Here we are coming up on another of Toni's Tuesday 4. Annie of Cottage by the Sea took over for Toni when Toni passed and she has now been hosting Tuesday 4 for 4 years! Well done and thank you to dear Annie.
Here are this week's questions.
1. What do you do on a typical weekend? Saturday? Sunday? How do you make them delightful or joyous?
I live a simple life and my weekends are typically full of work and a little relaxation. I am busy running errands, usually buying food and other necessities, going to the library and post office, cleaning and doing other household tasks. I have to spread out my work over 7 days because I can't seem to get it all done in 5 days!
For relaxation I like to read or do other hobbies, meet up with friends, sometimes eat out and see the odd movie or concert. I also enjoy taking walks and photographing what I see when I'm out and about. I also like to attend church.
I don't consciously try to make things delightful or joyous because over time I've cultivated an attitude of gratitude (pardon the phrase) and learned to be content in all things. This contentment brings joy, not a momentary, fleeting feeling, but something deeper and ingrained.
2. What sources of joy do you find in your days?
I find a lot of small things give me joy. It takes very little to make me happy and being mindful of all the wonderful small things in life brings me contentment. Some of the small things that bring joy include: getting a lot of chores or tasks done in 1 day than the usual, reading more than a few pages in a good book, folding and putting away laundry right after it's done, finding a bargain at the grocery store or in another store, making something with my hands, hearing from or spending time with a beloved family member or a good friend, baking, seeing a good play or concert and so many other things. I also find joy in learning. I watch a lot of You Tube videos to learn a lot of what is going on in the world, issues of the day, history, travel information, tips and tricks for household matters, 'how to' videos for crafting and DIYs, cooking new dishes and so on. I also like to listen to Christian pastors, teachers and gospel singers on You Tube and to read and study my Bible or hear from Christian & secular thought leaders about a variety of subjects. I almost forgot though I shouldn't, I get a lot of joy when I'm spending time with the Lord in worship and in his Word and also when I hear wonderful testimonies of God's goodness or I see his answers to prayers. It really is amazing to have these blessings in life.
3. What's for dinner tonight? How will you make it a delight and a joy?
We had a simple dinner tonight of baked (packaged) fish and chips with green salad. Last night we had cabbage and beef soup. Tomorrow I think we'll have ham and cheese quiche which I will make tonight.
Yes, I will make it a delight because I'm always delighted when I'm able to prepare food at home to avoid food waste and to save money. This month and next month, I'm going to experiment with making more meals from a meal plan, using less meat and using more beans and pulses. I've been wanting to do this for a long time and so it begins. I won't completely cut out meat and chicken but will reduce it considerably. For example, I'll be making lentil, bean and chicken burritos and vegetable pot pie instead of the usual chicken or turkey pot pie.
4. How are you doing personally and how can we add to the joy and delight in your days?
I'm doing well personally though since the rain started back in force a few days ago, I'm in a lot of pain and my body is quite stiff during the day. I didn't experience these symptoms when it was very cold but no rain over the past few weeks.
Which is better? Rain and warmer temperatures, but a stiff, aching body or cold and windy or snowy weather but a body with less aches and pains? Well I prefer warmer temperatures these days. Soon it will be spring and I can't wait because the green things start growing, the days warm up and the sun comes out more often.
Gardening, prettying up the patio, saving money, eating frugally, enjoying hobbies and making time for friends and loved ones is how I'll continue adding joy and delight to my days. Who knows, I might even be able to start planning for a holiday but I'll have to wait and see what other big (expensive) household and building repairs are coming up first.
What about you dear reader? How are you doing and what is bringing you joy?
