Joy In The Journey

There seems to be a prevailing thought in our world that happiness only comes as a result of riches and extravagance; of ostentatious displays of wealth and materialistic bliss.  I’ve discovered in my life that true happiness, lasting bliss, consists of love and relationships, and by adding simple touches to make the ordinary extraordinary.  I grew up in the middle of a big family, in a small town, and learned from an early age how to make magic in the mundane.   The secret is to enjoy each day for what it offers you, never wishing it away in hopes that tomorrow might bring something better.

One of my favorite quotes comes from the movie Kung Fu Panda:

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow’s a mystery, today is a gift—that’s why it is called the present.”

By way of introduction, I give you a short- list of joys that make my life, well…

simply –charmed:

Fresh cut roses, my mama’s spaghetti, rainy days spent under covers, pretty shoes and frilly skirts, bike rides at sunset, hand-written love notes, laughing out loud, music by Ray Lamontagne, Dr Pepper from the bottle, canyon drives in autumn, staying up late, sleeping in, shopping for groceries and cooking from scratch, date nights, thrift store treasures, new magazines, old friends, hot cocoa with whipped topping, hot cocoa without whipped topping, a new hairdo, aged cheeses on gourmet crackers (best eaten  in bed), an organized closet, an evening at the opera, the way my baby smells first thing in the morning, smiling at a stranger, the glitter of a big city and charm of the countryside, kosher dill pickles, road tripping with my ‘handsome’, stale candy, church on Sunday, a good book and a long bath, candid photos, homemade ice cream, a new shade of red lipstick, worn quilts, interior design, living room dance-offs, chocolate cake donuts, warm hugs, forehead kisses, a home filled with candlelight, family gatherings, the love of one adoring husband, and the laughter of four little darlins’ who bring much purpose to my life.

Sometimes as mothers it is easy to get stuck in the monotony of the routine, and we all need a little reminder from time to time to take a step back and realize how wonderful life can be.  Hopefully I can share with you a few small ideas that have helped me to find more joy in the journey.

Now leave that batch of laundry (it’ll be there tomorrow, you know it will!) and go create a simply-charmed moment of your own.

Giveaway!

Heritage Makers is sponsoring the giveaway for a Simply~Charmed Life…and Amy is offering up a Fabulous swatch book!  What’s a swatch book, well click on it, you’ll see, and you’ll like it!  It is a cute little book that you create with your own pictures, and memory’s, and you can only get them from Heritage Makers. I would tell you more, but I think this fun stuff she sent me says it all!

Giveaway has been closed, comments remain open