Juliana Moves

I knew I wanted to write today but was coming up short on ideas. I googled some journaling prompts and came across this one: “What three ordinary things bring you the most joy?”

It immediately reminded me of a quote in a poetry book I started reading last night! 

And so, I decided I will once again write randomly about a three small glimmers I have experienced lately. Small, ordinary moments or experiences that have brought me joy. 

Feeling the warm, spring light spill through my living room windows

Sitting on the couch, drinking coffee and writing postcards, feeling the warm beam of light filter through our curtains. The weather is starting to turn here in Arlington and I am so excited for spring to arrive. Patrick and I have discussed throwing some zinnia seeds into the soil in the backyard, and I have cherry tomatoes starting to grow in my Aerogarden. The spring light warms the house slightly and fills the space a little better than the winter light did. Not to mention, the time change comes this weekend and then it’ll be lighter in the evenings! 

Putting away a load of clean workout clothes

I’ll admit that putting away clothes isn’t exactly fun, but there’s something about a load of clean workout clothes that fills my cup. We wash our running/lifting/cycling clothes separately to try to isolate the stink (just being honest) and because we go through those clothes much quicker than our everyday work clothes. When it comes time to put those clothes away, I love reflecting on the productive week of training I completed and the potential of the week to come. Running really is a metaphor for life, people! I conquered so much the week before and will continue to adapt to rise to the occasion of whatever is ahead.

Interactions with strangers

I did a lot of this last week as I traveled for work. Some of it was with people in my work ecosystem, but I also chatted with a lot of perfect strangers. I don’t know about you but I often feel like it’s so easy to isolate in public: headphones in, staring at your phone to pass the time, googling everything when you need help, avoiding eye contact, and so on and so forth. When I stop all of that and take the time to look around and observe, it can be a really lovely experience. 

What are three ordinary things that bring you joy? I hope you’ve had a nice week and an even better weekend ahead.

Love,

JN