For me, there is no better reward in life than the ability to find joy, especially when times are taxing. While, I write this, and cringe at the greeting-card sentimentality of it all, it’s how I feel. I seek joy.

The smell of babies after a bath.
The unexpected laugh in unusual places.
Eating outside.
Making someone in a bad mood laugh
Watching fireworks on a big blanket
Forgotten money in pockets
The lights going down in the movie theater
Good food and better conversation
Deserving people getting rewarded
High school marching bands that “get down”
Small gifts out of the blue
Elderly people holding hands
Symbolism in ordinary places
Warming your hands on your lover’s chest
Fields of flowers (I’m not too picky)
Standing close to paintings in art museums
Refrigerators covered in children’s drawings
Outdoor naps
Midday Naps
Warm towels out of the dryer
Waking up and realizing you have nothing to do that day except what you want
Leisurely strolls holding hands with someone you care about
Children who spontaneously dance, stand on their head, or sing
Wriggly puppies
Getting stamps in my passport book
Sincere compliments
Marching in the St. Ann’s parade
Lying in soft green grass and having animals congregate around you.
Sitting in patches of sun when it’s cold outside
Singing loudly on road trips
Getting clean sheets dirty.
Good story telling
Small-town parades
Dozing in hammocks
Being read to (bonus if the reader has a real nice voice)
Handmade gifts
Bright, crisp weather that only requires a heavy sweater or a light coat
The intellect that doesn’t take himself/herself too seriously
Well-deserved stains on clothes
Unpacking Christmas ornaments
Finishing a long, laborious job
Telling secrets around campfires
Eating waffles with my hands
Forts in the living room
Breakfast in bed
Giving the perfect gift
When the weather calls for hot apple cider
A child’s hug (they are always earnest)
Seafood buffets
Catching your desired throw at Mardi Gras parade
Sleeping under Christmas lights
Making someone’s day
Creating something new
Claddagh rings
Swimming out to a dock on a lake and just relaxing
Taking a deep breath and feeling the bliss