Thursday, October 3, 2013

real life joy

one year ago, I found myself in quite a rough patch.
I had miscarried, and I'd never had such a dark cloud looming overhead..... I absolutely hated how it felt. just....so....heavy.
I had to find a way to snap out of it......so I opened my eyes.
I made myself notice every little thing around me, and saw how many tiny wonderful details there were in my life.
Every day, counting blessings.
Every day, feeling just a little bit better than before.
One year later and life is good.......the best.
No dark raging hormonal clouds of sadness (official medical term)--it's all in the past.
But I still like to remind myself of all the little things (and the big ones too) that surround me every day.

Millie laid a whopper.
We laughed and laughed so hard......and then got hysterical when it didn't even fit in the egg carton.
It's an egg! But it brought us so much happiness for just a few moments.
it really is the little things
(or in this case the huge things)
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
I love it when the kids are home from school.
And I REALLY love it when they can help me make jam.
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my real life joy today

-pretty jam.
-farmers market. raspberries, apples, pumpkins.
-if you have read this blog in the fall before, you might remember I lovvvvvvve pumpkins.
I have to keep myself from spending all my money on pumpkins. someday.....someday I will have a pumpkin patch.
-hiking. I know I know, I talk about this all the time....but I got out for a few hours on Saturday and I can literally FEEL my body and soul filling with happiness as they take in the fresh air.
-pink clouds in the morning
-having ALL the laundry folded. even if only for a few hours.
-an overflowing basket of produce from a friend's garden
-tractors driving slowly down the road
-foggy mornings
-boots
-aspens
-rain when the sun is shining

"those who are the happiest, never did have everything.
but rather, they are thankful for everything they do have"
--anonymous

What is YOUR real life joy today?

related posts:
real life joy (original post from last year)

10 comments:

Eleanor ~ Ballyhoo & Bedbugs said...

My late grandfather exemplified that principal. He was thankful for every little thing around him. He would comment in wonderment or acknowledge some of the littlest things you would think no one could possibly notice. It was amazing to see someone who lived that way and gave me much to aspire to! Happiness truly is a state of mind.

eden greer said...

our 'real life joys' have been amplified because of a rough week.
-mornings where you can see your breath!
-nights around the fire pit, especially the marshmallow sticky smiles and kisses.
-I am so with you on the laundry, its my favorite thing!
-lunch with a good friend
-my oldest drawing unicorns any chance she can get.
-pumpkin bread

thanks for helping us focus on the small great things about life! You are a great inspiration to many!

Sini said...

Such a precious post. All too often we forget about the little things, concentrating only on the very obvious ones. We need to pay attention. To look around us. To really look with open eyes and an open heart.

My real life joy today is the 13-week-old black kitten I brought home today. It makes my heart swell.

Hannah said...

I had a second trimester miscarriage last year, too. It was horrible. But, I'm glad you've been able to find joy!

My kids definitely give me joy everyday.

Anonymous said...

My husband and our new little family is my real life joy, especially today on our five year wedding anniversary.

I love your list of simple fall treasures and, as always, you're photos are perfect visual complements to the content.

http://currenttempo.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

Your blog is so uplifiting, Sheena! That's why I love reading it. This post reminds me of a favorite quote: "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." I'm not sure who said it, but it is so true. Thanks for the reminder.

Some of my real life joys from yesterday:
*Coming home from work to a crockpot of fragrant, warm soup
*Homemade sourdough bread
*A good book that I can't put down
*Prayer
*Monthly quilt night with great friends

Unknown said...

Can't tell you how many things I have copied from your blog! (not the pictures!). Just copied and pasted the quote about thankfulness and it is getting fancified and posted on my fridge. :)

Kelly Jo said...

It's so easy to get caught up in the negatives of day-to-day life, this was very refreshing to read and a great reminder that there are so many joys as well. No matter how small or big they are.

My joys for today:
-a new pumpkin bread recipe
-the coffee i treated myself to this morning
-this cool and drizzly fall weather
-spending the evening with my better half

Josh said...

I love this post SO much. I was in a rough patche earlier in the year as well. All it took was gratitude to pull me out as well. Joy in the tiny things. Thanks for sharing!

Parker Emerson said...

Your thee best