While I was walking the El Camino it was easy to blog because each day something new and different happened. Since getting back into the daily grind of work, I have found it difficult to blog. I don’t think the ho-hum of my daily life would be of reading interest to others. But when voicing this frustration with my daughter, I was told to blog for myself. One purpose of this blog is to voice the joy found in everyday life. And, there is always something throughout a day or week where joy can be found. So, for 2013, I am going to blog at least once a week (maybe more too) about what happens in my week and about enjoying the joyful moments of everyday life.

This past week there were two grandiose moments when joy took the stage.

The first was unexpected. My sister Jan had received a large gift basket for Christmas that was filled with wonderful crackers, cookies and candy. We were oohing and awing as we read the names through the cellophane but both of us knew our hips would pay the price if the wrapping came off the basket. As I was heading out the door for work, the basket was thrust into my arms with the directive to let my work clients enjoy the goodies. However, I knew this would be too much of a temptation for me. Over lunch, my friend Liz, suggested  taking the basket to the local food bank which was on the way back to my office. Travelling back to the office, I missed the street that the food bank house was on so I had to take an extra trip around the block. This is where the universe got involved. As I was pulling up to the house, a lady was getting out of a van ahead of me. I recognized her as a former neighbor who had survived a brain tumor but as a result cannot return to her former occupation and relies heavily on what the food bank can provide for her. I asked about her holiday season and how she was coping. She told me that Wednesday is the week day when all kinds of bread is available and that she was going to pickup her weekly supply. I told her to wait before going to get her bread as I had something to give her. I went to the car and pulled the Christmas basket out and handed it to her with a “Happy New Year”. It was heart warming to see tears well in her eyes and run down her face as she said thank you with a hug. That was my high for the day!

The second grandiose joyous moment was hearing my colleague’s voice via the telephone informing me that he was released from hospital and his surgery had gone well. The hard part now begins. Being patient and allowing the body to heal. The work will always be waiting. So, Alan, take the time needed for a full recovery.

Joy abounds on a daily basis. Sometimes small like the warmth of the winter sun enjoyed thru the window or unexpectedly with a surprise phone call. Just be open and allow your being to absorb the joy these moments bring.