Double joy today. Finally was able to stop at one of our favorite places to eat today. Shake Shack is in Utah. No more traveling to Chicago for that delicious food. Also, we ate outside. That isn’t happening when we get home.
I DID IT! I completed an entire year of blogging daily (minus a few days in June when I totally forgot with wedding plans and cruise plans but added four days I to one post so technically I only missed three days of an entire year). This blog has helped me realize that joy comes when we are actively seeking it. Without that action, I wouldn’t have recognized all these little things that make me happy. Hopefully this is a lesson I will remember my entire life. I think this quote by Robert Louis Stevenson says it exactly right and is the perfect spot to end this year of joy seeking.
We had such a lovely and relaxed Christmas. Everyone was home. We gathered in the living room and slowly opened Christmas gifts that had been carefully selected for each other. (This is a picture of one of my gifts - a Mr. Rogers talking figurine and favorite quote book. Perfect for me.) This Christmas season has been very difficult for me, for whatever reason. I’ve experienced a lot of anxiety and negative thoughts. That is unusual for me. But, this morning, I rejoiced in the peace of having my family around me and knowing the great love they have for each other. That was a moment of joy.
To have the eternal optimism of a dog, our dog, would be great. Buddy is always hopeful that someone will pet him between the eyes; let him outside; will give him a treat when he comes inside; feed him; sit by him when he eats; and say hello as they walk in the door. And we do, because he is always there to greet us happily as we walk in the door; let us know when the timer goes off on the oven; if a visitor is coming to the door; and if a stay cat or dog has walked within two blocks of the house. Buddy is getting kind of old. He is a good Buddy. I tried to find a new home for him shortly after we took him in. Today I realized how grateful I am no one else could take him. He is a source of joy today.
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