Finding Joy
by Kym on November 22, 2007
This is a small peek at the mantel of our living room fireplace. On it, you see a piece of carved stonework from a local gift shop. Sometimes, I find myself smiling at it, or arching my eyebrows cynically. I’ve even thought about tucking it away somewhere, because I’m trying to escape my former self. The self who embodies all things cheesy and eye roll worthy.
And I got to thinking about how sad that is. That we make mock of sweet and beautiful things in the name of appearing forward thinking or fashionable. Rainbows have become commonplace, no longer awe inspiring. Those who express hope, belief, cheer and joy, are looked at slightly askance. And we take a slight step to the side, as if fearful they might be contagious.
It’s sad. I’m beginning to realize what we’re missing out on. Joy and wonder. The last time I saw a rainbow, I paused to drink in the beauty of it. I’ve started opening the curtains first thing in the morning, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I take in the sight of the frost fringed meadow and the glassy glow of the sunrise on the distant lake.
I feel the urge to write bad poetry suddenly. To find joy any way I can.
19 comments
I have one that says Give Thanks. They are really great ideas…
Have a super Thanksgiving.
by Emma Sometimes on November 22, 2007 at 5:04 am. #
I must admit that I have seen a lot of these types of decorative pieces lately and the cynic in me has scoffed at the idea of putting one in my home. I always thought that having children would be enough to remind me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life and to open myself to wonder and imagination, but I find more and more that it is just easier to let myself slide into the rut of day-to-day life – and not the living part . . . the bills, the laundry, the endless errands. I desperately want to slow down and enjoy everything around me – perhaps it’s time to get something new for my mantle.
Thank you for stopping by my little place! I am enjoying going through your archives, and will be back for more.
by Driving With the Brakes On on November 22, 2007 at 6:01 am. #
I think it is empowering … “Believe.”
by An Ordinary Mom on November 22, 2007 at 7:03 am. #
Bad poetry, schmad poetry. I see embrace whatever makes you feel alive and thankful. Joy and wonder are definitely underrated.
I’m with you; why do we mock that attitude? I have a theory: It’s easier to be cynical because it’s putting a type of tough shell around yourself so you don’t experience things as fully. In my opinion, anyway.
Stepping out and embracing and enjoying, well, that takes some bravery.
Is what I tell myself anyway, especially when I need a pep talk!
by Keetha on November 22, 2007 at 12:59 pm. #
I know you already had Thanksgiving but Happy Thanksgiving anyway!
When you write that piece of poetry you ought to post it here. I’m certain it will be anything but bad. :)
by Summer on November 22, 2007 at 1:16 pm. #
oh me too! let’s hole up somewhere and pen bad poetry together. :)
by Nic on November 22, 2007 at 1:42 pm. #
i myself am a bit cheesy. if you give cheesy up, i’ll cry. :)
btw, i want the view out your window! niiiice.
i, too, wish you a happy thanksgiving, but i wish it back to october. (2nd monday?)
by holly on November 22, 2007 at 1:48 pm. #
Thank you, o sweet one.
by Luisa Perkins on November 22, 2007 at 1:52 pm. #
I take joy and hope wherever I can find it.
by That Chick Over There on November 22, 2007 at 3:15 pm. #
I love it! I am totally cheesy and I am perfecty fine with it.
I love rainbows and butterflies and all that stuff. People can roll their eyes at me if they want to. I would just say to them pbltttt!
I would totally have that in my home. It’s a good reminder of what we believe in and who we are.
by Tonya on November 22, 2007 at 3:49 pm. #
I would have something like that in my home, if I had a place to put it.
See, I don’t have any knickknacks up and haven’t since 1999 which is when son #1 learned how to walk. My daughter was easy. “Don’t touch,” I said, and she didn’t. But then #1 son was born. And then #2 son, and #3 son. I’m not going to be able to have anything pretty out until possibly 2009.
by Tristi Pinkston on November 22, 2007 at 4:23 pm. #
No eye-rolling here; I embrace my sappy side.
I think we need these reminders when the day gets long.
by Lisa Milton on November 22, 2007 at 5:34 pm. #
Beautiful post, lovely reminder to look for joy.
I love rainbows, especially when I see a double one, I just have to sit there and drink it in.
by mindyluwho on November 22, 2007 at 8:59 pm. #
I really like that sign -but I know what you mean about feeling a little cheesy! It is hard not to be proud of what we think should embarrass us. I say – display it proudly!
by Kelly Malloy on November 22, 2007 at 9:01 pm. #
I had a long stretch where I refused to be sappy. Maybe I’m still in it. It isn’t really wasn’t that fun, and it’s hard to break the habit. I say, embrace the sappiness; we are supposed to be as little children, and we’re supposed to be happy, so find joy is simple places. Sounds good to me!
by Beth on November 23, 2007 at 1:40 am. #
“joy”
One of my favorite words…
I have it around my office, my home, my head…
I have a stone with “believe” etched in it as well. Strong words. They soothe, they ease…they frustrate me!
I get it Kimberly!
Peace
by Jod{i} on November 23, 2007 at 4:44 pm. #
Noooo… that sweet, kind, hopeful side of you is the thing I look forward to in my comments, on my Buzz profile, in my email… don’t take it away!
by Deb on November 24, 2007 at 1:39 am. #
Hahahaha. You go, girl! Go write that sappy poetry! Hahahaha. you totally crack me up, and I adore you. :-D
by Brillig on November 28, 2007 at 3:54 am. #
How did I miss this?
I love it.
I think we see so many things in much the same way.
Love you to pieces.
by Heather of the EO on October 6, 2009 at 4:24 pm. #