.png)
Hello, friends!
I just discovered this thing called #Bloganuary that Wordpress hosts for the month of January, so I'm already a few days behind.
But, I wanted to jump in now! It gives me a good reason to do a short blog each day to answer the prompt.
Today's prompt is:
Lots of things bring me joy in life!
Although, over the past few years, I feel like I forgot how to enjoy anything. Between working to survive, going to school to try to thrive, being a NaNoWriMo ML, trying to keep up with chores, etc., life got pretty...chaotic.
Now, I don't mind a chaotic life. As long as it's a good chaotic. The last couple years haven't always been a good chaotic, and I've hardly had time to sleep, process, or do things for fun and enjoyment.
Now that I've got a work-from-home job and have finished my grad degree, I'm finding that I can get back to the things that truly do bring me joy, and I can do those things and NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT.
That's been the worst part, honestly. Trying to take time to do something that makes me happy and then regretting it because it made me have to hustle to get something else done or I was shirking a responsibility to do it. And in these trying times, it's necessary to cling to things that make you happy. It sucked when those things also came with strings attached.
So what are some of the things that I've been rediscovering that bring me joy?
Reading, for one. I've read more books in the last two months than I've probably read in four years combined!
Writing! Actually having the time to write has been so freeing. I can actually focus on it and not get distracted by the other things that have to be done.
Singing. I joined a community choir back in August. Now that I don't have other responsibilities to juggle while participating in the choir I'll get to enjoy it more!
My partner. Yes, I know. It's cheesy, but he really does bring me joy! Over the last few years, our relationship has been one of the bright spots and one of the things I clung to ferociously during the trying times. I love going on adventures with him or just hanging around the house together.
Our cats. I mean, c'mon. Cats are the best! We have six and (most of the time) they do nothing but make me happy.
Helping others. I spent a year in AmeriCorps, and have always done a lot of volunteer work. It makes me happy to be able to help someone out.
Yoga. I've found a love for yoga over the years. Even on the worst day, it can bring me out of a funk.
Cooking. I was older when I discovered my love for cooking. Maybe it's because I love to create, and it's a form of creation. Making an especially yummy meal, succeeding at a new-to-me technique, or making people happy through food I cooked, brings me a ton of joy!
I'm sure there are other things. I try to find joy in everything I do honestly. Why would I want to do something that wasn't going to make me happy? I know some unpleasant things are unavoidable, but I'd rather live an intentionally joyful life than wallow in despair.
What are some of the things that bring you joy?
For now,
Rosie
Link | Rosie on Instagram
Link | Rosie on Twitter
Link | Rosie on Facebook Link | Rosie's Linktree
Did you enjoy this blog? Follow me on Twitter or Instagram for regular updates on my life and my writing.
Want to support my 2023 goals to publish my first book(s)? Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi! It helps fuel my Counter Culture coffee addiction, which helps fuel my writing!