Finding Joy in Life

I've been trying new things lately to challenge my brain and improve my mental health. One thing I've found that I really enjoy is watercoloring. It's relaxing and fun, and it allows me to be creative and express my feelings.

I'm also a fan of gardening and plants. Are you growing anything new or fun this year @AARPMaggie?

Reading.  Getting calls from friends.  Making craft-type stuff and giving it away.  Watching videos.  Giving compliments.  Making someone laugh.

I find joy watching my cats play, or my view out my kitchen window into the pasture with two old retired mules.  I also read, and crochet blankets to give to family & friends while watching British Mysteries, or Movies.  This year I'm committing more to my yard - making it more beautiful and not neglecting it as much.  I also love to visit with family and friends on Zoom. 

I enjoy doing crossword puzzles. I find that filling in the puzzles help me with words and improve my memory. I also love to read and I find this help me with solving crossword puzzles.

I've come to the conclusion that all I want from life is to be happy. So I do what makes me happy even though "society" often considers them time wasting. I'm pretty spontaneous about it. If I look out the window on a sunny day (or snowfall) and think, I wish I was out there, I'll grab my wife and take a walk of go sit in the park. Maybe I'll go brush the neighbors cat since I don't have one (he likes that too). Text or call one of my sons. Sometimes even house cleaning or home repair when I feel like it since these give me a sense of accomplishment. Exercise which makes me feel energized after. Dinner at a nice restaurant. A video game puzzle or tournment. So many things but they are what I enjoy at the time.

@AARPMaggie , Such a great topic! Always admire someone with a green thump.   I am passionate about helping and encouraging others.  Whether that's providing a home cooked meal to someone; baking muffins; making a homemade card; customizing a poem for a loved one;  looming a hat for the homeless, premature babies or people going through chemo and volunteering in the community.  Christine

We love to spend as much time with our kids and grandkids as possible The pandemic really put a hold on things, especially with the grandkids. We can't wait to take them out for "adventures" again, such as hikes in the woods and bike rides on the trails. We also can't wait to have sleepovers for them at our home again, where we set up a tent in the living room with sleeping bags. They love it! So don't their parents, who get a free night at their home! Family time is the joy in our lives.

I am grateful everyday for my retirement at 55. I planned financially for early retirement, and I ended up taking early retirement due to autoimmune disease disability. Now I take each day at my own pace, that is a gift! I do what brings me joy and avoid worry. Most of my life revolves around improving my medical condition. I could not have been able to be where I am health wise if I was still working. I imagine I would likely be in a wheelchair, so focusing on my emotional and physical well being gives me joy, allows me to be a more involved grandparent and see that I can have a future beyond the limitations of a bad day/days with a flair.