Grace Notes

a blog about life’s everyday magic

May 25, 2018

Prioritizing Joy

 

Words: Christen Hammons
Photo credit: Christina Rivers

 

I recently had one of those moments where my heart filled with complete joy.

You know those moments … the ones where you look around, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “More of this, please.” And it was nothing of significance; just a simple fire roaring in our backyard, filling the air with that campfire smell and providing a little extra warmth as the night grew colder. But in that moment, I wondered to myself why we didn’t do this more.

Why don’t I do any of the little stuff that brings me such utter joy more?

I’m not talking about those big important things, like vacations or even fancy dinners out (though I do enjoy those quite a bit too).

I’m talking about those tiny little things that take almost no effort to do, yet make a profound impact on how I feel.

Like …

Asking for my latte to be served in a mug when we stop by the local coffee store

Brewing that cup of Sleepy Time tea that always relaxes me before bedtime

Having friends over to share a pizza and some laughs

Painting my nails that shade of lilac that always makes me smile

What are we so busy with that we can’t take an extra five minutes out of our day to do something that makes us so happy? Why do we commit ourselves to doing things we really don’t want to do? It’s this thought that has made me create a summer bucket list for myself. It only has one item:


Prioritize joy.

True, authentic joy.

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Comments ( 2 )

  1. sylvia simmons

    April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    I am happy with your magazine,life is so busy and your magazine reminds me to slow down and enjoy the simple things that bring me joy.

  2. Michelle

    April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    I am craving this isue and now have to wait to get it since our bookstore is closed due to the Coronavirus quarantine. I welcome your magazine as a huge escape from an always overly busy schedule and miss the calm it brings me immediately upon opening the issue. Time to go back and read my previous ones for now!

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