Christmas has been family orientated, restful and restorative. Today I want to wish you a very happy New Year and share my word for the new year ahead.
The word I want to focus on is JOY. I want to continue what was my new focus on GRATITUDE over the last twelve months and develop it into GRATITUDE that highlights the JOY in my life!
I want to find JOY in the ordinary. I want to find joy when I wake up every morning to help me shift the NAT (negative automatic thought) that always tells me I’m exhausted despite what should have been adequate sleep. I want to find JOY at every opportunity, no matter how my body feels and I want to do my best to bring that feeling of JOY into the lives of those around me!
Here is some of the JOY that I found already today…
A lie on in bed, reading blogs, reading and replying to amazing comments, a lazy breakfast with no eye on the time and surrounded by family, an unexpected hug of appreciation and writing this post to share with you!
What brought JOY into your day? How did you share it with others?
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
Joy is an emotion I wish I could have all the time. I remember what past joy felt like during moments when I actively feel hopeless and hold into the memory of joy with the reminder to myself that joy can happen again. I am not sure I felt joy today yet. Or maybe I did? It can sneak up on me when I least expect it.
The abbreviation for negative automatic thought jumped out to me for a second there, lol, since they make up the same letters as my nickname. 😂 I have NATs all the time!
Hi Nat, lol, that’s amusing, I’m sure you are on to of any NATs because your nickname is a great reminder! I feel like you, that joy is a feeling I would like in my life more often and I believe that what we focus on will flourish. To help identify and name the moments of joy I will write a ‘Joy’ Journal, just like last year I made a little note of Gratitude moments. Thanks for reading and joining in the conversation! Xx
They are two resolutions I would struggle to achieve for sure! I’m pretty happy with my weight although I’d like to improve my fitness I have to listen to my body and gauge it from there. All too easy, particularly when coping with a limiting illness, life can become dull if we let it but who says we have to let it!!
Marie, just yesterday I found my JOY again after loosing it for a LONG time. Oh I could just jump for JOY knowing that I can once again truly laugh. Happy New Year!! 😘
A “Joy” journal! What a great idea. I might start doing that for 2019. This morning my son woke up early and we had a very interesting discussion while eating breakfast. This was definitely a moment of joy. Reading your post is another pleasant moment. It’s always fun to exchange with you Marie. I wish you lots of joy, laughter… And much love and hugs! Happy new year.
A bonding chat over breakfast is pure joy, sadly finite and deserves to be recorded Dominique! I read back over my gratitude journal over Christmas. Each entry was just a short snapshot but some I had forgotten. It was lovely to remember them all over again and feel the happy emotions attached to them. Please let me know if you compile a ‘Joy’ Journal and if it helps you note more moments of joy in your day. Xx
You are right. I did something similar already. I used to noticewrite down the funny sentences and anecdotes of my children when they were small. When I read these notes there are plenty of pleasant memories that come back to mind. Magic moments! xoxo
I’m so glad! A long time ago, I did a “study” on joy (so to speak). I was struggling with depression. Joy’s not the same as happiness, often it’s a choice we make to recognize the good. There are times that seems nearly impossible, but it is a good goal to pursue. Today I woke in a lot of pain and kicked my but out the door, found the pool I swim at nearly empty, and swam. Feelings of thankfulness led to feelings of joy (though I’m still sore … haha). I like how you tie these two (gratitude and joy) together as well. Have a joyful week!
Thank you for sharing Brenda! Yes I agree feelings of thankfulness led to feelings of joy! I hope you soon feel better and I admire your courage to push forward despite the pain! I’ll certainly try to have a joyful week Brenda and you too! And at least now I’ll hope to capture them! Xx
This is a text widget, which allows you to add text or HTML to your sidebar. You can use them to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. Edit them in the Widget section of the Customizer.
January 1, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Happy New Year to you – I wish you many more moments of Joy, you’re off to a great start!
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 1, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Thank you Shelley, I really appreciate your wishes! I hope 2019 is a year of new projects and some adventures for both of us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 1, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Joy is an emotion I wish I could have all the time. I remember what past joy felt like during moments when I actively feel hopeless and hold into the memory of joy with the reminder to myself that joy can happen again. I am not sure I felt joy today yet. Or maybe I did? It can sneak up on me when I least expect it.
The abbreviation for negative automatic thought jumped out to me for a second there, lol, since they make up the same letters as my nickname. 😂 I have NATs all the time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 1, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Hi Nat, lol, that’s amusing, I’m sure you are on to of any NATs because your nickname is a great reminder! I feel like you, that joy is a feeling I would like in my life more often and I believe that what we focus on will flourish. To help identify and name the moments of joy I will write a ‘Joy’ Journal, just like last year I made a little note of Gratitude moments. Thanks for reading and joining in the conversation! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 1, 2019 at 7:20 pm
Happy New Year Marie! Hoping this year brings you many more moments of joy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 1, 2019 at 11:00 pm
lol much the same things that brought you joy Marie … Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Seem we are very alike so! I’d say you agree it’s the simple pleasures that are the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 8:26 pm
absolutely the best Marie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 12:12 am
Today, I lounged around in my pjs’ speaking to loved ones and catching up on reading blogs. 🙂 Much love and joy for you and yours in the new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Thank for sharing your lovely moments of joy Bernice, and many happy returns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 2:23 am
Happy New Year! May joy shine through all 2019 long. Andrea xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Thank you Andrea and many happy returns for a year that sees all your aspirations come to fruition! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 6:06 pm
YES!! Thank you! 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 6:05 am
I love that Marie, Joy Gratitude, each day! 😀
I enJOYed a lovely walk down to the waterfront this morning 😉
Joyful blessings for 2019,
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 4:42 pm
Glad it spoke to you and I’m delighted to learn what brings enJOYment to your day! It sounds lovely and moreish!! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 2, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Such a wonderful post! Looking forward to it 💗 Happy New Year 🎉🎇😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 3, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Thank you, I’m so glad to hear that! I intend to actively seek it out! Xx
LikeLike
January 3, 2019 at 12:23 am
This is so much better than resolving to lose 5 pounds or exercise more often. Finding joy and appreciating it is the best way to live your life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
They are two resolutions I would struggle to achieve for sure! I’m pretty happy with my weight although I’d like to improve my fitness I have to listen to my body and gauge it from there. All too easy, particularly when coping with a limiting illness, life can become dull if we let it but who says we have to let it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 4, 2019 at 11:19 pm
Marie, just yesterday I found my JOY again after loosing it for a LONG time. Oh I could just jump for JOY knowing that I can once again truly laugh. Happy New Year!! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 4, 2019 at 11:28 pm
It lifts me Amy Rose to hear you feel “joyfilled” again! I’m so happy for you. Keep laughing! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 4, 2019 at 11:45 pm
I will keep laughing! Thank you! 2018 was a tough one for me and just yesterday that heaviness seemed to lift. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 4, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Sounds like a positive start to what will be a positive year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 5, 2019 at 12:58 am
So it is written …… (smile)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 5, 2019 at 10:28 am
A “Joy” journal! What a great idea. I might start doing that for 2019. This morning my son woke up early and we had a very interesting discussion while eating breakfast. This was definitely a moment of joy. Reading your post is another pleasant moment. It’s always fun to exchange with you Marie. I wish you lots of joy, laughter… And much love and hugs! Happy new year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 5, 2019 at 6:18 pm
A bonding chat over breakfast is pure joy, sadly finite and deserves to be recorded Dominique! I read back over my gratitude journal over Christmas. Each entry was just a short snapshot but some I had forgotten. It was lovely to remember them all over again and feel the happy emotions attached to them. Please let me know if you compile a ‘Joy’ Journal and if it helps you note more moments of joy in your day. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 6, 2019 at 10:50 pm
You are right. I did something similar already. I used to noticewrite down the funny sentences and anecdotes of my children when they were small. When I read these notes there are plenty of pleasant memories that come back to mind. Magic moments! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 6, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Now that’s a very special keepsake!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 6, 2019 at 11:02 pm
Definitely!
LikeLike
January 7, 2019 at 7:16 pm
I’m so glad your holiday was restful. Gratitude with an emphasis on joy is a wonderful goal for the new year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 7, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Thanks Brenda, I think it’s making its presence felt already!
LikeLike
January 8, 2019 at 8:32 am
I’m so glad! A long time ago, I did a “study” on joy (so to speak). I was struggling with depression. Joy’s not the same as happiness, often it’s a choice we make to recognize the good. There are times that seems nearly impossible, but it is a good goal to pursue. Today I woke in a lot of pain and kicked my but out the door, found the pool I swim at nearly empty, and swam. Feelings of thankfulness led to feelings of joy (though I’m still sore … haha). I like how you tie these two (gratitude and joy) together as well. Have a joyful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 8, 2019 at 9:28 am
Thank you for sharing Brenda! Yes I agree feelings of thankfulness led to feelings of joy! I hope you soon feel better and I admire your courage to push forward despite the pain! I’ll certainly try to have a joyful week Brenda and you too! And at least now I’ll hope to capture them! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person