There are often small delights popping up in our day-to-day from which we might benefit from acknowledging, like the passing fluffy clouds in an azure sky or the way a breeze gracefully moves the curtain lace. Nothing earth-shattering but just enough to remind us of the delights in life. This week I am grateful for the Tiny Little Joys that rise like a wave of happy straight into the heart. Of course, finding a pair of swings with an ocean view, and a grandson who is just as thrilled as I am to reach the sky, makes for a great start towards feeling fortunate.
Tag Archives: Mental Health
More than escape is needed
Recently I had the pleasure of watching Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in the movie theater. It was an absolute gift to visually stroll about upstairs and down along side those wonderful characters who have grown so dear to us the past 15 years. “Lest we worry about too many changes, Julian Fellowes’s script is stuffed with comforting constants: Lady Mary will be indiscreet, Carson the butler will be scandalized, Lord Grantham will find something to be huffy about and the family will face financial ruin” (New York Times). I can’t think of a better week than this one to escape from headlines and our diminishing democracy, even though I must admit more than an escape is needed. It isn’t even shocking to see such stalwart allegiance to the 2nd Amendment in contrast to the broad dismissal of the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution as we become a country that fears a jester’s words more than a lunatic’s firearm. There is no push by this administration to reduce gun violence, only the swift sword curtailing free speech. LBJ was a different guardian of the White House when he shared, “It is part of the price of leadership of this great and free nation to be the target of clever satirists. You have given the gift of laughter to our people. May we never grow too somber or self-important that we fail to appreciate the humor in our lives.” Our would-be-king-president reacts differently, by silencing all who don’t echo his mountain of lies. Perhaps, just for today, for your mental health or for a little chuckle, treat yourself to Downton Abbey’s “yummy photography, stunning set pieces and Lady Mary trying on as many fabulous frocks as possible“(New York Times). Of course I hope you read my decade old post first.
Tiny Little Joys
Call me trendy, but once the NYTimes let me know about “tiny little joys,” I was hooked. And I’m not talking about “a pastel-colored balloon at a child’s third birthday party” kind of joy but something that you can feel even in the darkness (The Joy Reset). “Joy does not exist only in the moments that are free of pain. That’s a false story. In fact, the brightest, tiniest, most important pieces can be found only in the dark” (McDonald). Yes, darkness.
Surrounded by the latest headlines that trigger, ignite and flame your fear, I am still going to ask you for a favor. Remember way back when social media was where you posted your best summer barbecue photos? Before influencers overtook the platform and peach pie pics were replaced by sly advertisements and political rants? I am making a promise to myself, and to y’all, that for the whole glorious month, all that I’ll post are the juicy joys of July. Care to join me? If you believe in the emerging field of positive psychology, I bet you already are saying YES! But where to start?
Nine Cent Girl 