I don't know. Is it sad that IMMENSE joy sounds like too high a bar?

Traveling. Even just driving to my next destination makes me happy. Hate the plane ride, though.

Unexpected, cool stuff in nature. Like happening upon a neat ice formation, or a not-normally seen critter. The periodical cicadas in 2021 brought me great joy.

Also, planning a trip, taking the trip with my family, and then going through the photos we took later.

first cup of coffee in the morning
Disney World
massage
great tasting healthy smoothie
making a tasty meal
new series on Brit Box

The beach on a warm sunny day, reading a book, catch up with my girlfriends, free time

My garden. I’m looking through seed catalogs now and will start planting indoors in a couple of weeks!

Get the most joy when I hear about a kid, who had a hard time growing up, finding their niche in life and doing well.

Anonymous wrote:Pulling out of the DC area on an airplane. I love leaving this place. Cannot wait to leave for good.

+1000

Being really hungry and then eating something delicious that totally hits the spot — amazing!

Our neighborhood pool.

I love swimming and just floating in the water. I love casually running into neighbor friends and catching up. I love summer swim team especially when the teenagers are helping the little mini swimmers across the deep end when they were the mini swimmers a blink ago. I love playing intense water basketball against 13 year olds.

Anonymous wrote:Getting to the top of a good hike. Seeing the view, feeling the pleasant level of exhaustion, and knowing that it is (literally) all downhill from there.

Thanks OP for starting this thread. I needed some positivity in my own outlook.

Agree with this PP for sure. Hiking to a beautiful view on a gorgeous day. I would put both local exploring and travel (nature is a focus) on my list of real joys.

First sip of coffee in the morning, especially if my husband brings it up to me in bed.

Hot tea in a mug I really like and a special breakfast I make for myself when I WFH and I have a few minutes to myself in the house.

Dressing up for really nice occasions - I wouldn't want to do it often but I love putting in the effort and seeing the results.

My kids, lots of joys there.

Beautiful sunsets - esp over the lake sitting on the deck, glorious

Anonymous wrote:I recently got my first pet, a cat. OMG I love being a cat mom so much!!! It’s literally one of the best things that’s happened to me. It makes me wonder what else I’ve been missing out on. What brings you great joy that’s not your kids or partner?

Reading my Bible and drawing closer to
Christ. It impacts my mood so positively.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disney World. Yes, really.

Even with all the crowds and ugly fat people waddling around ? ?
I can’t stand it now - But I did love Disney world once.

You seem nice.

Completing a craft and looking for the next project.