Hello again dear reader…here we are in June and we are pleased to be checking in to share the joy that a mini break or a vacation can bring you. Meg and I both planned to jet away somewhere in June and we both agree that in our quest to live in the moment as well as to find joy in the everyday things, getting away from life’s routines is a great way to re-activate our senses and feel joy.
For me, the planning and anticipating is as joyful as the actual vacation – I get excited sharing with people that I am heading away and talking about my planned activities. The opportunity to share and have those around you share their experiences is a real bonding moment. Shared joy is terrific! It goes without saying that the part when you finally arrive and hunker down for fun, relaxation or whatever the destination you have chosen prompts you to do is the ultimate moment. That big happy sigh that you have arrived.
Well earlier this month I was able to get away for a mini break in New York City with my family – my husband, two adult children and my son’s girlfriend. The first thing I must share is how incredibly grateful I feel that I can get the time and have the means to take vacations. This sense of gratitude stays with me throughout my time away and I often pause and think about how blessed I am. Especially in a city that offers every conceivable pleasure…shopping, shows, eating, seeing…you name it. We did it. An actionpacked couple of days clocking in 20,000+ steps a day…and the moments that brought me the most joy were the ones when we were acknowledging the fun and enjoyment we were experiencing together. The joy from picking a great place to eat and having some laughs together as we celebrate the food we are enjoying. Or when you decide to forego a plan and spontaneously attend something you didn’t expect you would – like on Saturday when my daughter happened upon an ad for a Plant Based Expo going on in NYC the very Saturday we were there and it was open to community members – and we went together! While there we spotted Dr Gregor of How Not to Die and we felt giddy – knowing how much we have learned from him and the beauty of the Daily Dozen. The best!
All this to say that I also always feel joy when we arrive home safe and re-energized and our awesome puppies are waiting for us. When you look and are open to it – there is much in life to celebrate. This would be the lesson I continue to learn…life has many challenges and you cannot always predict what is ahead – however by making the decision to be open and to have the willingness to put forth the effort you can also ensure that when the joyous moments occur you are ready to savour them and feel the joy that life is good!
The Joyful Gingers 