What brings you joy?

What brings you happiness?

Wait. Aren’t they the same thing?

Joy is something deep inside me, despite circumstances; it is a contentment and inner peace. Happiness is an outward expression; you can see it on my face. It’s a smile, a laugh.

I have been finding little ways to experience joy in my personal world, despite difficulties, sadness or anger. These little snippets of inner contentment allow me to feel at peace with myself – with my world. And the best part? They are, indeed, little snippets. I choose to view them in a positive light, and that makes all the difference.

My kids and my family, of course, bring me joy. As does nature – especially the wonderment of the change of seasons. Establishing a personal value system that works for me also brings me joy.

But here are some little, everyday happenings that can sometimes bring me to tears of joy:

What brings ME joy …

• my cozy bed after a long day
• eating whatever I want to
• the smells of garden dirt, cut grass, fall leaves, and winter air
• a clean house
• fresh flowers
• sheets dried on the line
• a brilliant sunrise
• streams, the ocean, a gentle rain
• alone time
• a campfire
• waking up early
• a perfect cup of coffee, or an equally perfect cup of homegrown herbal tea, or homemade hot chocolate
• hosting family gatherings
• my warm house in the winter
• my cool house in the summer

So, see … for me, it’s not about how much I have or where I can travel or what clothes I wear. It really is about the little things. The little things that are kinda big to me, because I feel gratitude and joy when I experience them. It’s all in the perspective, I guess.

Hope you are experiencing joy in your world, too. <3