We are heading into the latter part of the year which contains end of year functions, Christmas, and other attendant busyness that the last few months of 2018 will bring. The end of the year can be dominated by getting things done, but it is also important to focus on the little moments that bring light and laughter into our lives.
In the spirit of focusing on finding joy in the ordinary, I thought I start a new blog series for this new season. And it is based on this quote:
And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, “if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”
Kurt Vonnegut Junior
Sometimes I find, like the quote above, that we have to stop and really notice the things that bring us joy. I have found both in writing down these five things, and in typing them up to share with you, I have had a smile on my face.
The practice of finding the joy in my everyday, has a benefit that goes beyond the moment itself.
So without further ado here are my Friday moments of ordinary joy
Reading my daughters’ books
My family love to read, and what’s more they love to share books. My daughters will often pass on their recent favourites to me with, “This is a great book Mummy, you must read it.” So I do!
The joy comes not just in the reading, but also in sharing our thoughts about the book the characters, and even responding to the simple question, “Where are you up to Mummy?”
I have just finished Lintang and the Pirate Queen by West Australian author Tamara Moss. I loved it, it’s a very entertaining fantasy tale, with a number of strong female characters. My eldest already has the second book in the series lined up for me to read.
A Netflix show that makes me laugh
I have been waiting in great anticipation for season three of The Good Place. And so far it has not disappointed me.
If you haven’t seen this show yet, do not talk to anyone about the twist, and watch season one without fail. I was also thrilled to discover that there is a podcast by the creators and actors and I’m dipping into that occasionally.
Cooking for my family
I love to cook, it has always been something I have loved, but to be honest cooking for my family has often been a trial. Especially in the toddler years when we had different meal times.
Now that my girls are older they are becoming more willing to try new flavours, and we are all sitting together at the table for dinner. So dinner has once more become a meal that I enjoy cooking.
The throwback Thursday playlist on Spotify
Let’s be honest, there is nothing like songs from your past to make you smile! They bring back memories, some poignant and some hilarious.
Yesterday’s playlist was pop hits from the 90s and I spent most of the day smiling and reminiscing. (There may have been a bit of dancing too!)
This Zara shirt
I was wandering through Zara yesterday and saw this slogan T-shirt. Oh my goodness, it made me laugh out loud.
How about you, what is giving you ordinary joy this Friday? Take a moment and notice, and let that joy come back to you during the week.
Happy Friday,
Jodie
