It doesn’t take much to put a smile on my face, and usually the reasons are random and unexpected. Every day is full of new smile sources – but I’m not always looking, and sometimes the greatest joys are the most unexpected.
Today’s post is a collection of recent joys that brought smiles to my face.
1. I took a walk with my friend Mariam and along the way we stopped often to admire the beautiful flowers, trees, and homes that line the streets in her neighborhood. Taking time to – quite literally – stop and smell the roses allowed us to be present with one another in a way that wasn’t rushed, or pressing or something we were checking off our To-Do List. And along the way we learned more about one another, supported each other emotionally and relished in our decades’ long friendship that will welcome many more such walks together. Just being.
2. Approaching the front door in my normal harried state I immediately noticed pine needles scattered across the top of my beautiful hanging basket of petunias. Quick to draw conclusions, I hastily judged the lawn care folks for having blown the stuff everywhere and reached to pull out the miscreant needles only to discover they were attached. Closer inspection revealed the “guilty party” was a bird, who had built a beautiful nest right in the center of my potted plant, and I was now treading on someone else’s doorstep. Removing my hand quickly, I hoped I hadn’t disturbed what had so lovingly been built in my absence.
3. Sure they taste sweet and we all love strawberry shortcake, but strawberries are just so gorgeous and visually appealing! Look at them! Doesn’t your mouth start watering, imagining how sweet they’ll taste when you bite into one? They were that good, and I can’t wait to pick more because there’s probably another way I can frame them for a photo. . . .
4. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are pretty much synonymous with joy, aren’t they? At least they are in my world. Not pictured, but certainly involved in our fun, as well, were hula hoops. Anyone can create anything with a piece of fat colorful sidewalk chalk – and feel amazing about their work. I’m no artist, but I drew a very convincing basketball, lollipop and numerous letters of the alphabet. And trust me, there is no age limit to any of these items. In fact, using them will probably take age out of your equation altogether.
5. Fresh vegetables bring me joy, especially when they look so beautiful on the plate before I cook them. And since I love colorful combinations this was a winning opportunity to put a smile on my face before and after dinner.
What are some of the recent joys in your world?