I journal every day. As part of journaling I write an affirmation, a gratitude and a goal. I have to work really hard to make sure my goal doesn’t morph into a “to do” list – It should be more of a life goal. Some examples have included:
Be productive. Be people centered. Be creative. 

And the one today? To find Joy – which seems like is should be something you do naturally – but I don’t. I get caught up in the damn “to do” list. I grumble about the weather. About how there is not enough time in the day, etc.

I have found though, if I am intentional about it, if I seek it out, look for it actively, it is incredible how much joy I can find. Joy in simple things that I took for granted. From a wintry sky – that unique icy blue. From all the winter weather ducks and geese who have shown up on our beach and provide endless entertainment. Opening the door and seeing cheery Christmas lights on my greenhouse. There are two whales who have been hanging out wayyy across the water, and all I can really see is the frosty breath and a bit of sun glinting off a fluke as they dive – But what a joy! I stop whatever I am doing and watch. Joy in a sunset all orangey and dramatic. A pink sunrise. A cake that turned out perfectly. A phone call from my nephew, who was tearful and joyful about a football game – The Huskies – and how he missed my dad, but also how he instilled in him The- Love-Of-The-Game.

Creating a goal to find joy simply made me… Stop and look around! To pause. It slowed me down and helped me realize that life is not a race dammit! 

And of course there is the old social media joke, “If there is not a picture, it didn’t happen,” so I grabbed the camera and snapped some pictures of simple things that stopped me in my tracks, that made me slow down. Look closely. Find joy.