2021 – the year that holds much anticipation and juxtaposition to 2020. For many, 2020 was a year that embodied loneliness, hopelessness, anxiety, loss, and so much more. While ringing in a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in an overly ambitious list of goals attempting to become someone different entirely; it can be a mad dash to eliminate all that we do not want to carry with us into a new year. That sounds daunting and a bit exhausting, right? Instead of attempting to change ALL THE THINGS, what would it be like to find contentment and joy in the ordinary? Renowned researcher Brené Brown states it quite eloquently, “In this world, somehow, an ordinary life has become synonymous with a meaningless life. And so often we are missing what is truly important because we are on the quest for what is extraordinary, not understanding that in our ordinary lives, in the ordinary moments of our lives, is really where we can find the most joy.” The ordinary, simply put, is the everyday routines that build the rhythms of our day that with relationships, adventure, and experiences add up to a lifetime.
My grandmother once gifted me a large blank journal for Christmas. Inside was a sweet inscription, “Take a little time every few days to jot down the important events of your life. You will be glad that you did.” While I wish I had the ability to freeze time, the next best thing has been working to find contentment and joy in the ordinary moments. While not EVERY moment is full of joy at our home, there is much to be said for giving yourself permission to embrace the ordinary and ‘good enough’ instead of constantly chasing the extraordinary. Ultimately, striving towards this goal is an act of mindfulness, staying in the present moment. Journaling, as my grandmother so encouraged, is a great way to practice mindfulness; a way to reflect back over the day, week, month and see those magical moments that happened while we were busy living our ordinary lives.
As you look back over the past year, reflect on the prompts below to help identify the joy in the ordinary moments of your life previously overlooked. This will help you recognize where you can adjust routines and rhythms to help garner moments to cherish for a lifetime.
Where do you find joy?
What rhythms of your day bring delight?
What small moments in your week do you find yourself wishing you could freeze in time?
What rhythms of your day need adjusting?
“Sometimes,” said the horse. “Sometimes what?” asked the boy. “Sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent.” – Charlie Mackesy
Meagan Parks
