Little Known Ways to Bring Joy

Want more joy?

Here are some little known ways to bring more laughter, peace, and contentment into your life.

Sometimes, make exceptions.

Joseph made me this cake for my birthday.

I had no idea he was going to make me a cake. I suspected he was going to make something for me, but a cake as beautiful as this?

No, I was not planning on it. This thoughtful surprise made me smile.

It's vegan and gluten free (you can find the recipe here). Joseph used gluten-free all-purpose flour, and used 1/2 c. sugar & 1/4 c. Stevia in the Raw.

He even decorated it with fresh strawberries and raspberries, placed just so, in the shape of a heart.

How thoughtful, right?

But, there is a small detail.

He frosted the whole thing with non-fat cool-whip.

Now, you may already be aware, but cool whip is mostly trans fat and doesn't contain lactose, but it does have caseinate, a milk derivative, so it is decidedly not vegan.

Did I refuse to eat the cake?

No. I ate it with delight (it was moist with a subtle vanilla-y sweetness) & gave my husband a kiss. I thanked him for being so thoughtful and kind to go out of his way to make me a cake of love.

Sometimes you just have to make exceptions.

Surround yourself with people who are different from you.

Remember my British sister-in-law Alice?

She has a sister, Amy, who is also British. She is a high-school English teacher and lives somewhere north of London.

They are our house guests this weekend.

Aren't they ravishing? (you should hear their accents).

Amy & I spent the morning chatting about all things English. English as in books and the language, not English as in British.

I was almost an English teacher, so we had lots to talk about--writing, teaching, reading, all sorts of randomness. While we had a lot in common, she's also quite different from me.

"I love shopping for shoes because they always fit. Look how sexy my feet look!" she tells me. She has that witty sort of British humor that is subtle, funny, and interesting.

She isn't married. Doesn't have children. She & I are the same age.

Being around people who are different from me helps me to remember that the world doesn't revolve around me, and that not everyone lives their life like I do or likes the same things I do.

Obvious realization, but an important one to make. Helps you get outside yourself, be more selfless, and compassionate.

Appreciate the beauty around you.

My yard, as I've mentioned before, is full of surprises during the spring. Right now the tulips are in bloom.

They won't be there for very long (less than a week), so I try to relish their simple beauty.

Look at those colors. Love how they pop.

Go for a walk with your camera and take pictures of whatever strikes your fancy.

(You don't need a fancy camera. Camera phones work well too.)

On my birthday, Joseph and I went out on a date.

He took me out to Vietnamese. He's not a fan, but I love it, and he wanted to take me to get some of my fave food. Isn't that sweet of him?

We walked around downtown.

I like my husband's face, and the contrast against the brick wall.

Do you notice he's got a little stubble, and longer hair? Ruggedly handsome.

Here's one of the oldest buildings downtown.

For some reason reminds me of one of my fave books, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

Funny how little details can spark a memory, or remind you of a book you read 10 years ago, and bring you joy. Going for a walk, and looking through the lens of a camera can help you to discover those little details that spark memories of people, places, books read long ago.

Be a pirate.

Okay, you don't have to be a pirate.

My kids are always so willing to imagine, pretend, and play. Hyrum & Asher especially love dressing up as pirates.

Why do we lose this willingness to be playful as adults? Too much work, stress, bills. I know.

But don't ya just want to be a pirate? Arrgg.

Send love notes. Preferably in crayon.

Not a day goes by that I don't receive a love note of some sort from one of my kids.

Here is the birthday card they made me:

If you can't read, it says:

(Left side, written by Hyrum, my 6 year old son):

I love mom and mom love me! I am happy wen it is her berthay!

(Right side, written by Hyrum, on behalf of Mali, my 3 year old):

Mailees berthay card.