Find Joy in Each Day (Full Version)

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dcnovice -> Find Joy in Each Day (3/18/2015 6:42:50 PM)

On my way home tonight, I popped into a favorite shop to stock up on magazines (one of my great vices). The store also sells cards, magnets, and mugs with cool sayings on them. My eye went straight to this:

[image]http://thepinkjoy.com/wp-content/gallery/new-york/new-york-23.jpg[/image]


One look, and I knew I'd found my mantra for the rest of Lent. Hell, for the rest of life if possible!

Joy came to me today in varied ways:

-- the kind nurse who visited and got me set up using my NutriBullet to make a veggie/fruit drink,
-- the NutriBullet itself, a surprise gift from a friend of Mom's who'd been moved by my emails,
-- laughing and gabbing with folks at work,
-- a fascinating Lenten program at my quirky, beloved church,
-- the initiative to reach out to friends about getting together on Saturday,
-- my cat, and much more.

Where did you find joy today?



MariaB -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/19/2015 2:01:10 AM)

Yesterday I was at the hospital coffee bar and found myself sitting next to a mentally handicapped teenager and his carer. I couldn't help but listen in as the carer chatted and laughed with her almost unresponsive charge but I did notice that every so often a soft smile crossed his face. She had a look of pride about her and clearly she enjoyed her job. She was neither embarrassed of his loud grunting, or self concious about how joyfully she interacted with him. Before I left I wrote something down on a napkin; it said, "Every so often we find a perfect moment in time. Sitting next to you both has not only lifted my spirits but somewhat restored my faith in human nature...thank you!". As I got up to leave I handed her the napkin.

Every day we should find something that makes us smile and whenever possible we should share that smile.



satanscharmer -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/19/2015 6:48:12 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MariaB

Yesterday I was at the hospital coffee bar and found myself sitting next to a mentally handicapped teenager and his carer. I couldn't help but listen in as the carer chatted and laughed with her almost unresponsive charge but I did notice that every so often a soft smile crossed his face. She had a look of pride about her and clearly she enjoyed her job. She was neither embarrassed of his loud grunting, or self concious about how joyfully she interacted with him. Before I left I wrote something down on a napkin; it said, "Every so often we find a perfect moment in time. Sitting next to you both has not only lifted my spirits but somewhat restored my faith in human nature...thank you!". As I got up to leave I handed her the napkin.

Every day we should find something that makes us smile and whenever possible we should share that smile.


This is fantastic. When I'm out of the house, there's usually something small I see or hear that makes me smile. Usually. This would have brought tears of joy to my eyes. The bigger the "humanity restored", the more tears I get.

I didn't manage to get out of the house much yesterday, other than to take my daughter to dance. I did (do always) find joy in watching the dance teacher interact with the kids. If she doesn't love her job, she's a great actress. It does bring me joy when I see or hear of someone enjoying their job, especially if it somehow involves my child.

After a long day, a huge hug from my littlest one. Such a tiny little body gives the best, biggest hugs. The amount of love that pours out of her is amazing.




MariaB -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/20/2015 5:50:13 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: satanscharmer


quote:

ORIGINAL: MariaB

Yesterday I was at the hospital coffee bar and found myself sitting next to a mentally handicapped teenager and his carer. I couldn't help but listen in as the carer chatted and laughed with her almost unresponsive charge but I did notice that every so often a soft smile crossed his face. She had a look of pride about her and clearly she enjoyed her job. She was neither embarrassed of his loud grunting, or self concious about how joyfully she interacted with him. Before I left I wrote something down on a napkin; it said, "Every so often we find a perfect moment in time. Sitting next to you both has not only lifted my spirits but somewhat restored my faith in human nature...thank you!". As I got up to leave I handed her the napkin.

Every day we should find something that makes us smile and whenever possible we should share that smile.


This is fantastic. When I'm out of the house, there's usually something small I see or hear that makes me smile. Usually. This would have brought tears of joy to my eyes. The bigger the "humanity restored", the more tears I get.

I didn't manage to get out of the house much yesterday, other than to take my daughter to dance. I did (do always) find joy in watching the dance teacher interact with the kids. If she doesn't love her job, she's a great actress. It does bring me joy when I see or hear of someone enjoying their job, especially if it somehow involves my child.

After a long day, a huge hug from my littlest one. Such a tiny little body gives the best, biggest hugs. The amount of love that pours out of her is amazing.




We are all very good at grimacing when we hear a parent loudly and very publicly belittle their child but don't tend to notice when we see joy and laughter between a parent, teacher or carer with a child. You sound like me Satanscharmer, in that you're a people watcher and you get pleasure from seeing other peoples interactions.

My children are young adults now but those cuddles, though still forthcoming, are more reserved. When I witness what you describe it just reminds me of those very special moments when my own children were younger.

I remember walking through town carrying my two year old in my arms. We were chatting and laughing when this woman approached me and said, "you are such a joy to watch. I can see you really enjoy motherhood and have a fantastic relationship with your son. Her words made me feel ten foot tall and for years after I wanted to find her and tell her what those words meant.





satanscharmer -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/20/2015 6:48:24 AM)

Yes, I am just like you in that aspect.

One time, my husband and I went out to eat with our kids at a restaurant. We were all just chatting and laughing and smiling when an older couple approached us as they were leaving. The woman told us that we have a lovely family and are a joy to watch while the man was nodding in agreement with a huge smile on his face. I know what you mean. We couldn't thank them enough and I never forgot that moment. Many people do tend to focus on the negative, but when there are those other times...it is very rewarding. I'll admit, at times I wonder just how bad am I screwing up my kids. Those comments are settling. It's also incredibly nice to know others have experienced joy in watching us as I have watching others.

It's because of that moment I try to speak up more than I have in the past. One little statement from me could mean something much greater for the other person. It's possible that the woman in your post knows or has an idea.

The little one is our third and final child. Watching the other two grow up so fast, already waning from hugs and cuddles, has made me hold onto this one even more so. It has made me understand why some parents push their adult children to have kids. I won't do that but will be ecstatic if and when that moment arrives.



NookieNotes -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/20/2015 7:18:35 AM)

Ah, joy!

Joy is a big part of my life. I find it in the large and the small things. Curling up with my Pet this morning. making him breakfast, sending him to work with a lunch of leftovers.

BIG joy.

My kitty curled up, touching my knee as I work.
Memories of dinner with friends last night.
Watching a friend go through a growing process, even though it's hard on him.

Little joys.

I told my father a few days ago that I have never been happier, despite not having seen a penny from my primary (salary-paying) business in 6 months, thanks to unscrupulous behavior of my partners... and having to create new income streams fast as a result. But that is just money.

I have amazing love, friendship, opportunities, learning potential, and more... all around me.



littleladybug -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 9:52:41 AM)

On Saturday, my man took me on a surprise visit to a local (20 acre) nursery. I had wanted to plant some azaleas in front of the house, and he thought I'd appreciate this place. Umm...yeah, that would be an understatement. [:)]

As we were walking through the greenhouses, I told him that I wanted to see if they had any monkey puzzle trees. Ever since seeing several on my first trip to Vancouver, BC 10 years ago, I've been in love with these trees. Though they grow quite well in this area and IMO are the coolest looking evergreen tree out there, they're just not that common. The ones that I have found have been at least 6 feet tall, and are really pricey. So, following our map (yes, this place is large enough that you need a map) we meandered to where they would be...and sure enough, there was a display of about 20 of them, barely out of the sapling stage. He took one look at my face and said "let me go get a cart".

Who thought that a 25 dollar plant could bring so much joy?

And, not only to me. Last night, he told me that the look on my face when I saw these plants just about made his week (and probably more than that).

To me, things like this are what living life is all about.



kdsub -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 10:06:51 AM)

Yesterday evening about 10 pm I strapped on my 80 lb pack full of cameras and tripods and such and hiked 2 miles in pitch black forest then another mile up a scour where the Taum Sauk reservoir ruptured a few years ago and stripped a half mile wide path through the Missouri Ozarks with a billion gallons of water.

I set up with the perfect view up the scour to the rebuilt reservoir waiting for the Milky Way with the galactic center to rise above the walls so I could photograph it…only to have clouds move in to ruin the shot….BUT… setting in the quiet of the cool night listening to the night life around me was still magical and I did find joy with my God and the heavens.

Butch



dcnovice -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 10:27:03 AM)

These are wonderful thoughts/stories! [:)]

A million thanks to you all.



slvemike4u -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 10:46:58 AM)

For today my joy came from this thread,tomorrow it will probably be something else....but for today DC it's you who brought it to me....Thank you

I so hope things are getting better for you,there are scads and scads of us here rooting for you [:)][:)]



kdsub -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 11:01:38 AM)

Mike I agree… DC often comes up with threads that lets us express true feelings…I would have never realized how special my experience with nature was last night if DC had not prompted me to place it in perspective. He is special in many ways and a delight to have with us on this site.

Butch



RockaRolla -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 12:22:15 PM)

I bought a couple of shirts last week and realized too late the shipping address had the wrong zip code. My joy was finding they arrived today with no issue, and the shirts fit well.

After a weekend of going to places that either don't serve mojitos or conveniently run out of mint when you order one, I grabbed the ingredients to make my own tonight.



shiftyw -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 12:40:58 PM)

My guy is cooking me hamburgers and I want them.



NookieNotes -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 4:52:42 PM)

I just finished day 4 of 27 (3 days/week for 9 weeks) of a couch to 5k. Spent time with friends, exercised, took in fresh air.



slvemike4u -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 6:38:35 PM)

Way to go Nookie......before you know it you will be registered for the Boston marathon [:D]



Or,and more fitting for you,running with the bulls in Pamplona !!!!!!



dcnovice -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/23/2015 7:07:59 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: NookieNotes

I just finished day 4 of 27 (3 days/week for 9 weeks) of a couch to 5k. Spent time with friends, exercised, took in fresh air.

You rock!



NookieNotes -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/24/2015 3:23:39 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: slvemike4u

Way to go Nookie......before you know it you will be registered for the Boston marathon [:D]


I sincerely hope I will get over this temporary insanity and not hate myself that much. :P

quote:

Or,and more fitting for you,running with the bulls in Pamplona !!!!!!


I like the bulls here in Raleigh just fine, TYVM.

quote:

ORIGINAL: dcnovice

quote:

ORIGINAL: NookieNotes

I just finished day 4 of 27 (3 days/week for 9 weeks) of a couch to 5k. Spent time with friends, exercised, took in fresh air.

You rock!


Thanks. It was rough... I'm quite strong, and there are many cardio things I can do... running has not be one of them since I got pneumonia at 22. My lungs have never quite been pleased with it. So, I figured I should overcome that nearly 20 years after.

Better late than never, right? LOL!



DaddySatyr -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/24/2015 3:50:33 AM)


Ahhh! The little joys of life!

I don't get a chance to share about many of mine, for a myriad of reasons. To be completely honest, life has tossed me a few curveballs, over the last few years and if I didn't make an effort to get out of my own head (which is where I keep my huge, shitty pile of resentments), I could, easily, get bogged down in that mire.

Most of my joys come from helping people that cannot help themselves and, obviously, that includes the young'uns.

When I moved in with Beth, I "inherited" her 41 year old friend who had a (then) thirty-three month old daughter.

Lisa was not supposed to be coming with us, but somewhere along the line, Beth dropped the ball and Lisa's sweeping declaration, when Beth told her that she and I were going to be co-habiting was: "I'll make other arrangements". It quickly changed to: "Give me six months and I'll make other arrangements"

My youngest son being not quite twenty-five, at that point, I had been "retired" from the parenting business for almost seven years. Also, my eldest son, having been killed, four months before, I wasn't sure how dealing with a thirty-three month old child would sit with my psyche. Also, I had no daughters, amongst my three children.

Well, thank God Lisa is a lazy piece of crap. Her little girl, Caitlyn, has been a God-send.

Her mother wouldn't toilet train her so I did it. A three-year old child, especially a female, should not be wearing diapers.

Her mother thought it was "cute" that Caitlyn couldn't pronounce "S" and encouraged the behavior by talking "baby talk" to her. I taught her that those little things in fish tanks with the shells are not "nail"; they're SnailS (the first time she said it right, her face lit up and she hugged me). I will say though that now, I mis-pronounce her (last) name without the "s", just to get that rise out of her, where she's trying to tell me that I sound like a little baby.

Even though I didn't want to, I made a connection with that young lady that has benefited both of us.

I enjoy being "Dorky Uncle Michael".

They've moved down to Md., now but we stay in touch and her mother, being the person that she is, they will probably be moving back up into the area within the next six months.



Michael



needlesandpins -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/24/2015 9:17:31 AM)

I'm a Pagan, and each night I give my thanks for the day, and the things that I am grateful for. I also give my thought for people that stand out in my life. people such as yourself, DC, and others in our 'I admit thread', as well as other areas of my life. I have so much going on around me that is crappy that it is nice to have a point every day to focus on what is good in my life. sometimes it may only be that I have my son, a roof over our heads, and we are hungry, or freezing today, but it's more than some have, and for that I'm grateful.

I don't get to go out as much as I did before, but spring is happening here in the UK, and I have lots of spring flowers in my front garden. I also have a huge Cherry Plum Tree that is full of blossom, and they bring me joy. They attract lots of Bees, and birds which also bring me joy. Our dogs are a constant joy even though both have their own personality annoyances. My son's dog asks for a fuss each morning, and at the end of each day. I get to spend 5-10mins of quiet time with an otherwise hyperactive dog while he enjoys his fuss [:)]

needles



DesFIP -> RE: Find Joy in Each Day (3/24/2015 1:32:16 PM)

Last week was the grandson's second birthday. We took him up to the mall, bought him some clothes and then went to the food court with a pocket full of quarters to ride the little cars. Watching him walk around, choosing which he wanted to ride was such fun. I hadn't realized how much joy could be found in $4.

Yesterday was my son's 22nd birthday. He spent it writing a paper that was due at midnight. He's coming to dinner on Thursday, when I told him what I was making, his favorite food, he got so excited. I didn't realize how exciting a baked stuffed potato could be.



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