Ever wonder what happened to your day as you are getting ready for bed? Do you think back and realize it was mostly made up of work, chores, more chores and maybe a few fleeting moments of joy? When you were a child, the joy experienced was most likely in bigger chunks throughout the day. As I watch my daughter, she spends most of her day in joyful play. I know we’ve all heard it before, but joy is found in the present moment. Children know this and live only in the present.
I have found in my own life that although I have to do chores so that my family can function optimally, I have a choice. I can do them with annoyance or stay in the moment where the joy can be found. I find myself, at times, very content as I wash the dishes, fold the laundry, go grocery shopping with my daughter and cook dinner.
You can find joy in the everyday tasks by staying right where you are. Next time, try folding the laundry and focusing on only lining up your towels neatly or watching what is happening in front of you as you wash the dishes instead of thinking about the next thing you have to do.
Of course, we still need to find the time to do things that we find joyful such as a creative pursuit. This can be more difficult for moms with little ones or someone working long hours, but still imperative to keeping your own cup full. Thus, you will be able to emanate joy more consistently with your children and your families. That’s not always easy if we are only focused on getting the chores done. As you take time for yourself, you may find you have a joyful bounce in your step effortlessly as you complete your chores.
What can you focus on today with the intent of feeling more joy?
Positive Quote of the Day: “I’m thankful for this laundry…because it means the ones I love are near.” -Unknown