Finding Joy In the Moment

Sometimes, life can seem overwhelming, even crushing.  At others, it is light and fluffy like a feather.

Right now, there is a boulder the size of a mountain sitting on my back (or at least, that's how it feels).  A lot is going on with family (mainly Mom) and the last two months--has it only been that long?--have really been difficult.  I will not bore you with details, but take my word for it: It's been rough.  A lot of trips to the hospital and a rehab center, then there's all the worrying.

But the last two months I have also learned a TREMENDOUS amount.  I feel I have grown so much from this experience, as hard as it may be, and I am truly grateful for it; for I would not have learned this things had I not gone through this experience.  My view of life has changed so drastically, and I find myself trying to find joy in the moment.

A simple smile, a loving hug, talking with family, curling up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate... All the simple things.  I feel I have previously taken advantage of the simple things and am only now seeing their value.

Being able to take a walk,  to eat (and feed myself), and still live a healthy lifestyle (even though I'm currently not!)  But this experience has changed my mood about taking care of one's self physically!!  Needless to say, I will be setting up an exercise routine starting very soon.

Speaking of which, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO EXERCISE FOR YOU?! I'm trying to decide when to exercise.  I'm not much of an early morning person, but I'm thinking morning may be the best time to do so.  Mainly because "life" happens during the day, and I don't want my exercise schedule to get in the way of my social life; in other words, I don't want to miss my exercises that day because I chose to hang out with friends.  That to me doesn't sound like a fair trade (and it shouldn't even be a trade to begin with!).  Exercising late at night does not appeal to me because I enjoy winding down and doing my own things before bed.

So... does this mean I'll need to start waking up at 5:30 in the morning?

The other dilemma I face is waking up that early to go down on a bike and petal my legs off does NOT sound like a good reason for me to get up in the morning!  Now... if I had a treadmill, I might be more motivated.  Two problems with that: No money and no space.  *sigh*

I just need to get my butt in gear and clean a part of the basement out.  Then I can save and buy a treadmill (I can save while I'm cleaning, seeing as it will probably take long enough for me to save the money) and then I'll have the space to turn the junk room into an exercise room!  I'll be adding "clean the basement" to my projects this summer!

Anyway, I drifted off topic.  Basically, I'm trying to find JOY IN THE MOMENTS I have with my family and life right now.  Now, don't let the above paragraphs make you think I'm not finding joy because I'm wanting a treadmill to exercise with.  Hardly!  If anything, I become more motivated and have a desire to work harder so I can earn that treadmill and have a nice place to put it!

Another aspect that we (Dad and I) have really found joy is at home with each other and our cat Squeaky!  She's such a great little companion, especially for me!!  She has the sweetest little spirit about her and is always seeking for ways to comfort us.  For instance, I was laying on my bed, waiting for Dad to get off the phone, and I happened to give a sigh.  Squeaky, who had been laying on my floor, flipped her head my direction, fully alert and wanting to make sure I was okay.  She later jumped up onto my bed and came up next to my face, giving me a kiss on my forehead!  She does this quite often and always is watchful of us.  She's such a sweet blessing to our life!  Animals are WONDERFUL and add such a spirit of peace and enjoyment to life!  Squeaky has done several things that have made Dad and I laugh so hard!  And they are very appreciated!

In fact, after this trial of life is over, we're really thinking of getting Dad a dog (Golden Retriever).  He works so many hours outside, especially during the summer, that it would be really nice to have a companion by his side as he does that.  Several years ago, we had a Golden Retriever wind up on our doorstep (quite literally!).  The poor dog had been scared by the fireworks and jumped his fence.  His name as Dax and he was so incredibly friendly!  For a few days, he stayed at our house.  Dad would work outside in the flowerbeds and Dax would be lying right by his side.  I would catch Dad talking to him occasionally and this memory is what sparked the idea of getting a dog.  Dax was so well trained--but the owners later said he had no training, it was just the characteristics of the breed--and he was such a sweet companion!  So, we may be looking into doing that in the years to come (it will be at least two years before we start to really consider this).

Anyway, what I'm really trying to say is that even during times of trial and strife, we can always find joy in the moment!!  There is so much in this life we can be grateful for, and when we are grateful, we will find life to be more pleasant and we will be happier as a result!