Find Joy NOW

I was reading some of my dad’s writing last night, and I realized that he left the physical world over twenty years ago. As I read his poetry and stories, I wondered to myself . . . how many times had my dad been sitting directly in front of me while my mind wandered somewhere else?

He used to tell me his stories, but I often missed the wonder of the moment. As dad spoke, I was thinking about my future as an attorney (yes, that didn’t work out as planned), or how I could get my college boyfriend back (I’m so glad I didn’t), or if my kids would grow up to be healthy, happy adults (they did).

I wonder how many precious “dad” moments I missed because my mind was not resting in the moment I was given.

We often miss joy as it’s doing a dance right in front of us  . . .

I noticed an older woman sitting by herself in a restaurant the other day. I thought that perhaps I should ask her to join me, but I had a blog to write and some emails to which I should respond. Plus, I really don’t like sharing my food time. My breakfast bacon is very important to me and is to be savored.

As I munched on my pig fat, I heard the waitress come to take the older woman’s order. I don’t know what was said, but suddenly I heard raucous laughter.

Two people walked into the restaurant and joined the same woman for breakfast, and they laughed non-stop. Meanwhile, I wrote a fairly boring blog and found no emails that really required a response.

Maybe she was my morning joy, and I missed out.

Today, pay attention to where you are . . .

Whether you’re in a boring corporate meeting or watching a movie, stay in the present. Stop focusing on a past that is over or a future that has yet to be.

If your mind starts to wander to a task you need to do, get on the proverbial loud speaker and call it back. “Donna Highfill, your joy is looking for you at the service desk. Donna Highfill, please come to the service desk. Your joy awaits you.” Don’t do this out loud, by the way. I tried it once, and the response was not so positive.

Let’s say you’re sitting outside waiting for somebody to pick you up. To find joy NOW, stop looking at your phone. Instead, listen for the delicate songs of birds, or watch for the first crocus in bloom.

Note: Please know that I’m so in the moment I just looked up “crocus,” because I’m not sure what it is but I hear it blooms early. Here’s a photo for your joy journal:

I think that’s why I love to write. . .

As I’m putting these thoughts on paper, I’m nowhere else in my mind. I’m just talking to you.

Some of my greatest spirit moments come from the responses you share to my writing.

Because I know we’re both in the same place at the same time, and our souls are connecting.

I feel your sincerity, and my soul does a little dance.

Then my mind wanders off again, and I get back on the loud speaker.