Joy

Between Christmas and New Year the weather was 'quiet': mostly dry, little wind, chilly but not freezing and, on the whole, cloudy with grey skies. That meant it was fairly conducive to walking and I tried to go out most days, albeit for relatively short, local walks. It wasn't very thrilling though, with little really to lift my spirits. I was plodding up the steep hill to Northcliffe when I spotted this bright cascade of winter jasmine, one of the few shrubs that flowers here at this time of year. That did lift my spirits, a quick burst of happiness to see the cheerful colour and the exuberant life in it... and each quick burst of happiness stokes in me an underlying joy, a contentment with life. 

It left me pondering the nature of 'joy', what brings it, how to capture it when it seems elusive (especially in these long winter months, so devoid of light). I was thinking how the older people I know whom I most enjoy being with and who seem most attractive are those who have hung on to their curiosity, their sense of wonder, enthusiasm, gratitude and joy; lifted even by the smallest things and thereby having the capacity to lift others too. It's infectious. 

The last couple of months, as I've said before, had some tough moments for me (as well as many good things) and my own sense of joy and ease have been somewhat diminished. It's important for me to try and recapture some of that zest for life again in the coming year. 

I shall reread 'The Book of Joy', a conversation between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.)

I shall continue to get out and about: walking, visiting interesting places, trying new experiences when I can. I shall be counting my blessings - first and foremost that I can get out and about. I shall spend time with friends and family. I shall continue my hobbies: my photography, my blog and especially my new-found enjoyment of knitting. 

One of the areas I think I can improve is my enjoyment of food. I'm reading, at the moment, a book by the food writer Nigel Slater - 'A Thousand Feasts' - which has short essays each describing small moments of pleasure, mostly linked to food. He's a beguiling writer and it is proving to be a great pleasure to dip into, though making me realise how food for me has become simply a matter of survival and a chore, rather than something I truly enjoy. I sometimes read, for example, Vicki's occasional blog posts about food, or 'Librarian's' and wish they'd come and cook for me, their simple but wholesome and tasty meals always sound wonderful. 

So, more joy for me this coming year...  How about you? And how do you intend to find it? 

Wishing you all a very happy New Year, with much to be joyful about.