Feast of Joy in the Mundane

Summary

The author reflects on finding joy in the simple and mundane aspects of life, especially since moving to a more peaceful environment and becoming a parent.

Abstract

In "Feast of Joy in the Mundane," the author shares a personal Thanksgiving reflection on the importance of appreciating life's simple pleasures. They describe a transformative journey of discovering joy in everyday moments, such as quiet time at home, family meals, and neighborhood walks, since moving away from the city's hustle and bustle. The author expresses gratitude for a more tranquil life, which allows them to experience a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. Despite the occasional non-joyful day, the author emphasizes the genuine happiness found in small family gatherings, long drives to visit relatives, and the discovery of new recipes. The piece also touches on the author's aspirations for personal growth, financial independence, and building a supportive community of friends. Ultimately, the author concludes that true happiness lies in the appreciation of the seemingly uneventful moments of daily life.

Opinions

The author values the peace and relaxation of their current living environment compared to the noise and violence of city life.
They find profound joy in the presence and growth of their son, suggesting that parenthood has reshaped their perspective on happiness.
The author is grateful for the support of their significant other, acknowledging their partner's role in holding down the family while they focus on raising their child.
There is an underlying desire for personal improvements, such as having their own income, a newer car, and the ability to travel more freely.
The author believes that while certain desires are not immediately fulfilled, patience and hard work will eventually lead to their manifestation.
They emphasize the importance of being present and appreciating the current season of life, which involves prioritizing self-improvement to better serve the family.
The author encourages readers to recognize the beauty in life's mundane moments, suggesting that this is where true happiness resides.
They invite readers to subscribe to their email list and consider signing up for Medium through their affiliate link, indicating a commitment to sharing more of their stories and perspectives.

A Thanksgiving reflection on simple pleasures

It may not seem like it some days, but in the midst of life’s ups and downs, I’m on a journey to find joy in the little things — from peaceful moments and boring days to the warmth of family.

My little family of three.

I try to find joy in everything these days. I don’t know if it’s because I have a son now and I experience his joys as my own, or if I’m genuinely trying to live a more still and joyful life since moving away from the city, the noise, and the violence.

Despite the violence everywhere, I’m grateful to live in a more peaceful environment, where I’m calm, relaxed, and less anxious. I can finally breathe with all the space we have now, instead of a shoebox apartment.

Though not every day is as joyful as I’d hope, I relish genuine joy in small moments — being home with my family, going on long drives to visit extended family, walks around the neighborhood, discovering a delicious recipe for my partner or me to master, and sitting around our vintage dining table together.

We share meals, thoughts, laughter, possibly a few alcoholic drinks, and satisfy those midnight munchies.

Living the good life.

I truly feel and appreciate the love and support my significant other shows me every single day. He’s been holding it down for our son and me while I do my best to raise him and shape him into a good human being.

Do I wish things were a bit different? I would be lying if I said no.

There are things I wish I had at this very moment that would make my life better, perhaps easier, but I know they’re not impossible to obtain; they just require time and patience.

Things like my own income, a newer car, more freedom to travel, and perhaps a few non-judgmental mom friends are what I desire.

However, because those things are not what I need right now in this very moment, I feel comfortable saying that I’m currently in a season where I must show up for myself so that I can show up for my family.

Right now, that’s what matters.

Everything else will manifest itself when all my hard work pays off and when the time is right.

This is what happiness is all about — the everyday mundane moments we take for granted, the boredom where everything good happens but we just don’t realize it.

It’s all in the little, minuscule things where the beauty lies.

Thank you for reading.

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Feast of Joy in the Mundane

A Thanksgiving reflection on simple pleasures

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