Finding joy
a reminder to myself
I forget, sometimes, that finding joy and doing things are bring me joy are valid, useful, and important past-times.
It’s so easy to get caught in the doing, particularly when there is so much that needs doing. Care work, advocacy, challenging racist ideas and acts; not only is it ongoing but it can be emotionally and mentally draining.
Influencer culture has sucked out some of the joy of things too: instead of enjoying the process and the results, I compare and contrast to the Insta-worthy images I see. Of course, one knows one should not compare this way, but still, the comparison lingers.
So. This post is my - and your - reminder to find - and do - the things that bring us joy and nourish our sense of self.
I have started below with the image below; plantings begged and borrowed that will hopefully grow into a lush, calming, and joy-bringing wall of green.
What about yourselves, dearest gentle readers? What brings you joy and nourishes your sense of self? What are the barriers you find - and what helps?
Take care,
R
I've been thinking about this myself lately. I wrote a list of things that give me joy, including things I can do with no planning, and things that require some effort.
1. listen to music with noise cancelling headphones with the fire going on a cold day. Maybe with a book if the music is ambient.
2. Walk a loop around the river paying attention to trees
3. look at photos of me and family at the beach/in the summer/camping
4. curling up in bed with hot water bottle and good novel with clean fresh flannelette sheets
5. having a good laugh with friends and family -- funny cat videos, playing a game, tickles with kids
6. planting plants
7. harder things -- going on a walk or trip to somewhere beautiful
8. harder thing -- making music and singing with others
9. harder thing-- swimming somewhere non chlorinated and quiet
10. harder thing-- climbing a mountain or hill and getting a fantastic view
11. harder thng -- hosting a party
12. getting up early and doing a workout or yoga and the amazing feeling afterwards
13. going to a yoga class and having the shivasana at the end
14. sitting in stillness and wordless prayer/meditation
15. calling my best friends/family for chats and laughs
Love this list so much đŸ’–