Recently I've realized that I care way to much what others think. I'm constantly justifying my decisions and actions via mental self-talk. Who am I trying to convince? I already made the decision, and often have already taken the action. I don't need to convince myself.
Often my mind rambles about why I choose to live a more simple life and it really comes down to joy. I've been thinking quite a bit about simplicity lately and came across a great blog, Zen Habits: The Simple Joys of Smaller Living. I really enjoy reading the posts as it keeps me focused on what's really important in my life...and on what brings me joy.
One of this week's suggestions was to journal about what brings joy to your life or to keep something called a Joy List where you jot down these small joys as they happen in your life.
The mere act of jotting down the experience isn't so profound. It's the fact that by writing about these moments (as Zen Habits says), we give ourselves "the time to savor them when they occur or process and reflect on them afterward."
So, what simple joys have I experienced during the past few days?
Yesterday as my husband and I were driving to visit a friend who is terminally ill and in the hospital, my husband reached across the truck seat to take my hand...just to hold it gently as we drove along and chatted. I'm not sure what prompted him to do this. We hold hands often, but this was different. Perhaps it was the realization that we all only have the present moment. Perhaps it was the realization that our love brings us both great joy. The motivation really isn't important... but the memory of that act is. This simple act of holding hands didn't cost anything, didn't take much energy, and didn't take planning yet it was one of the most meaningful "gifts" my husband could have given me.
I'm glad I took the time to reflect upon it. I'm happy that it is the first item on my Joy List. I look forward to adding to it.
What brought you joy today?
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