A post about joy and simple things that bring you happiness

[The Straight Story]

Life is not always easy, or happy. The last few weeks have been hell - laced with joy. As have the last 13 years or so.

X-Wife is very ill, been off work, waiting on my disability check from work - did not get a check this week and might be two weeks before I do. And the insurance company wants me to come up with more paperwork from my Dr. - which requires me to have money for a co-pay and gas to get there that I don't have right now. My X is depending on me for help as well.

I am depressed, bi-polar, alone, and have few resources to deal with my day to day problems.

BUT

I have some things in this shit storm that bring me some joy.

Obviously, my daughter is one - but even in that there is pain (I wish I could do more, can't right now, etc).

Joy comes in many ways. Watching a TV show in the mornings. For my X it is watching the playoffs for her Hockey team and twilight zone. Sick as she is at times she can find joy and happiness watching some guys slap a puck around some ice.

For some it is different than what I enjoy. In the shit storm I am living in I can often find some simple joy in the most mundane of things - whether it be watching Larry the cable guy on the history channel or man vs. food.

Others might like morning Joe or a royal wedding.

It might be building a fire with my daughter to get rid of the bamboo in the yard one night and watching Twin Peaks later on.

What brings you joy - well that is your business and I am happy it does. It might not mean a dang thing to me, but it does to you - so I am glad that it does.

The world is an ugly place, filled with hate, anger, and pain at times - if you found joy today over some royal wedding, well I am happy for you. I watched Supernatural this morning on TNT followed by Las Vegas - stupid crap to some, but it made me smile and brought me some joy.

I find joy where I can - I hope you do as well. And if you want to talk about it here and share...well go for it, I will try my best to enjoy it with you. I may not see it the same way, but screw it - if you are finding some joy in this fucked up this world I will share it with you.

[WolverineDG]

1. thank you--we would all be better off if

we remembered this.

I hope things are better for you soon. :)

dg

[roguevalley]

2. simple things like a good dinner after a bad day

that is what counts

[geckosfeet]

3. a triple espresso made from some freshly ground home roasted beans - can't wait till morning

with steamed frothy milk of course.

Sit down at 10AM EST tomorrow morning and we will be having coffee together!

[spooky3]

4. pets

[HuskiesHowls]

5. Tis A Gift to be Simple, Tis a gift to be free,

Tis a Gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
twill be in the valley of love and delight,

Shaker hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsraRhrX03A

This I heard many, many years ago on the radio, took me a couple years to find the CD.....and I have found it to be a good rule for my life.

Helping my x out, helping my daughter have a better life, and sometimes just being there for her when the meds aren't working....watching my son grow into all that he can be....which is MUCH more than I ever imagined....watching my grandchildren grow up.....
Simple life, simple joys, and a full and happy life.

(Ok, the 4 Siberian huskies help make my life a lot of fun, too!!!)

[Qutzupalotl]

6. K&R. I like threads like this.

I don't have much to add. I'm sort of depressed myself lately.

Some things that cheer me up: walking out in nature. A city park is fine. Hell, just looking at a tree and thinking about where it came from, how long things like it have been here, how we need nature... that helps put things into perspective.

Watch comedy shows — anything that gets you to laugh. Do it every day if you can. I like Colbert.

This one won't be popular on a political board, but taking a day or two hiatus from following the news can be a relief, especially if you're the sensitive type. The news, for the most part, is everything horrible that's happened in the world today, without a hint of solutions or hope. So just let the world be. Sometimes other people can do your worrying for you even better than you can.

Take care of yourself. Try to avoid junk food and eat a vegetable or two. Walking is great exercise.

Do simple things that make yourself feel good. Massage your neck. Take a hot bath. Stretch.

Smile anyway.

Good luck to you.

[msongs]

7. mug of steaming favorite coffee as we watch the sun rise, from our patio, in the morning nt

[jillan]

8. Here's a few - When I can pick my salad from my garden. When it's in the 70's & the sun is shining.

When my visually impaired daughter tells me what color my shirt is - and when she hugs me with all her might.

When it's Friday and Randi Rhodes says "It's Friday you bastards" and follows up with the Bounce your Boobies song (I actually plan my Friday's around those few minutes when I can).

When I hear Van Morrison on the radio.

When my dog sings "AAAAwhoooooo"

When I score a hot item for my Ebay store.

Those are just some of my smiles.

[handmade34]

9. I love you Straight...

thanks for those words...

my joy comes from hiking (park, woods or city street) by myself or with one of my kids...