Joy

This morning, I started thinking of how I’ve found that joy in life comes from many unexpected (and expected) places. Things that bring me joy (and they didn’t always):

– Eating leftovers (saves money and time)
– Saving to buy something big (rather than using credit)
– Saying no to instant gratification – and then occasionally treating yourself. It’s so much more delicious this way!
– Eating lots of fresh fruits
– Sticking to a budget
– Listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost
– Holding my tongue
– Admitting when I’m wrong
– Asking for what I need
– Saying “I love you” often
– Hugging my children
– Baking something from scratch – and sending some with Tim to share with co-workers
– Finding ways for Ella to “help” with everything – even if it takes extra time
– Dancing with my daughter
– Smiling at a stranger
– Kissing my husband
– Listening to the Prophet
– Reading to my children
– Talking with my mom
– Teaching
– Learning something new
– Cooking dinner and seeing my family enjoy it
– Spending time with a friend
– Laughing out loud
– Praying
– Dinner with my family each evening
– Apologizing (and then moving on)
– Trying something new
– Smiling at Ezra – and watching his face light up in return
– Library toddler time
– A little facebook time
– Eating in instead of out – eating out becomes such a treat and it encourages you to be more creative about eating in!
– Listening
– Making new friends
– Sharing my testimony
– Realizing that I’ll probably always be working on something
– Looking for the best in others
– Erring on the side of hope
– Stopping what I’m doing to play with the kids – I’m going to do that now. :0)