
"Let's talk about something else," I suggested. Truth be told, maybe it wasn't inspiration I needed as much as change of subject. "What brings you joy?"
They both stopped talking for a minute. Then they started to enumerate all the things that bring them joy. We're closing in on the end of school year and our lives are overwhelmed with joyful events. There are baseball parties, parades, plays, the fourth grade overnighter, the architecture exhibit, the choir concert, a birthday party, a sleepover, and the foregoing is a condensed version of what was a very long list.
I thought about their list as we walked to school in the pouring rain. By this time of year the rain, which has been falling incessantly since November, feels like the sworn enemy against me and my closet full of sundresses. But for some reason, yesterday it didn't bother me at all.
In fact, I felt downright joyful. Was it because the kids were focused on the fun events in their near future or was it because I had looked at the weather and seen that it was supposed to be 77 degrees next week.
That's when it hit me. Anticipation is a huge part of joy.
My children are excited about what the next few weeks will bring. I'm looking forward to celebrating those events under sunny skies. The anticipation of all of those things is what makes us smile. Today, might be just an ordinary day. But the knowledge that tomorrow has the potential to be filled with friends, excitment, breaks in our routine, blue, blue skies and laughter is enough to carry us through and fill us with joy.
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My favorite spot in the whole world! |
I don't think it matters whether we're anticipating something big, like the fourth grade overnighter or a trip to a pristine island with white sand. Or whether it's something small, like sunshine and a sleepover.
The important thing, the joy factor, is to make sure every day we have something to look forward to tomorrow, next week, two months from now and in five years.
Which brings me to you. Are you anticipating anything special? What are the thoughts that make you smile and bring you joy no matter what the weather?
43 comments:
I would agree completely that anticipation is a huge part of joy. That is what always made Christmas morning so great, it was all that build up to what was under the tree.
I myself am anticipating the end of Faire. Not that I want faire to be over quite yet, but I have been effectively working 7 days a week since January. The idea of sleeping in on a Saturday, being able to go to the farmers market in the late morning, and then have friends over for an afternoon barbcue, sounds divine.
So well said.
I do love when son is excited about something.
It makes us all excited.
I'm looking forward to summer.
We've been cold for so long I just want to be warm again.
Heather
I most often find my joy in the little things; I don't find it so much in anticipation. I think that's because I'm such a homebody. Though I do certainly anticipate getting home from work and curling up with a good book!
That beach and island does look like it could be in my top ten favorite places!!!
I never thought about it like that, but now that you wrote it, it makes a lot of sense.
I'm looking forward to some writing time this weekend. :-)
I realized this is how my mom survives. She lives on the anticipation of the trips she has planned to see her children or family.
Hope you guys have tons of fun with all your plans. And it is raining right now, so hope you are staying dry. ;0)
Wow, I need a trip to that island. Can I go by myself?
I actually love the summer with my kids, even though the calendar is filling up quickly. Some of the biggies I can't wait to do:
Full week at cub scout camp with my sons--I'll be at the lake with the canoes.
Pioneer Trek with the youth of my trek--I'm a "mom".
Week long Girl's Camp
Hanging out at the pool
Visiting with my brother in the Air Force before he leaves the States again.
Thank you for this post! Yes, it is amazing how anticipating something wonderful feels one with joy while thinking about dreaded things dissipates joy. I often, in my private gratitude journal, simply state that I am grateful for "possibilities" with no more explanation than that. It always makes me joyful and hopeful to feel that particular gratitude!
I'm looking forward to having all my kids home during the summer. :) Then I can think of fun things we can all do together.
Beylit, great analogy to christmas!
Heather, ME TOO!
Margo, I can't wait to read that list :)
Misha, hope you enjoy you're writing time.
Thanks Jenny, warm and dry :)
Charity, those are all such great things to look forward to.
Rachel, summer is one of my favorite times with the kids too.
What a delightful list! I'm going to have to ask my children that question.
Things to anticipate...finally becoming a Canadian citizen later this month after nearly two years of agonizing waiting.
Oh yes, anticipation is such a BIG part of any joy! Johanna, just reading your post made me happy, it really did. From the Flintstones vitamins to sunshine hopefulness amidst spring showers, I suddenly feel lighter.
And that is why I love The World According to Garth.
Botanist, that is something really cool to anticipate! Go Canada!!
Thanks Cathy, you're comment gave me a big smile :)
TL, I love the idea of a private gratitude journal!
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