“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” - Brene Brown

I'm hearing Julie Andrews singing, "These Are A Few of My Favorite Things."

There are moments every day that hold joy. Many moments. All moments, really.

When we identify the moments, or name things that bring us joy, it helps to realize that it is our appreciation of them that stirs the joy that's within us.

Let's not wait for extraordinary happenings or perfect conditions to be happy. Let's become sensitive to the beauty and preciousness of the millions of wondrous little things that are in ordinary moments. 

I've placed, after my name below, a sampling, in no particular order, of things that stir my joy. There's no need to read them all. My list goes on and on and beyond what's here. Yours will too when you get into the spirit of this. Consider starting your list right now. Notice things to add during the course of this day. Even this simple, ordinary act can stir joy.

May your heart be filled with light, love, gratitude, and joy today!

Always,
Charlene

These are a few of my favorite things...
The smell of morning coffee. Fresh-from-the-oven bread. Hearing children giggle, especially my grandchildren. Hearing them say, "Hi Nana." Laughing with them. Laughing with my husband and children. Laughing with all family, friends, anyone, everyone. Can't-stop belly laughter that brings tears. Helping a stranger. Connecting with strangers. Feeling there are no strangers. Sharing heart-to-heart stories and feelings. Hugging and being hugged. Hearing from readers. Listening to music. Dancing. Reading a good book. Being uplifted by a great film. Feeling heard and understood. Forgiving and being forgiven. Planting flowers. Showering and getting clean after gardening. Cool clean water quenching my thirst. Seeing my garden grow and bloom. Visiting gardens. Being in nature. Hiking. Birdwatching. Spotting a hummingbird. Seeing an eagle. Seeing deer. Swimming. Reminiscing. Clean sheets. Peaceful sleep. Waking up. Having an ah-ha. New ideas. Dappled light. God rays. Rainbows. Sun sparkles on water.  Beach walking along water's edge. Writing. Dabbling with paint. Taking photos. Receiving a greeting card in the mail. Hearing the honks of migrating geese...