Last week, my ten-year-old daughter, Roxanne, returned home from school with a mission that honored the 100th day of school. I know, how did we get here so fast?
Task: Make a list of 100 things that bring you joy.
Although we are usually pretty hands-free when it comes to doing homework, the whole family jumped in and made it our evening activity.
Especially our eldest daughter, Jane, who is always driven by her sense of wonder.
This exercise ignited in her a fire that connected to her innate joy of life.
For the next hour, she shared a steady stream of hundreds of things, moments, and ideas that made her happy.
“Going for long walks in the park.
Jasmine rice
Receive gifts.
Giving gifts!
Using your parents’ logic against them.
When someone has the reaction she hoped for.
hesitate! And not just because I always win.
When someone smiles at you. “
Then, with perfect comedic timing, Roxanne added: “Make a list of 100 things that bring you joy!”
It made us our evening and our week.
It reminded us how much joy we can find in our lives in the smallest moments. If we are present. If we are open. If we allow ourselves to savor the bugle-sized gems of life.
I recommend you make this list. With a spouse, with your family, with friends or alone.
Keep it handy. Read it when you remember. Add things to it often. And feel the joy again.