Hey friends, chatting about Snatching Joy Wherever I can here today.
Lilacs blooming in my yard, so intoxicating!
It’s been a long week for me personally and also in our city of Manchester, NH. Thursday night – a lock-down on the west end – two of our city police officers shot during the night.
The officers are young, 27 and 28 respectively. Thank God they’ll both fully recover.
The schools on the west end were closed during the man-hunt yesterday. Thankfully the suspect, accused of robbing a convenience store earlier in the week, is now in custody. Exhale.
If you read here regularly you know I strive to stay positive and upbeat. But even more, for authenticity. Which is why I’m telling you the truth, what’s really going on here behind the scenes.
And my crab apple tree….stunning!
So how about for you? How was your week? It’s a crazy world out there isn’t it? And none of us knows quite what’s coming down the pike next. That’s why we need to snatch the joy moments whenever/wherever we can.
Crazy life. And a busy one too.
Oops, did I say that? A few years back Jon and I made a pact that we weren’t going to waste our time or breath talking about our state of “busy-ness” anymore.
Well I think the topic came up initially because we caught ourselves responding to those who asked how we were doing, telling them about how busy we were. So boring and monotonous to the listener, for sure. (Folks were so polite, didn’t mention it.)
Because the truth is, whose life isn’t busy? So we’re choosing to call it “full”. Ha. Yes, we’re leading a very “full” life.
We find ourselves betwixt and between in a number of ways, but mostly with our kids right now. We’ve got an eighteen year old headed to college in the fall and our littlest guy Hudson with Down syndrome, just turned six.
Still in diapers, still waiting on words. Plus we’ve got a few boys in between.
The other day Jon and I spent the evening with our big guy working on college scholarship applications. Finally, finally….about midnight we all head to bed, thoroughly exhausted.
We’re met in the upstairs hallway by a tell-tale odor. Oh no. Hudson. A diaper. Upon further investigation, the pajamas also need changing. Also sheets. And mattress pad.
Jon bags up the offending diaper, hands it to me while he tucks the still-sleeping Hudson snug into his clean bed.
And I sigh in a whisper,” I am NOT taking this outside now,” and head to drop it in the hallway. And Jon, he quietly motions, takes the bag.
Raises the window sash, ceremoniously drops the bag out the window onto the front walkway. Shuts the window.
These crazy days, we just gotta think outside the box friends. And I’m thankful to be married to a man who does. Even at midnight.
So when life gets full, super saturated, how do we snatch joy? It can be elusive for sure.
I’ve been intentionally thinking about it this week, thought I’d share a few tiny ways I intentionally grab a little joy. Simple things.
- A fun paper straw in my water glass.
- A stroll through the yard, discovering the latest blooms.
- Writing a quick note to a friend on letterpress stationery.
- Texting a friend.
- A quick walk around the block.
- Savoring a hot drink from a hand thrown pottery mug
- Surrounding myself with beauty whenever I can.
- Shoes – fun ones.
- Dreaming of the future.
- Catching a glimpse of the sunset.
- A glass of wine with my love after a long day.
- A quiet few minutes at Barnes & Noble, flipping through my favorite magazine.
- Browsing at Paper Source or a specialty yarn shop.
So many more, but I’ll stop there.
I know people like this. And I want to be one of those souls – who find the joy everywhere – and leave it behind when they go.
So tell me friends, how do you snatch moments of joy in this crazy busy (oops…FULL) life?
Hope you’ll share, I’m all ears. Have a beautiful weekend, and grab the joy wherever you can!
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Ellen says
Your post is a good reminder to stop and enjoy what is around you! I needed that in this full season right now! Just yesterday I was picking up Christopher early from school and needed to rush back to work, but he asked if we could get lunch together…how could I say no.. So off to lunch we went! So glad I slowed down for a bit to enjoy one of Gods greatest gifts!
Allie says
The days are going by so quickly Ellen. You get it. I know we’re going to so treasure these special memories down the road. XO
Barbara Child says
What a great reminder to “stop and smell the roses!” There is beauty all around us–especially beautiful people, like you!
Allie says
Thanks Barbara, you are a gem in my life.
nancy mcmahan says
I want to know if you chuckled…even a tiny bit…at midnight as the diaper went out the window. Sorry but I burst out laughing. Love your muses, Allie. Sharing some of your quotes, thank you. Have a very joy….full weekend.
Allie says
So funny Nan. No I didn’t. I think I was more like, thank God this man has a brain in his head. (Since I sure don’t.) Apparently my problem solving skills greatly diminish after midnight. Have a beautiful week my friend!
LaWanna Burrows says
Thanks, I so love your telling us of your Joy and sorrow.I also love the flowers and taking our rescue dog for a walk around the neighborhood seeing all the flowers. Thanks hang in there.Our 2 daughters, it was a tough time to let them go. but all is well, has been a long time ,but they both are married and have great Jobs and Happy in there life.
Allie says
Hi LaWanna- thanks for your sweet and encouraging words. Sounds like an enjoyable way to see the blooms, on a walk with your rescue dog! Have a wonderful week!
Linda Jenkins says
Hi Allie, I, too, had a particularly busy (full week). It left me feeling down and overwhelmed. So the timing of your message is so pertinent to me. I need to remember that those things which drain us and leave us feeling down are actually nudges from God. He is reminding us that when we focus on all the tasks and forget the beauty with which he has surrounded us we close ourselves to all the beauty around us. It is a subtle pull back to His glory. My joy comes in the most simple ways. Spending time with my children and my grandchildren always brings a smile to my face; subbing at the Mount and being hugged by the students who have come to know me; savoring a glass of wine while reading a book without interruption; laughing with my husband; being told by loved ones and friends that I am loved; receiving the funniest cards from my oldest son (I don’t know where he finds them, but they always make me smile); and finally, talking to God and knowing he has heard me. Oh, and ocean always fills me with wonder and joy. Thanks for the reminder that joy is all around me, I just need to take the moments I’ve been granted to appreciate them. Much love!
Allie says
Dear Linda, I loved hearing all the wonderful ways you find joy. I too love the ocean, it’s so mesmerizing. The ebb and flow of the waves and the tides — it’s like staring into flames…. fascinating and hard to look away. Hope you get LOTS of beach visits this summer. And hope I do too! xo
Aunt Pinkie says
Wonderful post, Allie! God provides us with joy everywhere – hopefully we’ll be wise enough to appreciate it! Love to you and yours!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt Pinkie, love you.
Simone says
You may have discovered a new ‘skunk repellent’….for outdoors!
Love and enjoy your posts so much. I, too, enjoy moments of browsing through the flowers , sitting still and reminding myself of how blessed I am for so many wonderful ‘treats’ the Lord has given to me. We often forget to simply stop…and enjoy…and be refreshed and made ready for whatever is around the next corner. You are definitely a JOY giver.
Allie says
Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a skunk for some time! 🙂 Thank you Simone, you are a joy. xo
Susie Mandel says
Thank you, thank you, Allie! I needed this today. Your lilacs and crab apple tree are stunning. I just love the smell of lilacs. I know it was way better than the smell that greeted you and Jon the other night as you went upstairs. 😉
Allie says
Yes, I must agree Susie. The lilacs are definitely preferable! xo
Carina says
Dear Allie, Your lilacs and crab apple tree are a joy to look at! I can almost smell the fragrant flowers! (Sadly, ours are not looking too good this year… Lots of bare branches… time for a thorough trimming, Perhaps?)
A wonderful post. Such a good question to ask ourselves – how do we find joy when life gets really ‘full’ ? (Especially with four boys! I can’t imagine!).
For me, attitude seems to make a big difference. I think there is a real wisdom in your choice to see life as full rather than just busy. Interestingly, my husband and I came to a similar conclusion years ago. The words one uses seem to affect how one feels about things.
So true, too, that finding joy in those small moments can help to bring a positive feeling (Everyone’s list is different, but the key is recognizing and savouring those small moments) .
I don’t know who said it, but it’s also a good point to remember: “Sometimes, the bridge between dispair and hope is a good night’s sleep”. There is some real truth to that. When we are feeling exhausted, it can be frustrating, and it is hard to feel joyful. So, if it’s at all possible, sometimes it’s important just to take a day and rest.
I loved the quotes. Have a wonder(ful) week. Xoxo
Allie says
Thanks for all these great insights Carina. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts. and I think you hit the nail on the head for me perfectly. SLEEP is so important. And I need more of it. I’m definitely going to treat myself to some naps this summer. Thanks for that reminder. Have a beautiful week, friend! xo
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Haha – Allie, I so so love the diaper out of the window at nighttime story! That is classic!
This is such a beautiful post – though since I’ve been reading your blog, it never occurred to me that you had to make a conscientious effort to find joy – you live and breathe and blog with it so effortlessly, it’s like you are filled with it – inspite how full your life is! To me – you are living proof of that Frederick Faber quote!
Another one who exemplifies that is my daughter – before she came along, I must say I struggled to find joy in the journies – but with her – even the mundane, difficult, and boring journies become fun!
I so enjoyed reading this beautiful post Allie – hope you had a wonderful weekend!
XO
Allie says
Thanks for the very kind words my friend, I loved hearing from you and so appreciate your taking the time to come in and comment. I know your life is extra “full”, and so it means even more. I’m so glad you have your precious daughter to experience life with. This is the quote I’m thinking of:
“So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
“What would I do?” I said to Pooh,
“If it wasn’t for you,” and Pooh said: “True,
It isn’t much fun for One, but Two,
Can stick together, says Pooh, says he.
“That’s how it is,” says Pooh.
Yep, two can stick together and that’s a fact. (Thank you A.A.Milne.) Have a beautiful week Shashi. (And wishing I had one of your sweet potato cupcakes about now.) xo
Helen@cuisinestudy says
Love all the quotes and your sharing thoughts . It’s simple but nice and so encourage.
And yet, “JOY is not in things, it is in us”
Allie says
You are so right Helen: I should have named this post “Stop and Smell the Roses”! This little list I wrote doesn’t create joy, it’s more taking pause for a moment to experience those things that make our heart sing. I loved your comment, thanks so much for dropping by.
cakespy says
What a beautifully written essay on joy and the fleeting nature of things in life. I enjoyed reading it thoroughly and thank you for the reminder to allow and enjoy the joy that comes into my life.
Allie says
Hey thanks for dropping by with such a nice comment. You made my day!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
You always write so beautifully, authentically and from the heart, Allie! You guys sure do have a very “full” life! And I LOVE that your hubs dropped the diaper out the window- great thinking! I love how you catch joy.. life is much too short to not stop and savor the precious, joyful moments in life. For me, catching up with a good book, a glass of wine on the patio, or some snuggle tv time with Boy and the fur daughter always makes me feel at peace. I hope you have a day as beautiful as you are, sweets! Xoxo
Allie says
Hey Cheyanne, I loved your list of joy moments. (Can I come visit?) It sounds so peaceful, quiet and restful. Cheers sweet friend. XO
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Such a wonderful post, Allie. Love such posts which are a good reminder to stop and enjoy what is around. Because ljfe is too short, so we should live all the precious moments peacefully! You truly know how to live life fully. And love that diaper story! Wish you a bright and beautiful week ahead! 🙂 <3
Allie says
Thanks my friend Anu, it’s fun to think of you experiencing joy too, half-way across the world with your sweet family. I hope you are having a beautiful week. XO
Psychic Nest says
Hi Allie,
What a beautiful post! Joy is a result of mindfulness and gratitude towards life. If you are not pleased with what you have, you will never find happiness. Our society has taught us to need and want more but really, all we need is the basics and a big smile!
Zaria
Allie says
Thanks so much for dropping by, Zaria. Your comment reminds me of this quote I love by Melody Beattie: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” Have a beautiful day!
Tracy says
Yes Allie, thank you for reminding us to open our eyes and see the joy! You my friend are one of those souls that does this. You have shown me joy in things I couldn’t see before. You have taught me to look for it and take the time to see it! You also do leave it behind for others to enjoy:) Thank you! My children bring me joy, most of the time;) but especially my middle son who makes us laugh until we cry! He has also been known to throw things out of Windows…….a story for another time. ?
Mandi Korn says
Reading your blog always give me joy, even with the hard ones I know you struggle with to write. Congrats on your oldest going to college and I am sorry for the poop surprise that was waiting for you the next morning, outside the window:O) I love the idea that you have a “full” life and not a busy one, I think it suits you perfectly.