So the idea struck me on my early morning walk recently…
I want to blog more this year, as it is part of my writing process, which I enjoy. And I love the word, joy… well, not just love, it is my all time favorite word. So why not have a post each week about what joy is to me.
Yes, I thought, I really like that idea! Sort of like Sarah Ban Breathnach’s suggestion of daily writing five things one is grateful for. But I will share what brings me joy, and I hope for each of you, it will help you to stop and think about what makes you happy. Because when you do, I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and in turn, it will bring more of those moments of happiness to you every day.
Joy Is: Waking Early to Greet a New Day
It is my dogs who got me out walking in our little town years ago (I used to be a die-hard treadmill walker). Frankie used to make the 2 1/2 mile hike with me each day, but now with wheels and age, she cannot go that far. In the warmer months she joins me in her doggie stroller, and it is such a joyful time when she is with me.
Now that winter is upon us, and it can be quite cold here in Wisconsin, I was not wanting to walk outside without Frankie with me. But as the New Year rolled around and I was feeling a bit claustrophobic and bored from my treadmill, I decided it was time to get out the winter gear, and hit the pavement.
It’s been in the lower 20’s and one morning, only 2 degrees. I’ve been getting up at 6:00am and I am out the door by 6:30am, just as the world is beginning to wake up. The hint of a new day is just beginning to peak over the horizon, and each time I see it, it fills me with such joy and hope.
I love seeing the lights on in the neighbors homes as I walk by, some just blinking open as I briskly scoot by. The air is crisp and the stillness is so peaceful, and the only sound is that of the squeak, squeak, squeak of my shoes in the snow.
I always walk with my ipod, and usually listen to downloads of various speakers on Hay House Radio. But lately I have been addicted to the soundtrack from the movie Adam. There is something about the instrumental tracks on the CD, and the promise of a new day that makes my heart sing as the melody rings in my ears.
As I make my way through our tiny village of approximately 1,200 people, I feel like all the cozy homes, and business are my friends. Silently I say, “Good Morning One Stop Shop, Lost Sock Laundromat, All Seasons Family Restaurant, Chamber of Commerce, Brown Bear, Gina’s Custom Framing Shop, Elkhart Lake Post Office, Police Station, Library, Feed Mill Market… and on and on it goes.
Photo from Elkhartlake.com All Saints Chapel on Highway P, Elkhart Lake creates this picturesque scene captured by Les Tension Photo.
As I begin the last trek of my walk home, the earth slowly begins to glow from the sun making it’s way over our town, and it reminds me each and every time that joy should be a part of our every day lives.
As I make my final turn around the corner, I head west past the park and am now back in my neighborhood. This particular morning I notice Mel (in her early 80’s) is up early… must be the day she volunteers. Ted and Pepper’s house is still quiet, but the homes of the Ward’s and Flora’s with school age kids are up and at ’em in a bustling fashion.
Lately, waking early to greet each day has given me a sense of calm and peace that I am finding great joy in… so it seems fitting that I shall continue this pattern to fill my soul, which has me looking forward to greeting yet another new day.
