My therapist once asked me about joy, and what were the times, places and spaces not surrounding food that I could identify it in my life. In nature, browsing through a bookstore, an afternoon spent laughing with friends- I named the few that I could think of. But it wasn't easy, and a much shorter list than if I had been asked to name the foods I love, or the times surrounding food that bring my joy. Thai iced tea, guacamole, birthday cake. It is much easier to get takeout after a long day with a comfort food, guaranteed to satisfy my tummy and easily recognizable to my brain. There isn't always time for a walk in the woods or friends around to laugh with. But the need for levity, comfort and joy are just the same. So I've been exploring identifying small moments of joy throughout my day. The way my skin feels during a hot shower at the end a long work day, when Gracie wants to cuddle, when the sun is out and I can write in the grass in Spring. My hope is that the practice of identifying small moments of joy leads to replacing food as a main source for tapping into this feeling. I also hope that it allows me to be the type of person who is aware and present enough in her life to know that there is joy all around.
