Every now and then, we all need a boost. Life is beautiful — but it’s also hard! Over the years, I’ve learned that focusing on glimmers, both large and small, can help turn my mood around. So, to bring that uplifting energy to Cup of Jo, we asked readers to share their joyful moments, and they are all so good…
Both photos above: “Our family just got back from a whale-watching trip in Washington, where we saw a beautiful pod of orcas (with a baby!) in the San Juan Islands. I can’t help but feel so much joy when I think about them.” — Sindhoo, Littleton, Colorado
“Last year, my parents retired, moved across the state and built a house. They didn’t want to ever worry about mowing the front yard — so, they seeded it with wildflowers. I recently visited them, and as I drove up to the house, I was met with the most brilliant carpet of sunny, yellow blooms.” — Sarah, Unicoi, Tennessee
“In June, my 12-year-old daughter, Plum, joined me on my biannual sisters trip. On the last day, we took a floating sauna out into the harbor of Oslo, where we swam, sunned, and soaked in the giddy joy of summer together. I can hardly describe the feeling of connection, friendship and fun that I felt, sharing this memorable afternoon with my baby girl, who is quickly becoming a young adult. What a gift!” — Miranda, Richmond, Virginia
Katherine on the right, with her friend.
“I’m a first-time candidate running for San Juan County Council, and recently participated in our community parade. It was a dream!” — Katherine Ingman, Lopez Island, Washington
“I got lunch at a new-to-me Indian restaurant in town, and the chef made a smiley face on the rice. It made me feel like a kid again, excited to see a smile on my food.” — Elizabeth, Burlington, Vermont
“I took my kids to Wisconsin Dells for vacation, and we did one of those old-timey dress-up photos. My four-year-old insisted on the pirate theme, and this family photo cracks me up.” — Meredith, Des Moines, Iowa
“Just Boden and me, lying in the grass at our favorite place in Northern Michigan, with nowhere to be and nothing to do but simply be together. The world can ask so much of him as a non-verbal autistic child. But here, he was completely at peace. These quiet moments may seem small, but to me, they’re everything.” — Betsy, Charlotte, North Carolina
“My mom and I went to Chicago for the last preview day of the Obama Presidential Center. Having worked on President Obama’s campaign, it was surreal to be there, reflect, and feel hopeful for our future. Highly recommend, but fair warning: there will be (mostly happy) tears!” — Katherine, Bremerton, Washington
Maggie, second on the right, with her family.
“My brother and I haven’t seen each other in person in over ten years. He’s been finishing a plastic-surgery residency and working hard to build a practice. I’ve been rebuilding my life after a lengthy divorce and custody battle. This summer, I flew to the Dominican Republic, where we grew up, to visit him for three days. It was fast, expensive, and it took a whole day of travel to reach him — but it was so worth it. We took a road trip to the beach, hung out with cousins I haven’t seen since high school, and I met my niece and nephew for the first time. The whole trip was joyful from the moment I landed to the moment I left, and I will forever keep that joy with me.” — Maggie, Carmel, Indiana
“This has been such a year. My mother is in palliative care, my partner of seven years left me, and being a human is a lot. But my sister just moved into a new flat, and one of our traditions is building her furniture together. Makes me feel useful, strong and joyous!” — Sara, Marseilles, France
“Joy isn’t solely found in the act of crossing a finish line. Sometimes joy blooms in the quiet seconds before, when everything else fades, and it’s just you, holding the weight of your struggle, your late hours, your private and unheralded milestones. My forthcoming novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, is my most ambitious yet — a story strung on imagination and will. And, above all, a joy!” — Thao Thai, Columbus, Ohio
“My little sister had her first child in May. Getting to know him, while having a front-row view of my sister becoming an amazing mother, has given me more joy than anything else in recent memory. I’m so incredibly proud of her and her partner. It’s making me cry a little, just writing this!” — Ashley Ford, Indianapolis, Indiana
Thank you for sharing these wonderful moments with us! Does anyone else have a recent moment of joy to share? We’d love to hear it…
P.S. Readers share their hobbies and what they love about their looks.
