Joy

If you follow my Instagram, you know that today while I was out on my Pokemon walk I saw a beautiful hibiscus in full bloom. My joy was twofold; I got to play Pokemon and hit a few Pokestops, and I saw a flower that transported me back to one of the most blissful places on the earth.

In our fast paced, go-go-go society, it is often challenging to find joy. Or if we find it, we don't actually take the time to acknowledge it. We think of joy as specific things, big things that like happiness we are always striving for when it is often right in front of us.

In my family instead of asking how was your day, we ask "What was the best part of your day" as it causes the you to reframe the day. Instead of thinking about all that went wrong you start to focus on what went right, and what was the standout moment of the day. Some times, the best part is coming home to a warm meal. Some times it's getting recognition at work.

I think we can look at joy in the same way. Joy can be taking that extra five minutes to enjoy a cup of tea with honey. It can be calling an old friend and having a laugh. There's joy to be found in joyless days. It isn't always easy to find, but when we take a moment to savor the small moments, it will be easier and easier to identify.