[present] joy.
I really love words. I think they hold more power and opportunity than we often give them merit for - we can affect others and the world around us with words...for both good and bad.
Have you ever pondered the thought that the word present is used to describe both "a gift" and "a time occurring now". I know in our family we definitely talk about presents a bit more than usual around the holiday season and I find it kind of cool that it is the same word we use for being where we are in this moment.
Joy is in the present. Not necessarily the gift (although it may provide some dopamine releasing happiness when we get a gift we love!), but fully enjoying the here and now.
Challenging life circumstances have a way of keeping us fully present. I know that this past month has felt like it's moving more slowly for me since Cooper's diagnosis. I find myself approaching each day with more intention (for a variety of reasons depending on the day) and gratitude.
I was reminded in a book I am reading this week that has to do with metabolic health (thanks to my friend Joe for the recommend) - which seems so off topic from gratitude - that gratitude has SO much scientific evidence around contributing to our well-being.
Enjoy the gift that today is.
Soak in the lights that are literally all around us, hold the hug a little lighter that someone may offer you, and have gratitude for whatever is in today for you - good or bad.
with joy,
jamie
