I’m a sucker for random acts of kindness and small gestures. I’m also someone who finds joy in the most simple things. Lately, however, I’ve realized that finding joy in the little things takes more energy. So, I’ve been challenging myself for the past few months to come up with 2 (simple) things that brought me joy using my 5 senses- sight, smell, hearing taste, and touch.
Sight
1. Television: Darrius and I recently purchased an Amazon Fire Stick and it has taken our TV watching to another level of sheer enjoyment. We’re both documentary and movie buffs and often indulge in our guilty pleasure of watching (and finding new) reality shows. So, it’s safe to say that I have zero trouble finding joy in watching TV these days.
2. Nature Walks: There’s something about being outside, walking in nature, that brings me so much peace. Nature walks allow me to experience God in another way. Seeing His creations planted, growing, blooming, and flourishing right in front of me brings me to an immediate place of gratitude. Hearing certain sounds of nature is also calming and a gentle reminder that God is always working and always with us.
Smell
1. Fresh Eucalyptus: I started hanging a few eucalyptus branches in the shower a few months ago. I was in search of a natural remedy for my nasal congestion and frequent headaches. So, I found a bunch at Whole Foods and gave it a try. The combination of a warm shower and eucalyptus helped reduce my congestion and headaches. It also served as a natural relaxant for both my husband and me.
2. Africa Miranda Luminous Body Mist: I’ve been using this body mist/oil for almost 2 years and it has become one of my beauty and skin staples. I immediately fell in love with the soft texture and the sweet, lovely fragrance. Spraying on a light layer of this luxurious oil and rubbing it into my skin every morning is indeed a treat.
Hearing
1. Water Sounds (Rainfall, Waves & Thunderstorms): Before I was married, I listened to music to help me fall asleep. My husband wasn’t a fan of that method, so we compromised. Now, we listen to water sounds to help us (both) fall asleep. The sounds are both soothing and rhythmic, and they almost instantly lull us both to sleep. I actually created a “Slumber” playlist filled with waterfall, rain, and other water sounds using Apple Music. Since then, it’s been much easier for me to not only fall asleep but also go back to sleep if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night. And most days I feel more rested than I have in the past.
2. Praise & Worship Music: As I mentioned in a previous post, listening to certain worship songs has helped me navigate through some really tough moments these past few months. Listening to my worship playlist in the morning draws me closer to God, especially during my devotion time. It drowns out the noise and allows my focus to be on God and God alone.
Taste
1. Hot Tea with Lemon: Every morning, without fail, I have a cup of hot tea with lemon and honey. Once the tea finishes brewing and the ingredients are added, I take the cup to my office and enjoy it during my devotion time. The warm taste is both comforting and soothing. Taking the time to make and enjoy the tea helps start my mornings off in a positive way.
2. Spa Water (Lemon + Cucumber Water): Having access to clean drinking water is a blessing. Let’s start there. There are numerous places in the world that don’t have this luxury, so for this, I’m thankful. I try my best to drink about a gallon of water on most days. If I want to add some flavor, I add some lemon and cucumber slices. Those simple additions give an instant refreshing boost to a regular glass of water.
Touch
1. Cooking, Prepping & Plating Food: “Playing with food” has brought me so much joy & comfort during the past few months, especially during the quarantine. While I’m not out here trying to be a world-renown chef, I am enjoying being in the kitchen a lot more these days. I’m taking more pride in how I present food & I’m being more mindful about what I prepare. I’ve even started baking again. It’s been hit or miss with baking, but that’s another story for another time.
2. Washing & Styling my Hair: After being diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia at the tail end of 2018, I knew I had to “start over” with my hair. So, I made the bold decision to shave my head in January 2019 in hopes to grow my hair back naturally. Today, I’m so thankful for how it’s grown. Not only can I comb through it, but I can wash and style it. Being able to feel my hair in its natural state is amazing. Some days I break down in happy tears while lathering my hair with shampoo. To touch and feel my hair is a blessing. The entire process – shedding, shaving, and watching it grow back – has been like a rebirth. God is faithful and I am thankful for restoration.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
There are countless other ways that I’ve been finding joy in simple things. These are just a few of my favorites. You can do the same. It’s all about perspective. Just take a look at your everyday life. I promise you, there’s joy to be found. So, here’s to using your 5 senses to find joy in the simple things.