Be Joyful-25 Simple Joys

Hold on to the joy

These are trying times and it is important that we hold on to our joy. In fact, we must hold on to our joy despite the unsettled swirl of the world. Joy may mean different things to different people. Here are 25 of my simple joys:

1. The sweet smell of honeysuckle in my backyard
2. The smell of freshly mown grass on a summer day
3. The purr, tiny sandpaper tongue and soft fur of my tabby cat
4. The slobbery nuzzle and wagging tail of my Basset hound
5. Singing “Amazing Grace”
6. Saturday morning coffee and long talks with my brother
7. The warm embrace of my mother
8. An ocean breeze
9. The sight and sound of the ocean rolling into shore
10. The coconut smell of suntan lotion
11. The feel of sand under my feet during a walk on the beach
12. The warmth of a sunny day
13. The sound of gentle rain against my window
14. Watching a tomato grow in the garden
15. Eating a tomato sandwich with fresh slices of tomato
16. The smell of an orange as it is peeled
17. The scent of vanilla
18. Viewing a hummingbird air show near my backyard feeder
19. The clink of glasses in a celebratory toast
20. The comfort of my old living room couch as I watch TV with my family
21. Saying and hearing “thank you”
22. Smiles
23. Uncontrollable laughter
24. Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
25. The voice of a friend

What are some of your simple joys?