Happiness vs Joy

 

Most of us know this but recently I heard it in a way that stuck....

Happiness, which comes from the root word Happenstance, is a current state of being. Something you're doing in a moment, sunshine when you wake up, the first sip of hot tea or your beverage of choice.

Joy is a bit deeper. It's perhaps knowing there will be sunshine soon even if it's not abundantly shining now. It's deeply connecting to what makes you tick, even if you can't be doing it right now. It's knowing you're grateful to have little things that make you feel good and smile.

That's harder to do lately. The area of the map where I live is cold. Bitter cold. Hurts your face and hands no matter how much you cover up. 

So I think it makes us - humans (and dogs to be honest) colder. We want to pick up the phone and call you back but we're cranky.

We want to meet you for coffee & tea but staying bed feels better.

So how do you do it. How do you not wish away months. Since I'm told this lingers through at least March.

My mom stopped by this morning with tea from our favorite spot. She does this about once a week and it means a lot to me. One because I admittedly love tea and it does taste better when someone else makes it for me. But also because I know she'd probably rather stay in bed snuggled under covers wishing away the weather too.

What brings me the most joy every day is movement - particularly getting outside with Chance for a walk. One might suspect doing so in single digit temperatures with more than 12" of snow and ice on the ground could prove challenging.

That's one word for it.

(all my parents friends who fly south for the winter are officially the smartest people I know)

So I bought warmer snow boots. I bought Chance some too.

We toss on our hoodies, coats, snow shoes, and other accessories and make it happen.

Is it happiness? Not every time. It drags in salt and ice, makes for more rounds of laundry, causes me stress because he's a little dude and I don't want to over do it.

But it brings me the most immense joy to breath in the fresh air and know I'm getting us out to stretch our legs and our souls.

This is a sun drawn in sand. You won't catch me drawing in the snow. I couldn't anyway. 

There's a significant layer of ice on top of it.

Find the joy. When I do my heart sparkles brighter.

p.s. I tried to put a video in of Chance in his boots. It'll make you smile. That is if it works eventually. Happiness is when technology works. Joy would be seeing a 14.5 dog clomp around in booties :)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...somewhere else

 

So in a few short weeks the following has happened:

1. I have purchased the biggest, least attractive, warmest coat I could find on short notice that allows me to layer more clothes than I have worn in years.

2. In my closet I now have three times the pairs of socks I've owned in decades.

3. It doesn't matter how good a hair day I'm having (and that's a big deal these days - more on that to come) I'm wearing the ear cover, the hat, and the hood on whatever vest and coat I'm wearing.

4. Weather.com has become my most frequented app on my phone.

5. I've learned not to believe what it says regarding the temperature. It doesn't matter what it is. It matters what the "Feels Like" is.

6. Nothing and I do mean nothing is worse than ice.

I hate mosquitos. I hate humidity. I'm not a fan of anything over 75 degrees. 

So we'll see which season wins the award for most challenging. 

Yes. Yes, indeed. Okay. Let's see.

In a few short weeks, the following has happened:

1. I have come to appreciate the sun in a whole new way.

2. 30 degrees feels pretty damn good.

3. The people who shovel snow are amazing. 

4. Shoveling ice makes you an actual hero.

5. An automatic car wash is like getting fresh flowers - delightful.

6. Most days I still am brave enough and happy to walk Chance, and it's one of my favorite things to do no matter the weather.