I think the one thing I have learned as the years advance is how it’s the small things that bring joy into my life; those little lifts to my day that when strung together are for me, what defines happiness. In my youth I thought it was fancy suppers or big holidays: the things that were hard won and planned ahead that were intrinsic to my joy, but now? It’s more likely to be enough hot water for a bath on a rainy day, someone smiling me…
Here are the 7 THINGS that bring joy into my life:
1. Having Time. I like most of us live life in a rush. If I’m not physically trying to run the vacuum over the carpets, shove in some laundry, walk the dogs, drive the kids, cook supper or work then I am mentally leaping ahead to the next task and the next and the next… one of the biggest things that brings joy is when I realise have some time, just a moment to either sit and think or close my eyes and escape. The opportunity to go slow is rare and welcomed.
2. Coffee and Tea. It seems like a small thing, but knowing a good cup of coffee is waiting for me can be the difference between wanting to get out of bed on a cold, grey day or not! I drink coffee up until mid afternoon and then switch to tea. These hot drinks not only warm me up, but also punctuate long working days. The ritual of making them is part of my joy!
3. Random Acts of Kindness. There is nothing better than when someone does something kind and unexpected for you. It not only makes you feel fabulous to do kind things, but to be the recipient is also wonderful! It can be as small as holding open a heavy door when my hands are full or smiling patiently when I lose my card at the checkout and get flustered, rummaging around trying to find it. Thank you to that lady who closed her eyes briefly and let me know it was okay to take my time…
4. My French Bulldogs. I don’t think I fully appreciated just how much light these two would bring into my life and how much love I would get in return. No matter what time I walk through the door and no matter how long my day has been, they greet me with such love and affection that I treasure. The way they love me is a privilege.
5. A New Book to Read. If like me you’re an avid reader, you’ll understand the thrill of knowing there’s a story that’s waiting to dive into. Whether on my Kindle or sitting in a pile by the side of my bed – I take comfort from knowing I have a book waiting. Books are my escape, my pleasure, my leisure, my friends. To not have my next read lined up can make me feel quite panicky. Not that it ever happens!
6. Walking. Whether it’s a quick stroll to the shops or a long, rambling hike – there is nothing quite like getting outside to breathe fresh air and be outdoors. Even a quick wander around the garden can bring joy to a dark day, helping to clear my head.
7. Flowers. The greatest gift I can ever receive is flowers! And I’m not fussy, it might be a glorious beribboned bouquet, or a few wild blooms plucked from the verge on a walk – both are equally beautiful when plonked in a jug on the kitchen table.
Flowers by Penny Dommett of Plans & Plants
Do any of these resonate? I’d love to hear about what brings you joy on a daily basis…
Thank you for reading "Tangerine!" by Amanda Prowse. This post is public so feel free to share it.
I, too, have a similar list of joys, with just a few tweaks!
1. My Family - both my nuclear one, and my extended one. We are a huge family, and both joy and sadness comes in its fair share, but to be honest, there is so much joy to be had with your family. The giggles and smiles from my nephews, the bonding moments with my children (few and far between as they are teens, now!), sitting and talking to my elders, capturing their memories in my mind... so much brings joy!
2. Teaching - Yes, it's a hard slog, and I spend 90% of my time feeling absolutely shattered, but to see the happiness on the faces of my class, that light bulb moment when something finally clicks, a wonderful team to work with. It has its own joy.
3. Sonu Singh - Of course my furry baby brings joy. and especially when he comes and curls up in my lap, unasked, and gives me that massage filled with love.
4. My reading/writing room - flled with books of inspiration, and the tools to make my own stores come to life. I love this room with a passion. even my mum says it is her favourite room in the house!
5. Walks in nature, spotting all the glorious things Mother Nature has created, and watching the animals cavorting around their fields. Now, we have, all within walking distance; horses, sheep, pigs and even cows! (Though thankfully the cows are a little distance, so the smell of their cowpats don't linger near our house!)
6. A good cup of tea, with a book and a pile of biscuits. I really don't need to explain that one!
7. My friends - they are an extention of my family, and whether it is in group WhatsApp conversations, via social media, or face to face, they are always there for me; my blog family, my work family, my university friends family...
Can I add, like Louise, a simple smile. It goes so far, (just like your book says, Amanda!) and can change the course of a person's day!
I loved reading this and really made me stop and think. I like you live my life what seems like 100mph but yes it really is the small things that make me smile and I the things that make me smile are similar to you. Cooper my cockapoo and my cats, someone saying hello as they walk past in the street, walking outside in the fresh air, books …all those things make me smile
Well today you have made me smile by reading this.
Beautiful post, Sis!
I, too, have a similar list of joys, with just a few tweaks!
1. My Family - both my nuclear one, and my extended one. We are a huge family, and both joy and sadness comes in its fair share, but to be honest, there is so much joy to be had with your family. The giggles and smiles from my nephews, the bonding moments with my children (few and far between as they are teens, now!), sitting and talking to my elders, capturing their memories in my mind... so much brings joy!
2. Teaching - Yes, it's a hard slog, and I spend 90% of my time feeling absolutely shattered, but to see the happiness on the faces of my class, that light bulb moment when something finally clicks, a wonderful team to work with. It has its own joy.
3. Sonu Singh - Of course my furry baby brings joy. and especially when he comes and curls up in my lap, unasked, and gives me that massage filled with love.
4. My reading/writing room - flled with books of inspiration, and the tools to make my own stores come to life. I love this room with a passion. even my mum says it is her favourite room in the house!
5. Walks in nature, spotting all the glorious things Mother Nature has created, and watching the animals cavorting around their fields. Now, we have, all within walking distance; horses, sheep, pigs and even cows! (Though thankfully the cows are a little distance, so the smell of their cowpats don't linger near our house!)
6. A good cup of tea, with a book and a pile of biscuits. I really don't need to explain that one!
7. My friends - they are an extention of my family, and whether it is in group WhatsApp conversations, via social media, or face to face, they are always there for me; my blog family, my work family, my university friends family...
Can I add, like Louise, a simple smile. It goes so far, (just like your book says, Amanda!) and can change the course of a person's day!
And, Happy Mother's Day! 💜
What a wonderful post.
I loved reading this and really made me stop and think. I like you live my life what seems like 100mph but yes it really is the small things that make me smile and I the things that make me smile are similar to you. Cooper my cockapoo and my cats, someone saying hello as they walk past in the street, walking outside in the fresh air, books …all those things make me smile
Well today you have made me smile by reading this.
Have a wonderful day
Nicola x