joy.

Joy.

I recently came across a phrase I didn’t recognize (don’t judge…I also didn’t know anyone but Taylor Swift, Meryl Streep, and Margot Robbie in the recent Golden Globes red carpet outfit coverage. I am elderly. It takes me some time to learn about what all the cool kids know…and most of the time, I don’t even want to know it). But you don’t care. You just want to know what I’m talking about. The phrase is glimmers.

It turns out, glimmers are a thing people are now looking for. Simply stated, a glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. Rather than upsetting you, the intent of a glimmer is to bring you joy. I, for one, enjoy joy. It’s lovely. This makes me wonder, though, what brings you joy? There are so many answers to this question, and I wonder if many of us will have the same definition of joy. What brings me joy?

Simple – my family. The greatest joy in my life is when the six of us are together. That’s all. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or over-the-top. I find joy in being together. Of course, that’s not the only thing that brings me joy (nor is it a small thing considering how often we are not all together these days). What brings me joy tends to be small moments when I’m fully present and invested in the moment.

Rain

A cold, dark, rainy day with the French doors and window open. It’s the sound of the rain falling into our pool. The way the wind blows, and the way the rain sounds hitting the roof. The sound of the water hitting the water. It’s being curled up in a warm blanket with a good book or a family movie, a warm beverage, and only the soft glow of candles (or Christmas décor when it is the season).

Books

The smell of a book is the most enticing, most magical scent in the world. Old bookstores. New bookstores. One book. One million books. Reading is my greatest joy. There are few things I enjoy more than sharing my book obsession with my girlfriends, too. Opening my phone to see a new book recommendation from someone who shares my love of reading is the best.

Cooking

I may not be as good at it as my husband, but I am learning. I did spend the better part of 2023 learning techniques, and I love it. Gone are the days of taking the easy way out with filets and some sort of potato and roasted broccoli or a wedge (not that I don’t love that meal – I do – but it’s become so basic over the past few years). Trying new flavors, new dishes, new recipes that are exploding with flavors and decadence. There are so many beautiful dishes in the world, and I’m learning them. But, for me, it’s the joy of being in the kitchen with a glass of wine or one of my husband’s rosemary gimlets, chopping dill and garlic, slicing scallions or shallots. The scent of the herbs sauteeing on the stove. It’s the moment. The result is also pretty joyful, too.

Outdoor walks

I run on my treadmill every day, but getting a puppy last year was such a gift. Taking her on a morning walk every morning after I drop the twins off is pure joy. It’s quiet. The morning is beautiful. The walk is brisk. I get to really appreciate the beauty of our neighborhood. The homes, the landscaping, the horses in yards curious to see our little Daisy as she passes. Being outside for two or three miles each day is joy personified.

When my husband oversleeps

When he decides to hit snooze on the alarm – which is rare for him – and he cuddles with me in bed a while longer. His warmth, being close…our bed is the most comfortable, glorious place in the world. I love when it’s still dark and no one is really awake, but that feeling of being with the person you love most in the world just existing…joy.

Family dinners

We don’t get to experience this often – sports – but it’s so good when we do. I find such joy gathering around the table with my little family. Discussing our days, talking about our upcoming plans, telling stories. It’s so simple, but it’s the best.

Comfy dinners

We live halfway between our two favorite families in our neighborhood. Our kids golf cart to and from one another’s homes – no main roads or boulevard crossing required – we bring our dogs to one another’s home, and we spend a lot of time together. Something that brings me immense joy is when we have comfy dinners. They’re frequent, and there is so much to love. The husbands always come up with an amazing custom cocktail. Everyone participates in the cooking of something so delicious. Bottles of wine are consumed and cigars are smoked sitting on pool decks in front of fireplaces watching games or documentaries or just playing music channels. Everyone wears comfies – mostly just pajamas.

I can’t even tell you the last time I wore shoes to either of their homes. I wear slippers. It’s that comfy. The conversation is excellent, the kids are all best friends, and the dogs all play together with genuine affection and resigned tolerance (Oliver…love you, our little ‘old man’ pup!) It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s delicious. There’s such joy in these dinners & that’s not diminished for us since they accidentally started three or four years ago.

Yoga

A fast flow, intense yoga class is everything. I find such joy in the way my muscles burn and the way my body feels after. It’s glorious, and I always feel so good.

A clean home

And car. I’m a neat freak. I find joy in organization and cleanliness. I have never gone to bed with a messy home, unwashed dishes, dirty floors, laundry, or anything out of place. I physically cannot rest until my home and car are spotless. Call it OCD. I get it. But I also find joy in it.

Short days

Here is where I enter unpopular opinion territory. I prefer the shorter days of fall and winter. I love early evenings and darkness at 5 pm. It brings me such joy. It’s cozy. I find joy in the coziness of life.

Fresh linens

My husband absolutely detests my obsession with fresh linens because he hates the feel of freshly cleaned sheets. He says to give him all the slept-in sheets. I like them crisp and fresh, which means they’re washed all the time, and he is resigned.

Pasta

I mean..come on. No explanation necessary.

There are so many additional things that bring me joy…but these are the ones that stand out most to me.

What brings you joy?