What brings you real joy?

A friend of mine sent me a link to a blog and said she thought I should read it.  This was what she was blogging on... "what brings you real joy?"  She talked about the things that bring her real joy and challenged everyone to share what brings you real joy and how to live a more joyful life.

Being named Joy, you might think I'm full of joy.  But I'm human just like the rest of you and I have down days... take for instance my blog on frustration yesterday.  So, I got to thinking after I read her blog, what does bring me real joy?  Because I love making sure everyone has joy in their life.

And this is what I came up with:  (they are in no particular order)

music, laughter, butterflies in my stomach, being loved, waking up to my love, red roses, the smell of a black currant candle, friends that turn into sisters, me in my recliner with the remote and a night of my favorite TV shows, singing in the car, 80s music, Marleigh bringing her toys to bed even though she knows better, the love of my dad, someone playing with my hair, an answered prayer, hearing Auntie Joy coming from Anniston's mouth, having hymns come in my head right when I need them to, cooking, a good surprise, sunbathing in the backyard with a fan blowing directly on me, red velvet cheesecake, being praised for a job well done, road trips, new make up, the thought of one day being a wife and mommy, still having my papaw and granny alive even though I don't get to spend much time with them, being held close, having money to pay the bills and see there is a bit left to buy something I have been wanting, ordering take out, sharing a dessert after a wonderful meal even when we don't need it, birthdays, gerber daisies, a clean house, a phone call from the person who can make it all better, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, cornbread and sweet tea, a pj wearing rainy day, feeling like I look good, daydreaming about the what if's and what could be's, holding a newborn baby, vacation, sleeping in, knowing that nothing else matters but he and I, relaxing on a porch or balcony having breakfast, the smell of grilling, holidays, family time..... the list keeps going and going.

Basically, I am blessed.  I may not have all the money in the world, the perfect body, the ideal life my mother thinks I should have but what I have is joy.  And if I can just remember to take a moment to enjoy my joys, I have everything I need to be happy and content.  I challenge you to share what brings you real joy and embrace it, everyday.

The below is an abbreviated list her blog gave of ways to find even more joy in your life and I hope to apply these daily...

• Develop a short term memory.  In other words, forgive and forget.  Nobody goes to their deathbed praying for justice, "Dear God, give me what i deserve..."  Rather, we pray for mercy, "Dear God, forgive me..."  Be forgiving of others.
• Keep learning
• Be a good friend
• Count your blessings - it reminds you of what you do have instead of what you don't.
• Look for the humor in daily life - this will give you perspective...don't take yourself so seriously.
• Deepen your faith - this will help you to see your place in this world more clearly.
• Overlook a flaw in another person and ourselves- nobody is perfect.  "See everything, overlook a great deal, then correct a little".
• Thank someone who has enriched your life - don't wait until it is too late.
• Make peace with your life - when you think to yourself "this is it? this is my life?" - embrace it.