2.11.2014

Oh, Happy Day

Some days are so delicious that you could just eat them up with a big 'ol spoon. They're so delicious, in fact, that we savor them for the rest of our lives, long after the aftertaste is gone.

What is it that makes our happiest days stand out in our minds? I suppose sometimes it's simply the event of the day itself, like a wedding or the first day of a much sought-after job. But it's the way we feel that makes them worthy of the "best days of my life" list. It's the happiness and the joy that are waiting for us at the door that makes these days so special.






One of my goals for 2014 is to create even more joyous moments. I have a theory about how I might do this. Are you listening? Here goes:

1) I'm going to stop having expectations. (This is going to be ridiculously challenging for someone who likes to plan everything.) But hang in here with me a sec.

The most joyous days of my life didn't happen at all like I expected they would. It poured on our wedding day. My epidural never worked for my C-section. Know what though? Still, they are two of the best days of my life.

See what I'm getting at here? Planning may make for a smooth day, but the unexpected yields some pretty major joy.



2) I'm going to let go of doubt, too. I think when we doubt ourselves or those around us, we send joy packing. We doubt that others around us will come through; we refuse to believe that things will go according to plan. We feel insecure about our abilities or our appearance; we throw in the towel on the day before it's even noon.

3) Finally, I'm going to be more present in the moment. As a fan of social media, (clearly), I have a hard time just being in the moment without the urge to reach for my phone to snap a photo. It's also difficult to silence the running to-do list in my head. It seems like I'm always planning for what's next instead of living in the here and now. These things are stealing the joy from my moments and I'm ready to stop them.

Here are what a few of y'all told me when I asked about your most joyous days:






Now I want to hear from you. What was the most joyous day of your life? I hope you'll join me in creating more joyous moments this year.

Remember to follow on Instagram to answer today's JOY survey question. (Username is ablondeambition)

P.S.- Come back tomorrow for a special JOY-themed outfit post featuring one of my favorite new dresses from Savoir-Faire. Did you know clothing could give you joy? I'll bet if you're reading this blog, you did ; ) Be sure to answer today's Instagram question, which will be posted later this evening!

10 comments:

  1. Your theory is now my theory. Well put!!

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  2. Leslie, I am loving your series this week! Girl, if you can figure out all you plan to figure out, please share your secret, please write a book, please let us know, because I still don't have any of that figured out! I think i'm going through a rough period with motherhood and three little girls- we have good moments and bad moments. I need to remember all of the good moments in our days! I totally agree with you though, my wedding day and each of my daughter's birthdays were the best days of my life.

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  3. SO very hard for me to stop the contstant to-do list in my head, so I am right there with ya, mama! love this post!

    wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com

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  4. Great post! It will be so hard for me to do those things but I think it is worth it.

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  5. I love this! Right now I would have to say one of the most joyous days of my life was the day I got into my dream college! I worked so hard & it was great to see it all pay off, also that day has sent me on the most amazing journey at one of my favorite places in the world! I'm sure it years to come the most joyous day will change :)!

    Kristin
    Crumbs & Curls

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  6. Love this! Like you, my most joyous day was the day my husband and I welcomed our son into the world. Followed closely by our wedding day!:)

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  7. Thanks for this post Leslie, it's just what I needed today. Such a beautiful reminder. My joyous moments were marrying my husband, when I reunite with family & friends back home in the USA and the moment that we celebrate every year is my transplant birthday - the day I officially got a second chance at life because someone choose to donate their organs to me. Must moments have one thing in common - a lot of love.

    Tara @ www.abrewofblessings.com

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  8. I love this post - so spot on and perfect! I, too, have been focusing on finding joy in life (big moments and little moments!), and letting go of expectations & doubt, in addition to living in the moment, are some amazing ways to find joy. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I love your tips for creating more joy. I'm in a season of life right now that I never expected I'd see, and the most joyous moments in it have been when I let it be just what it is, not what it should've been or less than what someone else's life looks like.

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  10. The day I quit work to stay home with my kids!!

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