Simple Joys

Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

Simple Joys are the times in your day that prompt a smile, a jolt of laughter, a sigh of relief, or a peaceful feeling, no matter how short-lived.

It is unrealistic to think that life unfolds without bumps along the way. Whether economic worries, health issues, or simply the stresses of everyday life, it can become overwhelming to traverse life’s daily obstacles.

The secret, I’ve learned, is to embrace the Simple Joys that exist all around. To open oneself to the notion that joy exists and is there for the enjoying is novel to some who are downtrodden. But, just by believing Simple Joys can enter your life and up your happiness quotient.

No matter where you’ve been in your life, what troubles you have endured or are currently working through, Simple Joys are accessible to all.

Trust me, I know firsthand.

Now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.

My niece. My brother and my niece came for a visit last week. We don’t get to see them nearly enough but value the time we do. My niece was the first grandchild for my parents and is a year and a half older than my oldest child. She is sweet, easy-going, mature, extraordinarily talented (artist) and a ton of fun to be with. Spending the week with her was a Simple Joy that occurs all too rarely but is treasured greatly.

Summer schedule. I’ve written about it before, but I adore our summer schedule. My sons’ ribbon meet (swimming) ended about 8:30p the other night, but we hadn’t fed our children and my niece a decent dinner. So, directly after the meet we took the children to Wendy’s for a late night burger and fries supper.

We talked animatedly, ate ravenously, and cared not about the time as darkness was only starting to fall and the next day was filled with more casual summer activity. Our fun night was a Simple Joy due to our summer schedule.

Planning. Next month I celebrate a milestone birthday. That’s right, I’m turning 40. Yes, not only am I admitting it, but I’m embracing it! I feel like I am having the time of my life and I’m not going to let a number distract me from continuing this incredible time. When asked how I wanted to celebrate I’ve been at a loss.

My ideal would be to somehow have a “virtual birthday party” so I could enjoy the company of all of my many friends I’ve found through social media and this site.

I’ve not given up on that. My online friends provide endless Simple Joys daily!

Executing. But, I want to have a “real” celebration as well so I’ve decided in lieu of a party; I want to go out to dinner with my myriad groups of friends in smaller numbers. I started by contacting the first wave and we are close to pinning down a date.

Having friends both virtually and offline to celebrate such a joyous milestone is… well, a genuine and heartfelt Simple Joy!

Beautifying. I’ve never minced words about my love of going to get my hair done. I enjoy each precious moment I spend at the salon taking care of my grooming needs until the next time I return. The professionals who care for my outward needs also feed my soul inwardly. We have forged strong ties over the many years we have known each other. Visiting the salon to see my old friends and beautify is a standing date as well as an on-going Simple Joy.

Writing my Simple Joys down provides a tangible list of positives in my life that help me keep perspective when life seems to spiral out of control.

Since keeping my Simple Joys weekly for all to read I have noticed my life improve, my energy levels increase, and my optimism return.

Whether you write yours down or simply make a mental list of the Simple Joys you’ve experienced in your life recently, I hope you recognize Simple Joys do exist.

Wishing you all another week filled with Simple Joys.

Please join me tomorrow as I explore “Love Part VII”, the July edition of the popular “Love” post on Chief 187™Chatter on Freestyle Wednesday.