“Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who’s there.” – Rumi
The other day I needed a photo of myself. I used the search feature of my phone to find pictures and although I wasn’t entirely shocked, I was a little surprised that it only came up with 3 of me by myself in 7 years. Virtually all of my pictures are with one or both of my children. And a few were with my beloved dog, Biscuit.
What I like to eat, where I want to go on vacation, what I do with my days – all these things have been hijacked in my life as a parent. I wouldn’t name this time as the marker of high personal happiness in my life – but wow, is it filled with joy. And it has been joy that has carried me through times when I’m sleep- deprived, achingly tired and spent. Which is why I wrote about happiness and joy in my Pointless Overthinking post this week: Good Mood of the Soul.
I’m with you in the few and far between photos of myself, and the joy.
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Isn’t that funny? Not that I mind but it’s interesting. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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A beautiful post that highlights the true joys in our lives! 😊 And I hear ya on the photo thing. I’ll be lucky if I can even find three photos just of me from my years with T. 😆
Love the shoutout to Yo Yo Ma in your guest post. His music is truly soothing to the soul – and joyful!
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I’m really feeling comforted that it isn’t just me whose life has been completely subsumed by kids. 🙂 Thank you, Ab! And I’m not surprised at all that you like Yo Yo Ma, my soul brother! 🙂
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We have a street named after him in Toronto.
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I want to visit that street on the blog tour!
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When I was looking though photos my beloved parents have taken through the years I found precious few of them and many of us kids. Your post brought back so many sweet memories just at the right time. Thank you.
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Wow – I hadn’t thought of that perspective looking back! You are so good at adding extra perspective and wisdom. Glad the timing was good for you my friend!
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Having kids changes everything for the better! Life is never the same!
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That’s so true, Tarama! Never the same for sure.
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I rarely take a photo of myself. I like it that way, no need to clutter my phone with me when there are so many other, more interesting, people and places and things to photograph. Love your photo of you and the kids, btw
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That’s a great way to put it Ally! And thank you about the photo. It’s nice to have a few where everyone is at least looking in the right direction!
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Well there sure is a lot of joy smiling out of that beautiful photo of you and the kidlets! BTW, there’s something a little “Meg Ryan-ish” about Miss O! Maybe it’s the impish grin!
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Ah, Meg Ryanish. I love it. Yes, she does have a lovely grin. Thanks you dear Julia!
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It has been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words” . . .
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So right, Mary!
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Great post on the difference between happiness and joy. As I go through the day to day as my husband’s caretaker, I can tell you that I’m not happy with the circumstances but I find so much JOY everyday and that sustains and satisfies my soul. I love the photo with you and your kids. It exudes JOY, Wynne.
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Thank you, Nancy! I think caretaking is one of the prime spots in which we find joy, not happiness and I’m glad to know you think that too! And thank you for the lovely comment about the photo – there’s so much joy when others see our joy!!
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You’re officially my favorite blogger now 😁
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What a lovely comment! Thank you.
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You’re welcome 😊
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