What Brings You Joy

What brings you joy? This question is a prompt in the book, Life Questions-Reflect and explore your past, present, and future journal.  I decided to take a different direction in my blogs. I believe this is a time of reflection, especially with the holidays that most dread, are coming upon us. 

I desire to be intentional, open, and honest with what I post on my blog. So I decided from now until I stop writing, to write posts that are meaningful and conversation worthy. I would want to hear your feedback on the subject. I also want you to either write, speak, or just meditate on this and upcoming posts. Will you join me? If so, great! That will bring me joy (see what i did there?) If not, it's OK. Next time. If you're still with me, let's dive into it. 

So the topic is, what brings you joy? What brings me joy? Hmmm... Let me start with what brought me joy in the past. 

• snowstorms • holidays • hot summer days

• hot chocolate • Family gatherings • The Bronx Zoo

• M&Ms • Amusement Parks • Eating seafood

• books • purchasing hair • dressing up 

• libraries • wearing heels • wearing makeup

• shopping • reading books and magazines • hanging out

There's more, however,  these were my favorites. Why do I speak in past tense? Because, a lot has changed. I lost a great deal of myself throughout the years. Due to health challenges,  I can't have that joyous experience like I use to. And some, I don't find joyous anymore. If that's you, it's OK. Everyone changes. Change is something that must happen as life is happening.  

Embracing change can be challenging and often times scary. Being afraid of change is normal and can be for a good cause ( I'm slowly Embracing that part). Whatever the need for change may be, find joy in all of it (Watch Inside Out the movie). 

The joy I find now in approaching my 50s, is not the same joy I had in my 20s and 30s. I've changed. 

I still long for snowstorms but I'm not able to watch it all day long or sit, reading a book while swaddled in my blanket. I find recipes to cook and snacks to eat for a snowy day. I get excited about that. 

I absolutely love the holidays, but I'm more laid back, meaning, I would rather be home than to travel. I'm very impatient and apprehensive when it comes to traffic and road carelessness of other drivers especially in snow, rain, or both.

I no longer wish for summer days. It's too hot and stuffy for my liking. Perimenopause hot flashes in the heat is the #1 killer of a good mood. It can cause a moment of insanity where all clothing is stripped from the body in a place where its not supposed to be done. I would rather Spring and Fall. Not too hot or cold...just right. At least I won't be put in jail for indecent exposure. 

I now choose healthier options for dishes and snacks that brings me joy. I'm allergic to seafood now so I can't have that. Pork is out the picture and lamb is my best friend. I make my own potato chips (you should try it) along with frozen fruit desserts...delightful and soothing. 

Amusement parks are out of the question. My blood pressure goes up just by the thought of something going wrong. Yes, I've seen too much on social media and the news. I'm good. Just give me some cotton candy and some money to play games. You can keep the roller-coasters and crazy wild rides. 

Though I love the library, bookstores are my favorite. Especially the ones with cafés and soft music that makes you feel at home. Coffeeshops are also #1 for me. I don't drink coffee like that, however,  I do love the smell. I do wish there were more tea shops. Maybe I'll visit the UK for that.

Most of my shopping is done online now. I can't tolerate crowds anymore. Now if I'm outside of New York, maybe. In New York? I'm over it. And the thought of getting robbed is another stressor. Online shopping it is. 

Purchasing hair and makeup is not as joyous as it was. My haircut allows for a certain amount of hair to be added to my own. That was purposefully done to the hot flashes. Every once in a blue moon, I will wear a wig , preferably in the winter. Otherwise, I now find joy in headwraps and scarves, and beanies with minimal makeup (more of a natural look). 

I could go on and on. I believe you get the gist of it. Some of my past joys are still there. I enjoy them differently now as well as adding to them which brings more joy. Maybe I'll start a list of my own "Favorite Things". 

I will love to hear from you. What brings you joy? Post in the comments below. Email me. Post on social media as a post for conversation. Or sit with this and think. Have you lost your joy? I'm here to tell you...you didn't. Joy is still there, waiting for you to awake her.  

Until next post, happy reading! 

PS...if you would like to follow my adventures of highlighting my joys on IG, click here. Also follow me on Pinterest, click here.