20 July, 2015

Little joys: Learning to be happy

Instead of focusing on hundreds of little griefs, experienced after loss or at the end of our infertility journey, reminded over and over again what we’ve lost, I want to concentrate on the hundreds of little joys we experience, recognise them, and appreciate them, as they teach us how to be happy.

So here are some of my little joys so far today:

  • Discovering I didn’t have my makeup bag at the gym, and then finding that it had been handed in late last week when I’d left it in the changing room, meaning that I could use it to diminish my ruddy red cheeks, and go to have …
  • A good coffee in the Boat Café, gently rocked by the waves, as the sun shone on the yachts in the marina next door, and being thankful for …
  • Wellington’s harbour, in all its various moods – this morning it sparkled a cool silver under the winter sun, at times dazzling me as I worked out at the gym.
  • Realising my book is so good, I don’t want to stop reading it to write this – and knowing it will be there waiting, when I’m done.
  • Being cosy and warm inside my house as the southerly wind howls outside, and hail pounds the skylight above me as I type this.
  • The satisfaction of knowing some chores have been completed (and I can go back to my book).

What were your little joys today?

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16 comments:

  1. BentNotBroken21 July 2015 at 08:31

    Sounds like a lovely day!

    I saw a beautiful Monarch butterfly today. I don't see them often so I thought it was pretty special. I also have a new book sitting on my kitchen table that I can start as soon as summer term ends and I tie up all of my lose ends. Thanks for providing the encouragement I needed to think about a few good things that happened in an otherwise unremarkable day.

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  2. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 12:18

    That sounds like a wonderful sort of day.

    I took a walk by the river this morning and saw a great blue heron. Very pretty and majestic, definitely one of those little joys.

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    1. Mali21 July 2015 at 16:04

      I love seeing birds too - the tui in our trees are always a treat, even though they're there most days.

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  3. Jess21 July 2015 at 14:11

    What a beautiful list of little joys! It's always nice to remind yourself of all the reasons to be happy in a day. I finished the laundry for packing for our trip to Maine, went for a walk in new memory foam sneakers that felt like walking on clouds, and made some really tasty food all day long. What book are you reading?

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    Replies
    1. Mali21 July 2015 at 16:04

      Oooh, walking on clouds. I want those sneakers! (Book info below)

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  4. Lori Lavender Luz21 July 2015 at 15:48

    I got to return to my yoga mat after some time away. It was delish.

    I have to ask also, what's the name of your book?

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    1. Mali21 July 2015 at 16:05

      I did some yoga on Sunday (inexpertly) after a break, and enjoyed it too.

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  5. Mali21 July 2015 at 15:55

    The book was "At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen (she of Water for Elephants fame). Unfortunately, it ended up being a little predictable and a bit twee. But it was a good read.

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  6. Noemi21 July 2015 at 16:39

    I love this post, especially after I had a wonderful weekend of basking in all kinds of joyful moments. It was the best 48+ hours I've spent in a long time.

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  7. Stephanie (Travelcraft Journal)21 July 2015 at 17:31

    Sounds beautiful!

    Today was a little frustrating...but..let's see...I did just eat a delicious piece of root beer cake...earlier today I made a long pre-moving to do list (and felt much less anxious once it was all written down and not in my head)...and I got a call from a sweet friend who always makes me smile. You're right, that's a very good exercise! Today seems better already! :)

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  8. Cristy22 July 2015 at 07:20

    The description of having coffee at the marina sounds delicious!!!!

    Big one last night: falling asleep with a glass of wine following a long hot day. Just need the hammock.

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  9. Lollipop Goldstein22 July 2015 at 11:35

    A particularly good podcast during my drive. The fact that I have a good book waiting for me tonight. That the dreaded task of shaving my legs is behind me :-)

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  10. Maria23 July 2015 at 00:17

    I have been doing this exercise since January and it has made a huge impact on my overall mood. The little joys I noticed yesterday: 1) not encountering any traffic on the way to work; 2) a 20 minute walk in the sun while on break at work; 3) while walking to my car at the end of the day, I saw 2 birds (male and female), the female was angrily chirping at the male, he put his back to her said nothing and hopped away, she chased and nagged some more, he flew away and said nothing, she flew after him and screamed, he kept his back to her and was silent. It made me laugh because so many couples communicate the same way; 4) watched a storm roll in at 6:30 and took some beautiful pics of the black sky against the blue sky; and 5) watched 2 reruns of All in the Family before going to bed. A good day.

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  11. Middle Girl3 August 2015 at 02:46

    Having some previously snug fitting shorts feel a lot less snug. Loose, in fact.
    Several hours of quiet time.
    Stamina to ride my bicycle to the petstore for more dog and cat kibble. And back.

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  12. loribeth5 August 2015 at 09:55

    * Looking at my vacation photos & videos of the Little Princesses. :)
    * Having an excuse (AF :p ) to sit on the couch all day & read blogs. ;)
    * Fresh berries from the farmers' market.
    * First bookstore trip & Starbucks tea latte since returning from vacation.
    * A break in the humidity.

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