So the positivity word of the day was JOY. The kids jumped right on this: Joy is happiness and excitement! Joy is being with your family! Joy is going on an adventure in the woods!

Liam wrote: Joy is a happy feeling. When you play with friends, get a present, or even feel rested, you may feel joy.

I have found it easier over the last year to find JOY in everyday moments through the practice of being present. Sure, I experienced joy in wriggling my toes in the warm, wet sand at the beach, listening to the waves lap at the shore. I have experienced joy in simple pleasures like cooking a meal for my family, singing lullabies to my kids, watching the snow fall, throwing pottery. But I’ve also learned to experience joy in parenting a fussy toddler, working out at the gym, even folding laundry. I’m quite joyful right now, snuggled under a blanket and a warm laptop in my recliner in front of the fire, even though I missed my pottery class this evening because Lori wasn’t feeling well. Of course I don’t live in a constant state of bliss, but when I remember to bring my full attention to the present moment, it can almost feel that way.