You're Missing More Than You Think
Have you ever driven somewhere and realized you don't remember half the trip? Your mind was busy.
Thinking. Planning. Worrying. Problem-solving.
You arrived...but you weren't really there. I've noticed I can do the same thing with life. Lately, I've found myself scrambling to be present, especially in this difficult season. When you're trying to heal, care for your family, work, and simply make it through the day, it's easy to become so focused on what needs your attention that you miss what's quietly trying to capture your heart.
I've had to learn to slow down. Not because life slowed down—but because my mind did. One evening, I found myself watching the sunset outside my window and noticing the beautiful colors painting the sky. Another day, it was a bird singing to me from the ninja line in our backyard. One morning, I stopped to smell the fresh basil growing on my windowsill. And another day, I found myself smiling as laughter drifted upstairs from a family room full of teenagers.
None of those moments changed my circumstances.
But every one of them changed me. They reminded me that even in a season filled with challenges, God was still giving me beautiful gifts to notice. I just have to be willing to receive them.
God created us with incredible senses. We can see beauty. Hear laughter. Taste fresh summer fruit. Feel the warmth of the sun on our skin. Smell flowers blooming after the rain. When we intentionally notice those gifts, something beautiful happens. Our minds become more present. Our hearts become more grateful. And joy has room to grow.
This week, I don't want to miss what's already right in front of me. Maybe you don't either.
JOY-FUELED COACHING TIP
Grab a sheet of notebook paper—not your phone notes. Stay present.
At the top write:
Today I Noticed...
Before the day ends, write down five things you noticed with your senses.
- Something you saw.
- Something you heard.
- Something you smelled.
- Something you touched.
- Something you tasted.
Remember...
Your brain notices more of what you intentionally pay attention to. Practice noticing joy, and you'll begin finding it in places you never expected.
SCRIPTURE TO HOLD FOR JOY
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" — Psalm 34:8
JOY FOR THE JOURNEY
Joy is often hiding in the moments we slow down long enough to notice.
LET'S JOURNEY TOGETHER WITH JOY
Friend, don't rush past the beauty God has placed in front of you today. If you missed last week's blog, It Was Just a Cup of Coffee, I'd love for you to read that one too. Then join me each week for a new blog and Tip Tuesday, and visit my Joy-Fueled Lifestyle Hub for simple encouragement, practical tools, and gentle reminders to keep choosing joy—right where you are.
Let's keep noticing joy together, one beautiful moment at a time.
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