself this morning - priceless)
Being outside & running
The first cup of coffee in the morning
Snuggling with my husband and kiddos
Reading for pleasure (not for work)

Desiree said...

Delightful. Always wonderful to recognize what's right, it's so easy to fall into the trap of so much energy on what's wrong--

Margaret said...

Daisy, so glad you said these. So often it is the ephemeral, the sound of bird, a beautiful sky, that I reflect on at night.

Olga, yes. Our posts are nice counterpoints, aren't they?

Joanne, all those things, except substitute dogs for cats.

Petrea Burchard said...

I could come up with a lot, but just today:
after a long day turning onto my street and seeing the neighbors out with their kids;
seeing my husband (keeper!) walking along the sidewalk with our dog;
our dog, Boz, who brings me endless love no matter what;
the little noises Boz makes;
I could go on. Thanks for asking.

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Shell Sherree said...

This is lovely! I've recently gone back to keeping a gratitude journal to reflect on similar things just before I go to sleep. Making a nice organic latte in the morning. The smell of the cool in the air before the heat kicks in. And anything my kitty Ella does brings me joy. Thank you for the inspiration, Margaret.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Well, I love this post but you knew I would. Anytime I read about someone counting their blessings (recognizing simle things that bring them joy) I'm all over it.

Stuff that makes me happy? Time with my girl C, being outside soaking up nature, paint and/or glue on my hands, a fresh glass of iced tea with a good book and a cat curled up next to me. Bliss.

Rois said...

My biggest joy right now is a quiet,mellow but not dull and boring life.Finally we are here.Whew.

TheChieftess said...

Being at the right place, at the right time, with my camera...

my calico kitty stretched out on my lap, full length, sound asleep...

getting a lick on my foot from my dog, nose under the shower curtain!!!

being with hubby, family, friends....

Star said...

Long walks with my camera. Needlepointing. Blogging. Reading my favorite blogs (including yours). Remembering my dear sweet departed husband with bittersweet joy. My students. The museum where I work. My friends. Skyping with my mom and sister (and nagging my dad to get it). Counting my blessings amidst all of life's trials and tribulations.

Bellis said...

My pets (three with four legs, one with two).

Anonymous said...

I'll bet you're everyone favorite teacher.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

Pretty much the same as you Mistress Margaret (except no students or kids) Big emphasis on "finishing things" little successes etc

Susan Campisi said...

I love this idea. I was in a funk last week, and I'm so grateful to have come out of it. I should start practicing this regularly. On the list: my friends, my sisters, my four animals.

Country Girl said...

Great idea. ~ On my list would be being with my new grandson, walking the rocky beach in Maine, walking outside in the crisp cold air of winter, camping with my kids and husband!