My granddaughter said, “Grandma, we should only buy and do things that bring us joy.” Her sweet and wise statement made me ask, “What brings me joy?”

By the way, what brings YOU joy?

This morning I walked outside, and the yard was clean and beautiful, and I felt joy. I have to admit neat, tidy, and little clutter brings me joy. I also had a call from the dermatologist with a report that the biopsy spot came back benign. I again felt joy. The older I get, and the increased number of needles I find poked into my body, the more joy I feel with a day free of bad health news.

Joy is not possible for me if I’m around rude, loud with anger, or intentionally mean. The tension caused by spoken or unspoken hatefulness not only takes away my joy but produces fear followed by anxiety. Not my goal in any setting.

I’m not a big buyer, but I notice shopping and buying, at least temporarily, can elevate one’s level of happiness. If I do find something I think I can’t live without, usually it’s colored glass or artwork, and I seldom regret my moment of weakness because each piece does bring me joy.

Also, on the news this morning, I learned Jimmy Buffet is opening a new 32 story Margaritaville Resort in Times Square on the island of Manhattan. I smiled as I heard the news, and joy was undoubtedly present, especially when I imagined myself at the heated pool drinking a LandShark Lager. The fact he is my age gave me hope for my future possibilities. It is nice to see someone modeling the older-age card with a positive, productive twist.

As I pay attention to what brings me joy, I realize joy, peace, and a feeling of wellbeing are similar. They all seem to convey an emotion of, “All is well in the world.”

We have all lived trying times the past couple of years, much of it out of our control. It is easy to fall into the big black hole of “Ain’t it awful.” In that space, nothing is bright or full of possibilities. We look at the world and people around us with skepticism and caution. Maybe we lost a little faith in our ability to overcome.

Look in the mirror to see what your face tells you, and pay attention to your body. Both act like human barometers, measuring pressure, used in forecasting our attitude and mental wellness. Your body talks to you, and your face shows consequences and rewards.

Notice, pay attention and do more of what brings YOU joy. Repeat, and repeat. You, me, he, she, and they deserve more joy in life, and it’s up to each of us to facilitate the change.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

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