Finding Joy in the Simple Things

There is so much heaviness that we carry these days from the chaos around us. Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to move forward with positivity and purpose. However, we cannot let them win and steal our joy. 

Now that we are in the late spring season, there are so many things that can restore our faith in all that is good. The season where Mother Nature awakens what has been beneath the soil during the cold winter months, and the trees suddenly display their fresh green leaves to hide the new nests filled with baby birds waiting to hatch.

After dreaming all winter about warmer days, the arrival of ducks and geese signal the new season is about to begin. When the first haunting call of the Loons is heard, it touches the soul and lifts the spirits. This beautiful sound has been missed like a long-lost friend, and we are blessed that they will share their song from now until fall. 

Birds return from wintering in warmer climates and the bird bath becomes a gathering place once again. Sometimes they graciously share the space, but then there are times they chase one another away as if it is their territory alone. The Hummingbirds appear by Mother's Day, and we will spend our summer days enjoying their antics. Sometimes they appear to be dancing around each other and will share the feeder, but there are times when they dive at one another to claim it just for themselves.

The bright yellow Dandelions are the first flowers to pop up on our lawns - the first food for the bees. I am always happy to see the bees buzzing around once more. Before long the flower bed will have blossoms filled with pollen for them gather, and eventually the garden vegetables will flower. It brings great joy to work alongside the bees as they collect pollen for the hive. We have an understanding as we work and they will give a buzz if I am too close.

The greatest joy in life, is the time we spend with family and friends. The gatherings we have where we share precious memories of those with us, and those we have lost. The hearty laughter from stories of long ago that will have tears streaming down our face. We are very fortunate to have these memories and stories to tell.

The next time we feel the heaviness of the world on our shoulders, when the chaos tries to engulf us, we need to fight back against the negativity and open our eyes to the joy that surrounds us every day.










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