When December comes around, watching Christmas movies is one seasonal tradition that is widely practiced and enjoyed. That’s because movies about the holidays often provide us with a sense of nostalgia and joy. “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” –Hamilton Wright Mabie Christmas movies often promote messages…
Having a hobby is one of the ways you can invite joy in your life. That’s because engaging in activities you love contributes to a sense of joy and fulfillment, and can be a great stress reliever. I like creative hobbies, like making gemstone jewelry, and in the past, I used to be an avid…
Have you heard of the Big Joy Project? The Big Joy Project is a citizen-science research study created by Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, who believes that happiness, resilience, connection, and kindness are skills that can be taught and developed —with practice. Over time, they can…
To be honest, I had never really spent much time thinking about joy, before I chose to make it this year’s theme for the 24 instalments of the Advent Calendar ( blog). Ten days in, and it feels like I have carried out a forensic study into joy, dissecting a very broad topic, into smaller…
Having to reflect on the theme of joy this month has been cathartic and healing for me, in this time of loss. Joy is revealing itself to be multifaceted, and I am enjoying the discovery of the many paths that lead to joy. Lately, I have found myself thinking about the after life on a…
According to Wikipedia, The Joy of Cooking is one of the United States’ most-published cookbooks. It has been in print continuously since 1931 and has sold more than 20 million copies. Unlike other cookbooks of the time, the author Irma Rombauer, did not use the standard format for a cookbook. Ingredients were not listed separately,…
The benefits of cultivating inner joy goes well beyond the development of your own personal well being. Personal joy becomes an opportunity to influence humanity when it transforms into a source of inspiration and positive action. When you are sharing your joy within your community (the people you work with, your family, your neighbours, or…
There are some simple, daily rituals I look forward to, like savouring a cup of my favourite herbal tea, while enjoying the quietness of my own company. Usually, it’s mid-afternoon and I’m seated in the living room so I have a view of the outside, while giving my busy head a rest. That serene, sometimes…
Having very recently lost my husband, I live with my grief everyday, but I take much comfort in the fact that I was blessed to have 40 years with a man who made me laugh everyday, who inspired me, and supported me through all those years. We talked about him leaving before me, and clearly,…
At the beginning of every season, there’s a unique feeling that comes over me, which I affectionally refer to as Seasonal joy. It’s a specific feeling of happiness and contentment that encompasses a combination of childhood memories, traditions, and sensory elements associated with each season. For example, the snow melt in the spring triggers memories…
Let’s be real. We’ve all had some days when we’re “ not feeling it” and being joyful is a stretch. We all get in a bit of a rut now and then. Usually, we can pull out of one with a little self-care. Anything longer than two weeks and you might want to check in…
Waking up to fresh snow in the morning brings joyful memories of childhood and more! I know a little boy who delights in the prospects of playing outside when snow appears. I’m sure he’s not the only one. Snow and kids go together like milk and cookies! Dressed warmly in their colourful snowsuits, pushing snow…
All year long, we look forward to the first weekend of December for the annual Christmas parade. Many communities host their own parade but the one we like to attend, is organized by caring individuals in a small town where my daughter grew up. I have to say, the people there have found the right…
Here we are again, on December 1st, connected for the next 24 days by this daily Advent Calendar Blog started three years ago. I am very excited at the prospect of what will transpire from our daily contemplation. I am inspired by the opportunity to rejoice, find gratitude and share a moment with you. I…
It is said that a key to living a joyful life is to focus on the simplicity that is life and not get caught up in its complications. That would be the message resonating most with me at this time of the year – that the true meaning of Christmas lies in the simple joys…
