For many years, I depended on planned moments to shape my personal happiness. If I graduated with so and so degree, I will be happy. If I attained this salary or acquired a certain something, it may lead to a fulfilling life. More often, my happiest moments comes in unexpected bursts. These everyday delights creates my personal arc of feeling content and joyful. Once a month I will share some of my everyday delights. Here is what’s caught my attention this month:
This paperweight. Given to me by one of my closest and dearest friends. It occupies a space on my desk and when I see it I not only love the quote, but think of the friendship we share.
This moment. I watched my daughter and mother paint. They both sat side by side with such peace and contentment. I love watching interactions between my past and present meet. The bond that my mother shares with my daughter often brings me to tears.
This book. Its premise and prose has captured my interest. One of my favorite everyday delights is to read. There is such satisfaction in turning the page of a good book and wondering what will happen next.
This quote. It hangs on my wall. When I am stuck, I look up and it serves as an important reminder.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Beautiful paperweight indeed 🙂 I have a best friend who gave me a heart-shaped jewelry keepsake when we were in the 8th grade and I still have it until this very day and it always makes me smile. she’s like a bigger sister even though she’s younger by a few months 🙂 I think for me, the latest delight I’ve had is being snowed in with my two favorite boys, my son and my partner. It’s been great. Also, seeing my best friend (the one referred to above) with her newborn daughter, she was never sure she’d be able to bear a child, and now her beautiful daughter brings such joy and to see her experience motherhood is glorious. Happy Hump day Rudri! -Iva
Old friends are great because they know where you’ve come from and understand your history. I love that you’ve kept the heart-shaped jewelry keepsake as a symbol of your friendship.
When we alter our lens to appreciate the beauty that exists in the everyday, we cultivate a spirit that allows us to look forward to our routines rather than a special event. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I find myself always looking forward to the planned moments also. The weekend, whenI get a full time job, when the kids GET OUT. LOL Thanks for reminding me to see the every day things that make me happy.
It is a hard practice because I think society teaches us to look for the expected moment as the one we should revere. By cultivating this habit, I hope to enjoy and cherish those everyday things that make me smile.
What a great idea, Rudri! I can’t wait to see future posts!
Kitch,
Glad you liked it. I enjoy memorializing my everyday delights. I think these details offer a better glimpse of my day-to-day life.
Those are wonderful reminders of all that is good. I love that paperweight…May have to find one for my bestie!
Tiffany,
The paperweight comes from Ben’s Garden and you can find his information on-line at http://www.bensgarden.com.
I believe your bestie will love this gift.
I love that picture of your mom and daughter! We don’t live that close to my parents so I really cherish any time that my boys get to spend with their grandparents. I read Me Before You towards the end of 2013 — wow, what a story. It really makes you think!
My mother is visiting from out of town so I love witnessing the moments between them. They share a sweet and playful relationship and I learn a little more about them when they interact.
I am halfway through Me Before You and I agree, it is a compelling read.
Rudri,
Such a sweet photo of your mom and N. Also, my husband just read Me Before You and could not put it down. He gritted his teeth temporarily since he didn’t consider it his kind of book, but he was engrossed every evening until it was done. A good break for him. He passed it on to my dad, I’m going to have to read it now! – Renee
Renee,
I think you will enjoy the premise of the story because it has complicated layers and the characters are interesting enough to linger with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the book once you’ve read it.
I LOVE this post and I love your idea of doing this every month! I have heard only good things about Jo Jo Moyes’ book and I really love your last quote…it’s actually been my life motto of recent years. I’m looking forward to your future posts on this theme, and I am now inspired to pay attention to these small moments in my life as well.
Cecilia,
I love learning that we share some common themes in our lives. These details are important and I am hoping to learn about what encompasses the everyday of other people’s lives as well. As always, a pleasure to see you in my space.
I love this 🙂