What brings you joy in life?
This morning I received my bloganuary prompt just in time to ponder it over my raisin bran (like all the great thinkers do, I’m sure 😉). Which way did I want to go? There is much to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head and a car to drive, family and friends that I love, and a job that I enjoy. These things all bring me joy, as do my hobbies. But what one thing do I want to focus on? The first thing that came to my mind?
Nature!
I absolutely love being able to get outside and move around. Planning a trip and going to an ocean always fills me with excitement. I so enjoy stretching out on the sand and hearing the waves flowing in and out. The rhythm is very soothing.
But, as fond as I am of the beach, my heart is in the mountains. To me, being born and raised in East Tennessee is a blessing. We get to experience all four seasons. The trees and shrubs fill with flowers of every color in spring. Summer brings with it the long, hot days perfect for spending by the lake. Fall is absolutely beautiful with leaves changing colors from vibrant greens to a variety of warm reds, oranges, yellows, and finally brown. Usually the winters are mild, but we still get snow, sometimes a lot.
So my joy is definitely found outdoors. When I go on a hike, or just out for a short walk, I can leave everything else behind. No worries about work. I’m not running around picking up after everyone, or generally trying to Marie Kondo the heck out of my house, I’m just at peace.
When in nature I find it easier to focus and my mind becomes clearer. It really is so therapeutic. My meditations are much more focused (FYI my meditation verses for the first week of January are Psalm 1:1,2). Sometimes I even add a little yoga to the mix while I’m out. There’s just something special about practicing yoga outside.
So that pretty much wraps it up for me. I can’t wait to read what brings joy to others. I’ve already been amazed at the variety of ways people approach these prompts. I hope you have a joyous day!
Tennessee is lovely, I’ve visited!
We have all the seasons in New Jersey too and I love it. Right now, interesting, we’re having a heatwave in January! It’s been in the 50s and 60s the last few days. It’s fun when that happens. When the weather flips on us, it’s even more reason to be joyful because it shows how life is unpredictable and we have to go with the flow!! ENJOY!! 🙂
I agree it is fun with unseasonably warm weather. We’ve had warmer temps, too. I visited New Jersey once early in my marriage but that was many years ago. I remember walking on Point Pleasant Beach. Other than that all I remember is my husband telling me to expect people to be rude, but everyone I came across was lovely, opening doors for me and such. Now the driving was interesting!
Nature is beautiful to look at and enjoy while taking a walking in a city park or through the neighborhood. You would never catch me frolicking through the woods though. Haha
Try it. You might like it! 😊
This is beautiful. Nature is great for the soul.
Thank you. I agree!
Looking at how weather just changes from one to the next gives me million reasons to smile, these seasons bring joy to me for they are special.
I couldn’t agree more. 😊
Being a nature lover myself, I can understand your excitement when it comes to nature. Ocean, and mountains have always been a big inspiration for creative souls.
Inspriational for sure! 🙂
Hi Mellisa, I am glad to find you. I feel like we have similar interest as if you are my twin. Except that I does not have nurse skills. We have a hiking group that we hike every Saturday in Connecticut, sometimes in New York and nearby States. Hope that we can hike together someday! Ú
Hopefully I’ll get up that way one day.
Love that you pondered this over raisin bran. Must say that is a breakfast staple. 👏👏
😉😄😄
Agreed! Great post!
Thank you.