Easy Ways to Find Joy in the Everyday
Snow day! Two of the most exciting words a child can hear. Even as an adult - I think I look forward to them as much (if not more) than my kids. I know snow days are not the norm for most professions. My husband will enviously point out how he still has to go to work, while we lounged in our jammies. Some say our kids have been “robbed” of the anticipation of listening to the radio to hear your school. My school started with “W” and it felt like forever until they got there. And if you missed it - ugh - the wait to get back to that point felt like an eternity. Now we get a phone call, email and text many times the day before to let us plan ahead and sleep in.
I make it a point to appreciate these days as the gift that they truly are. A day completely wiped clean of any previous plans and expectations. It’s so funny because even though I worked my current job a couple of years before having kids, I cannot remember a break or snow day without them. My oldest is a senior and plans to go away, making it painfully clear these are some of my last snow days with him home. While I know he will come home for breaks, between his friends and family I know I will never have these completely free days again. Over the years we have developed our own snow day routine. My kids make homemade pretzel bites to be enjoyed with a cheesy movie. Card games (mostly Skip-bo) in front of the fireplace. While none of these activities may seem envy-worthy, it's the time when we get to reconnect without the pressure of what we have to do next.
I recently listened to this TED talk with Ingrid Fetell Lee that references how the pursuit of happiness is not about focusing on the big events. There is no one thing that will make you happy long term. Rather, it is objects that evoke joy and finding that joy regularly every day is the key to truly being happy. I belive moments, as well as objects, can create joy. I am simplifying and generalizing her message (please click on the link below to hear her whole TED talk). I would qualify snow days as one of my joyful events. It may not be as fancy as a big trip, or as coveted as a pricey material item, but it truly brings joy to me and my kids.
My ask of you is to find those events of joy in your life. Watch for the little things that make you smile and take a moment to be present and appreciate them. There is no wrong choice or moment too small. Whether it’s the sun shining after a couple of gray dreary days or a last-minute coffee date with a friend that helps you find happiness. Please comment below and share some of your favorite moments!