Something Wonderful: Joy Lists

Recently a friend of mine reposted her “joy list” on Facebook. She first posted it a few years ago after I asked people to share their lists with me. Not only did she repost her list this week, but she decided to let it inspire her day. Since baking, the smell of cinnamon, and tea were on her list, she made cinnamon raisin bran muffins and had them with tea. As soon as I read that, I knew I should blog about joy lists.

A joy list is exactly what the name suggests: a list of things that bring you joy. It isn’t the same as a list of simple pleasures, although if your list doesn’t include many simple pleasures, you probably don’t get much joy out of life. Some of the things on your list may be free, like a walk on a summer night, and others maybe expensive, like travel. Some of the things, like baking, will be within your control. Others may be completely outside of your control, like waking up to a foggy morning. And over the years, your list will evolve. When I was a new mom, I added “getting to take a shower” to my list. As my child grew, I started taking showers for granted again.

Creating a joy list in and of itself can bring you joy as you reflect on the many wonderful things you’ve experienced and can continue to enjoy. And, like my friend, it may prompt you to do more of the things that bring you joy.

But don’t just stop with your list. There’s still more joy to be found in encouraging others to create their own lists and share some of their joys with you. It made me happy to see my friend reflecting on the things that bring her joy and incorporating some of those things in her day. Reading about the things that bring others joy also can prompt me to add new things to my own list. Sometimes it can even give me ideas for gifts for my loved ones.

This week, I encourage you to start your own joy list, share part of your list with others, and encourage your friends and family to create and share their own lists. Here are some of the things on my list to inspire you:

• Folk festivals
• Farmers markets
• Clean sheets
• The northern lights
• Full-blown roses
• Steel drums
• The smell of a snuffed-out candle
• Carlsbad Caverns
• A walk on a summer night
• Fireflies
• Crawling into bed when I’m really tired
• A foggy morning
• A sincere compliment
• Fireworks
• Bagpipes
• Waking up naturally and feeling well-rested
• Tea with a friend
• The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
• Singing a really good hymn (e.g., “Be Thou My Vision”)
• My dog’s love for me
• Lilacs
• Red-winged blackbirds
• Looking out on fresh, new snow and knowing that I don’t have to go out in it
• Travel to beautiful places (ranging from national parks to Rome, Italy)
• A good book
• Time to wander in an art museum like the Met or the National Gallery of Art

Please share some of your joys in the comments!