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Sometimes we forget to do those things that make us smile from the inside out. I know how it is…kids, bills, bosses, illness, deadlines…. Yeah I get it because I’ve lived life under the pump and let me tell you there’s a better way.
When we take the time to take the time life is just better. Injecting little things into daily life can bring BIG joy. What do you do that helps make your little light shine?
For me I do plenty, I understand the importance.
I was that mum who was involved with school and sport…too much. I was that employee who said yes too often and no not often enough. I was too busy getting busy and only slowed down when cancer knocked on my door…I know right, my bloody door. WTF?!
But hey, I listened and now these days I’m more about living in the moment, smelling the roses and finding joy. Here’s some of the ways I create some joy to remind me to be present…
FLOWERS…I can’t tell you the joy I get from watching blooms unfurl slowly over a week. Every week I have fresh flowers in my home, it’s not a treat I actually see it as a necessity and work a bunch into my budget. The waft of fragrance, colours and pure prettiness make me smile.
MUSIC… Did you know that when I write I need to have my headphones on and music blaring? Weird I know but it seems to drown out the chatter and just allow my writing brain to kick in. My music taste is eclectic but when I write I prefer thumping dance tracks and 80’s tunes that take me back to years gone by. Music does that, it transports us so choose the tracks that are gonna make you smile and want to break out in dance.
BAKING… Yup I’ve got my baking mojo back baby! Baking is calming and nurturing and lately I think a lot about my Nan and visits to her house in Wynum. Walks to Mr Barry’s corner store for a white paper bag of cobbers, milk buds and a choo-choo bar while Ba ( that’s what we call nan) bought her Bex and cigarettes. Baking allows me to create and give, sometimes the goodies only last 5 minutes but that’s ok.
PRETTY TABLECLOTHS… I know I’ve totally left ‘mother of a small child’ stage because these days I freakin love shaking out a tablecloth and letting it fall and cover my dining table. Fresh tablecloth day, it’s kinda like clean sheet day without sex. These days my tablecloths are more colourful with more pattern….to give me more joy!
PUPPY TIME…it’s a bit like having a baby cuddle but with fur. We were never ever going to have a dog…ever! It was love at first cuddle and over the 3 years we’ve had our dog we’ve had a constant companion, he’s intelligent and funny and the best lap warmer ever! And just look at my boy, shit he’s so freakin cute when he’s dressed up 🙂
COLOURFUL CROCKERY… For years all our dinnerware and servingware was white, just plain white. Then I got sick and needed colour. Now I can’t wait for a white plate to chip or break so I can say ciao to it. I prefer using my colourful plates and bowls any day of the week. The patterns and colours are lively….which is how they make me feel.
CANDLES…I light a candle every afternoon and sit and watch the flickering flame while I sip tea…I get lost in my thoughts and the fragrance helps me forget about the vacuuming…winning!
YOGA… Most of you will know how much I love it and how it grounds me. It’s just good…very, very good!
BEDTIME RITUAL…these days I like to turn my salt lamp on an hour or so before bed. It’s meant to remove ions or energy or something like that from the atmosphere but my salt lamp is also pretty and the glow it gives makes me smile. I also slather up in coconut oil before bed, I use it on my face and body and the act of oiling up connects me with my body and I use that time to acknowledge what it’s been through and thank it for getting me through each day.
THE OCEAN…I live close enough to the beach that I visit daily. I get lost staring at the ocean as she swirls and crashes or as she calmly rolls into shore. The colours, the way the sun dances on the water and the whooshing of the waves just soothe me. Most days I sit at my local cafe, headphones in and write with the ocean in the foreground… Best. View. Ever!
Simple things hey?
Sometimes simple is best and it just goes to show that we don’t need fancy schmancy holidays and excess stuff to make us happy…the little things can bring the greatest joy. We just need to remember to practice joy and invite it into our daily life.
Is there something you do that makes you smile?
Bev from Iris May Style says
February 25, 2015 at 7:03 amJenni I love all of the things that make you smile – except maybe the tablecloths, I don’t even own one! Our little fur baby brings us so much happiness. She is getting old now but still never fails to make us giggle…Great post ladybug xx
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:39 amDogs are such a joy Bev x
Kerry says
February 25, 2015 at 7:43 amI am the queen of the glorification of busy. This is a great reminder, to take a step back and love & breathe each day. I know that a walk, meditation, music, water and sunshine can make me a better me, so from today I aim to add a little me time to each & everyday.
Xxx
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:38 amYAY! That makes happy! Your body and mind will love you for it x
Maggie obst says
February 25, 2015 at 7:54 amGood Morning lovely one!,
Wow a beautiful read whilst having my porridge and green tea. That’s one thing that makes me happy. A lovely warm shower then lather with body cream, oh so soft! Lovely clothes and beautiful perfume, oh heaven. Always a table cloth and manly white crockery, but when I feel real special out comes the patterned floral set. Love my garden the roses when in bloom are beautiful. My furry pals my cats, now the make me laugh and smile. My beautiful Grandchildren are a blessing. And beautiful mild sunny days. All and a lot more make me who I am. Love your blog and follow decorating blogs. So I’m happy with me, may not have the best of health at times, but grateful I’m here. And today I’m happy as I’m catching the train, then on the tram down to Glenelg. With my Heart Foundation Walking Group. Plenty of laughter and talking. And hopefully a lovely icecream. My hubby will be with me, so another happy point. Love and laughter love Maggiexxxx
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:41 amWow you are definitely stopping to smell the roses Maggie and have lots of joy! Awesome, keep that up and enjoy the ice cream x
AmandaJ says
February 25, 2015 at 8:42 amI love this post!!! I mean, I loooooove this post!! I’m a big believer in stopping for the small things and reading this makes me happy that there are many others out there too not getting caught up in the rush of everyday living. One of my favourite things is getting up before the sun on a Saturday morning and taking myself into the West End markets (particularly in winter when I can throw on a scarf), wandering through the smells and sounds and sipping a hot coffee. I always make sure to pick up a $7.50 bunch of flowers from my favourite stall every week!
I have so many memories linked to music, from dancing in the lounge room as a little girl with my older sisters listening to their records of A-Ha, Culture Club and Wham to being a regular at the Byron Bay Blues festival with one of my closest friends and dancing around in muddy gumboots with the rain falling on our heads.
What a great start to the day, thanks Jen! xx
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:45 amYou had me at ‘A-HA & Wham’ LOL! How good are markets hey, I just love wandering and getting lost in my thoughts and the vibe. You’re definitely living well x
Jill eldridge says
February 25, 2015 at 8:58 amJen i just luv u, I luv they way you express simple things and make them joyous. Keep on keepin on
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 9:42 amAwww thanks Jill xx
Mary-Anne says
February 25, 2015 at 9:05 amI love this post! I was that woman you spoke of too until injury forced me to stop. I buy myself flowers, or pick them from my garden. They bring me such joy. I decided this year is my year of colour, was always a black and white clothes and neutral furnishings type of gal. I am now wearing brilliant green and vibrant blues with an occasional red and yellow thrown in. Have started to change the furnishings but can’t find any crockery like yours to replace my beige and brown!
The beach for me is my soother, it grounds me and ‘sorts me out’. Have a great day x
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 9:44 amColour is awesome Mary-Anne! My crockery is a mix of Christopher Vine, Villa Home, Eb&Ive and T2 x
Raychael aka Mystery Case says
February 25, 2015 at 11:25 amI’ve been more than consumed with health issues, I can hardly see straight at the moment. I know you get where I’m coming from. I’ve been trying to get back to basics with myself, along the same lines as yourself. It’s a work in progress.
I’m going to add flowers to my list, it’s as simple as walking out my front door and picking a bunch so I must make more of an effort and I’m digging out all my gorgeous scented candles. The beach is another thing ( just 3 minutes drive away or 20 minutes walk) that I take for granted for just how easy it can change my focus and my current mood.
I’m also on day 2 of my 5 day juice cleanse. It’s going better than I expected. The company I’ve gone with for the juice have sent me a yoga uTube to try. I’m really looking forward to that.
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:43 pmYoga is awesome…pick the flowers and sit by the sea. You’ll love yourself for it xx
Ann says
February 25, 2015 at 12:47 pmOh I LOVE this piece of writing..you are so correct and I love all of what you have mentioned, except our furbaby is our adorable cat…
We all need to slow down and “take stock” and add beauty to our lives..and thank you for the reminder xx
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:40 pmThanks Ann I’m all for slowing down x
merilyn says
February 25, 2015 at 6:46 pmdefinitely agree with that! thanks jen!
lovely to feed the spirit! I do it as a constant!
less being hard on ourselves and
more being kind to ourselves, … then it automatically seems to spreads the love to others!
abundance and generosity of spirit! all good things!
btw you look fantastic too! love m:)X
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:47 pmYou got it Merilyn x
Hazel Vette says
February 25, 2015 at 8:27 pmI get my joy from my grandies,seeing their faces when they see you for the first time in a week,their beauteous innocence as they smile with unadulterated love.Those sticky hands holding yours,their telling of secrets.The 10 month olds discovering new things,her face as she tries new foods,and holding up her arms up for the first time.
These munchkins have brought me back from deep depression,when I could easily have given in to despair.They are the loves of my life,besides my husband,they are my ritual and if I don’t see them every two weeks I get withdrawl symptoms. I also love the ritual of seasons,greet each one in turn and welcome it,I too love the simply arranged vase of unpretentious flowers,oh the joy!
Jenni says
February 25, 2015 at 8:39 pmWhat a joy Hazel…enjoy x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
February 25, 2015 at 11:07 pmOh yes, I love this! I am now in the grip of pup envy, I want a dog so bad! I like to do more of what makes me happy, so that’s usually baking a cake or going for a run and I always love to have fresh flowers too. They make my heart happy.
Jenni says
February 26, 2015 at 7:11 amSammie the best thing we did was get our dog, we love him x
Kathryn says
February 26, 2015 at 6:38 amHi Jen…Wynnum? Wynnum? Really! I grew up in Wynnum North, and my parents still live there in the house they bought in 1952. It’s changed a lot. Love your ideas, flowers and candles work for me too. I know I might be strange but when the whole house is really clean and tidy, candles lit and music playing I feel so relaxed. It is my happy place. Like an oasis of calm away from work and stress etc. Have to look after ourselves don’t we. x
Jenni says
February 26, 2015 at 7:10 amYes my nan was in Haylock Street. Wynum has changed a bit over the years.
Dani caputo says
February 26, 2015 at 10:17 pmHey! Totally love this post Jen. I love the mix of photo and text and so practical xxx
Jenni says
February 27, 2015 at 10:10 amThanks Dani! Little things that work for me
Fleur @ Our urban Box says
February 28, 2015 at 8:07 pmLove this list Jenni. I want a tablecloth! I have been looking for ages for the right one. And your puppy is totes cute! How could he not make you happy? xx
Jenni says
February 28, 2015 at 10:00 pmI love a good tablecloth Fleur, check homewares stores or Bed Bsth n Table x
Sonia from Sonia Styling says
March 2, 2015 at 2:43 pmThe simple things really do bring us the most joy. I’m with you on just about every single one of these things… except baking. I’m bloody hopeless in the kitchen – ha! I’ll happily go out for cake and a coffee instead. x
Jenni says
March 2, 2015 at 2:45 pmHaha…I was a country girl to learned to bake to keep busy. These days I think of my nan more and more when I bake…I think that means I’m getting old! I’m also a Huge fan of hitting up a café for coffee and cake 🙂