Day 3369: What brings you joy?

In my Coping and Healing groups (which bring me joy), people have been talking about being overwhelmed by the news, fears about the future, loss, medical issues, grief, uncertainties, tasks, unknowns, obligations, other people, and possessions. Regarding the latter, several people have brought up Marie Kondo and her advice to keep only the things that bring you joy.

During these anxious and depressing times, it can be very difficult to focus on the things that bring us joy, but I’m doing my best to bring it, every moment.

Do any of my images today bring you joy?

No matter how I’m feeling, Joan definitely brings me joy (among other things).

Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “what brings you joy.”

I am grateful for all those that bring me joy, including YOU!

Day 3153: Waiting for the next thought

Waiting for the next thought is a technique for entering the present moment, as described in a video I posted here earlier this week:

Yesterday, I used that for the mindfulness exercise in a Coping and Healing group. I told the group members to leave behind overthinking about the future and the past by asking themselves “What will my next thought be?”

Personally, I found this to be a very effective way to quiet my busy mind. The anticipation, curiosity, and wonder about the next thought focused me and emptied my mind in a way I had never experienced before.

Are you waiting for my next images?

Waiting for your next thought? My next thought is to share “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s 9th.

I’m waiting for the next time when we can gather together in large groups like that without fear. My next thought is this: that time will come, we just don’t know how long we have to wait.

I’ll be waiting for the next comments on this blog post.

Waiting for my next expression of gratitude?

Day 2643: What are your priorities?

On this day, what are your priorities?

Do your priorities include taking care of tasks?

Do your priorities include noticing and appreciating what’s around you throughout the day?

Do your priorities include staying hydrated ?

Do your priorities include keeping track of what belongs to you?

Do your priorities include eating healthy food?

Do your priorities include socializing as best you can during these strange times?

Do your priorities include compassion, kindness, and grace?

Do your priorities include effective communication?

Do your priorities include smiling? Studies show that smiling helps improve your mood (even if you don’t feel like smiling).

Face it!  It can be very difficult to set priorities during changing and uncertain times. My priorities, here and now, include

• blogging,
• arranging and conducting on-line therapy groups,
• forgiving myself for my mistakes,
• listening,
• communicating,
• accepting myself and others,
• balancing action with thought,
• hope,
• safety,
• letting go of judgment,
• letting go of worry,
• finding joy wherever I can,
• caring for myself and others as best I can, and
• music (here and here).

As always, my priorities include gratitude, so thanks to all who help me create these daily posts, including YOU.

Day 1989: Joy

Yesterday, I noticed that somebody had chosen joy from the emotions chart on my door at work.

That gave me joy then and gives me joy now.

What gives you joy?

Can you find joy in any of my other photos from yesterday?

 

There’s lots of joy on YouTube from for King & Country ,

from the movie Immortal Beloved,

from VaShawn Mitchell,

from the Georgia Mass Choir,

 from the Muppets,

and from Leven Kali.

I will take joy in your comments, no matter what they contain.

There’s joy in gratitude, every day.

 

Day 1348: Receive with Joy

Yesterday, I received with joy the news that my son’s student visa should be received with joy at our home by 10:30 this morning.  The  University of Edinburgh in Scotland now gets to receive with joy my fabulous son, who is starting a five-year mathematics program there.

Please receive with joy today’s page from this joyful book:

Please take notice that I notice more than one thing I am being given today and that I am receiving them all with joy:

• Precious time with my only child before he leaves for school tomorrow.
• A boyfriend who often says, “See Ann?  Everything is coming together!”
• Work that I love.
• Wonderful friends and family.
• An extensive network of dedicated medical professionals.
• A heart that has served me well for 63 years.
• All my feelings.
• The opportunity to share these other photos with you:

What are you receiving with joy, right now?

I am receiving this music with joy:

 

Please receive with joy my heartfelt thanks to all who helped me create this post and to you — of course!  — for receiving it.