Do you remember being a kid in the summer and running around outside in the sunshine? You were probably sweaty and dirty and may or may not have had shoes on and it was incredible.
Yesterday after school, the baby came outside with me to water the garden and we picked our first ripe strawberries. She pleaded impatiently while I washed them and then she popped one greedily into her mouth, a giant grin splitting her face. As bright red juice dripped down her chin, she signed for more and bounced up and down with wide-eyed enthusiasm.
I’m sure you know how good the first berry of the season tastes. But do you remember experiencing that moment for the very first time? What delight!
As I watch my daughter learn to do all the kid things, sensations will come flooding back to me in such an overwhelming tide — something like memory. It is another unexpected joy of becoming a parent. I’m remembering and re-learning what it’s like to discover the world and all its goodness. She is teaching me how to slow down and notice, how to find joy and wonder in the simple things like when an airplane soars overhead or the taste of a ripe berry in June.
Other things that are bringing me joy in this season:
Sunshine after days of cold rain
A slow morning cuddle
Jazz playing in the background
The excitement of getting sucked into a good book and giving myself over to the story completely, staying up way too late because I can’t put it down
Watching and listening to a brief, heavy afternoon rain from the comfort of the couch and a cozy blanket
Listening to David whistle to himself in the other room
Quality time with good friends
A new pair of earrings and a cute but comfortable outfit to wear on repeat
What is bringing you joy today, this week, this season?
Hi! I’m Liz. Thanks for being here and reading my journals on the journey. If you’re new, learn a bit more about me and this space here and consider subscribing to my weeklyish posts.
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