Introducing Love Notes

my own book of delights

Last year, I read (some of) The Book of Delights and while it wasn’t my favorite book to read, it did prompt me to consider keeping a similar collection of my own. I challenged myself to write down one delight from each day, similar to the author’s practice. So now, I keep a little journal next to my bed and before going to sleep, I write down something from the day that brought me joy. 

Sometimes, I find myself scrounging for the least bad thing that happened that day to put in my little journal. Often, I write something very small like…. 

…. I am actively going through examples of something small to include and everything is really wonderful! Which brings me quickly to the whole point of this practice – to recognize the simple joys in an ordinary day (or even a hard day!). 

Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash

At the end of the day, to acknowledge that the sun came out, my morning coffee was the perfect temperature, I was energized by a conversation with my husband, the baby had a very cute giggle fit or stood on her own for one mississippi, or any number of other things is to recognize that this little life is full of goodness and I am incredibly grateful. 

In general, I am working to celebrate the abundance of ordinary joys and this practice has helped me to do that.

Some days, I’m especially inspired and will fill a few pages of my little journal with something detailed and extra special and that’s great, too. But what I love most are the little ditties of just a sentence or two – or a few bullet points that include a couple of small joys from one day. Little things that stood out amid the daily grind. 

Over time, I’ve started recording these little love notes in other places, too. I have another journal that leaves the bedside table, plenty in the notes app on my phone, several emails to myself, and others scattered elsewhere. 

And now, I’m going to share them with you. Introducing Love Notes. These will be short little stories peppered in each month-ish and you can visit this section of my Substack to peruse the collection as it grows. 

May it be that my love notes prompt you to notice delight in your own days. I’d love to hear what you find. <3