Sunday Inspiration: “Don’t Postpone Joy!”
I see this quote etched in stone in front of a beautiful cottage at least once a day as I walk down the red brick path to the amphitheater for a program or to Bestor Plaza where I can find the library, post office, shops, and dining here at Chautauqua.
Only a block from our cottage, these words always inspire me to grasp hold of happiness and joy whenever I have the opportunity, and this past week has been a wonderful opportunity with the visit of our son, his wife, and their cutest-in-the-world three year old son.
How often do we postpone joy in our lives, waiting until we graduate or find a job or get married or retire? How often do we take the time to fully appreciate the blessings that surround us? How often do we let joy slip through our fingers as we focus instead on the obstacles and problems?
“Carpe Diem” is a popular phrase, the Latin for “Seize the day!” “Don’t Postpone Joy!” is another way to remind us to spread our arms wide to the wonder, beauty, and happiness that are only an arms length away.
I’m glad I have these words along my path every day I’m here, but maybe we should write them on paper or paint them on canvas or type them into our computers, so we never forget to seize the joy in every moment of life.
What has brought you joy lately?
Thanks to Michael McGee for this post.
What a timely post. Although just being in summer always brings me joy, I’ve been down in the dumps lately over still not finding a house. Nothing seems to fit and I’m beginning to feel like I don’t belong anywhere (no, I’m not looking for pity, just expressing how discombobulated I feel).
But today, I reminded myself to stop wasting precious time on what’s wrong with my life, why not open myself up and bask in the sunshine? Take a moment to breathe in warm humid air, fragrant flowers, and simply relax into the enthusiasm and laughter of my grandchildren.
Worked wonders!
Good for you, Wendy. And I wish you the best of luck on the house hunting. If ever there was a moment to wait for the right opportunity, that’s the one–next to choosing a significant other. I bet you’ll know it the moment you see it and be glad you were choosy. Hope it happens soon. More joy ahead.
Thanks Emilie. I actually visited my old home yesterday and felt like it was still mine – almost like I belong there. My head says “you can’t go back”, but my heart says “yup, this is my home”. I sold it after my husband died, but regretted that decision ever since.
It’s been on the market for almost 2 years. I wonder……
Every circumstance is different, but a friend just bought the house she’d shared with her husband, now gone, when it came on the market and she’s been sublimely happy. Sometimes you can go home again, even if things are very different. I know you’ll make a good decision because you’re giving it lots of thought.
Oh my goodness, Emilie! How sweet of you to pass along that tidbit of info. Now I don’t feel so weird, knowing others have walked in my footsteps (or I walking in theirs!)
As you well know, the buying and selling of homes is done with emotion – sometimes a good deal of emotion, which I’ve learned is not good when making a business decision. But – a home is where the heart is (if I can use an old-fashioned cliche).
Thanks once more and have a wonderful rest of the week.