a shift and a joy list

Last week was a weird week for me. I felt "off" and unfocused. When I looked back at my previous year's journal I saw that I had that same sort of unfocused, scattered feeling at the beginning of the year last year. I think it's the energy and excitement of a new year, so many ideas and possibilities and I want to do them all NOW. Add to that a bit of cabin fever and I was more than a bit grumpy and irritable.

But something shifted yesterday. I entered my studio in a different frame of mind and felt amazingly better. Ready to get on with things. Focused and serene. Why the change? I don't know. Some sunny days, a long rambling walk with the dogs. Good food. Rest. Maybe next year I should schedule some resting and recharging in the beginning of January and remember to ease into things instead of trying to start the year off with a BANG.

hyacinth flowers

One thing that may have helped would have been to write a Joy List. I'm embarrassed to admit that it's the 19th of January and I'm finally writing my first Joy List of the year.

jasmine flowers

Better late than never.
  • jasmine, hyacinths and paperwhites filling the house with the smells of spring
  • a beautiful sunrise
  • packages ready to go to the post office including a very special secret and a calendar that's going to Australia!
  • yummy leftovers for lunch and plans for an easy, fun dinner
  • the kindness of people online and being able to pass on that kindness
  • today's projects

What's bringing YOU joy today?

Comments

  1. A great joy list Anne! I am glad that you have had a shift in focus and are getting back on track. The beginning of January is always weird and I think we need a few weeks transition before we fully get into the new year. I am intrigued with your 'special secret' . Bringing me joy today: buying 10 Zentangle books at a very special price and crossing two things off my 'to do' list!

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    1. Thanks, Simone. It's so funny that I never realized that January is a weird time. But it is! Hope you'll be sharing some Zentangles on your blog soon!

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  2. -the quiet after a weekend houseful of some of my favorite people.
    -a pure white amaryllis blooming, with three stems!
    -winter citrus for breakfast.
    -snow falling for hours and hours.
    -looking at the first batch of drawings for our rehab!

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  3. Your joy list sounds like the perfect recipe for savoring January, one day at a time. I also get a "holiday hangover" and feel the need for rest after all the bustle and glitter of December. Winter is traditionally a fallow time where the earth sleeps while beauty is forming under the surface. I think that often applies to us too, but we're to caught up in our to do lists to allow it the space it needs. On my joy list today: making finger puppets :)

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    1. Hooray for finger puppets! Your words are so wise. We do need to have a bit of fallow time, but life isn't set up that way. I guess we have to try to make sure it happens and not get caught up in everything else.

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  4. I'm staring at the dust bunnies I need to tackle in a few minutes. Not exactly a "joy" to clean, so I'm focusing on the blessing of having a warm place to live and a comfy bed where I can lay my head at night, and see the need to clean as a blessing. I like your list. And I believe a good night's rest and proper food and exercise make a big difference in not only how we feel, but how we think. Hugs from me to you, Anne. ~ Nancy

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    1. Haha! I like that image. Back when we had two cats and a very furry dog we had the biggest dust bunnies... tumbleweeds of pet fur and dust. Eww! I hate cleaning, too, but you're right. We are blessed to have comfy homes.

      Hugs back!

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  5. Your photo of the hyacinth made me smile as we're enjoying the same thing! I have one in bloom that I can't walk past without sticking my nose in it and imaging it's spring.
    Hmm...I'm also loving popping into the garage from time to time and seeing all the little rose babies I rooted last summer wintering over. I imagine how good it will feel to pot them up again this spring and see their growth.
    Also, I really love Nancy's answer above!

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    1. Hooray for forced bulbs! The smell of hyacinths always gives me a bit of a flutter... I can FEEL spring when I smell that smell.

      I should take a look at the roses in my shed. That might make me feel a bit better, too!

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  6. Hello,
    I enjoyed reading your post. :-)
    I was off last week too. Several things were just bothering me. Stupid stuff really, stuff I can not even do anything about. But, oh it ate at me.
    Joyful For ~
    Warmer Winter Days in Wisconsin
    My Husband for loving me on my bad days
    Encouragement from on line friends, they are the best!

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    1. Lovely list, Carla. Husbands who love us even when we're having bad days are really something to cheer about. I've got to remember to give mine an extra hug and kiss. Thanks for making me take a moment to think about that.

      Have a wonderful week... hope it's better than last week!

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  7. It's always a joy to come here, Anne. I feel the same way about the beginning of the year - full of plans and expectations, but forgetting that the holidays have taken their toll on me. Better to take it slow, I'm finding.
    My joy list? The pleasure of a serene home, two lovey cats, sweet memories of a great visit with my daughter, and gratitude for a loving husband. Have a great week!

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    1. Slow is good. I keep reminding myself of that. Maybe I picked the wrong word for the year. But, no, I think learning to slow down can help me to flourish... it's all interconnected.

      Great list, Judy. Thanks for sharing!

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  8. The difference a day can make....I'm often baffled how my mood and perspective can, without reason, shift day to day. I think you make a good point about in January exhausting our selves with excitement, plans and expectations for the new year. I love your photos again today. Thanks for sharing a bit of floral joy & a taste of spring coming ! Hugs, Kat xx

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    1. Moods are such a funny thing, aren't they. Mine can be so changeable.

      Glad to have brightened your day.

      Sending hugs back your way!

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