I've noticed this week, while working on this blog, that the more I've searched for joy,  the more elusive it seems to be. Events seem to keep conspiring against me. Yesterday both my left ankle and left wrist were aching, despite taking Advil. It's not much fun being on your feet all day if your joints are aching. My throat felt scratchy, which made me nervous. I've managed to avoid being sick this year while all those around me were hacking, and I'd like to keep my streak going. I also had another mad dash home from work to get my husband to work on time. I thought I'd get out at a decent time until a flight to Baltimore got delayed for three hours. This flight always has a ton of people on it so I can't just make a last call and then close the store.  On top of that I got home and there was a letter from my health insurance company stating that I do not have coverage for the pharmacy home delivery program, something I've always had. So I had to make a phone call there, and the rep was confused as to why I got the letter. Her computer showed that I do indeed have coverage.
I've come to the conclusion that it is the numerous small bad things that happen that drive the joy from my life rather than the bigger tragedies of life (and I've had quite a few of those this year as well). So how do I prevent the little things from stealing my joy?
On this then, the joy of the day would have to be coming home to my critters, two female bunnies and a male hamster. When I get home Molly begs for a treat. Tia will come up to the cage for the pats on her head and maybe a treat. Harvey, if he decides to wake up and come out from his bedding, will sit and stare until I give him a banana chip. Sometimes he'll stuff it in his cheek and then ask for another one. I guess he figures he might as well get while the getting is good. These critters have just as much personality as any dog or cat and give me just as much joy as a dog or cat would, plus they are a lot quieter, important when your husband sleeps during the day.(gotta love the overnight shift!) So they are like my 'fur kids', as my sister-in-law puts it.
I guess just like the small bad things in life drag me down, so the small good things in life lift my spirits and increase my joy.