Put yourself in the path of joy

A deliberate decision to delight

My dear reader and friend,

Hubby and I are making our way home today from a week away. A week set aside to celebrate.

• He just retired.

• Our marriage just turned 35!

• And … in a few short weeks I’m stepping into a whole new decade of life!

So we slipped away from our little home to mark all the moments. And we slipped away from our normal doings as well, which includes these little words to you. So my regular musings will come your way again in two short weeks.

I often pen these words to those of us who are a bit weathered and weary, and I am among those to whom I write. But here’s a little something I’d like to say today:

Dear one, put yourself in the path of joy.

It’s not always easily done. It wasn’t for us. When we pulled out of our driveway, it wasn’t just the car that was weighed down. Our hearts were sore as we set out. Driving away in search of delight was a deliberate practice we chose.

And we chose well what would help us do this …

We invited friends to join us. We put ourselves in the woods. We biked in the sun and shade. We walked along Lake Michigan with our feet in freezing waters. We rode merry-go-rounds and swings and ferris wheels. We learned Dutch dances, listened to live music, visited a Dr. Seuss exhibit, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Falling Water’s home. We played games and shared stories and laughed and cried.

And gently and gradually more and more room opened in us - in me - for the beauty and joy that is there. And this is pure gift.

Oh, and I did this … hopped onto a 100-foot slide in what turned out to be quite slippery pants. You’ll want your sound on for this one 😆!

Peace to you, dear one, and JOY … even here … even now.

Until next time,
Jenny