We really do live quite complicated lives these days, modern day society has been tailored in such a way that our lives stay complicated. ( If we choose to live that way of course.) From the expectations that are put upon us, to the requirements so that we can continue to live a more comfortable life. Let's start with the taxes we have to pay, for our water, our homes, for just existing it seems. Then believing we have to pay to enjoy our lives, that money is what brings us the most happiness, well that's what some people think. At least that is what we are led to believe. That everything comes with a price. But as you know the best things in life, really are free.
These are some of the things that bring me joy in my life
Walking barefoot.
Living surrounded by mountains.
Spending time with my daughters.
Climbing trees.
Dancing outside in nature or anywhere really.
Finding my neighbours horse, grazing in the field next to the land I live on.
Being escorted some of the way home, by some of the dogs I have come to know from the area I live in and also being greeted by them.
Going for walks in nature.
Swimming in the local river.
Drinking hot cacao with cinnamon, coconut milk and my wonderful mushroom blend.
Singing with my sisters in our woman's circle.
Watching the sunrise and the sunset.
walking with my canine companion Freya.
Lying in bed, with Oiche my cat purring on my chest.
Listening to the rain fall onto the roof of my truck.
Going for a hike up the mountains.
Camping out under the stars.
Living offgrid.
Working outside on the land, with the sun upon my face.
Swimming in the sea/ocean.
Skinny dipping with my friends and then running naked on the beach.
Making nature craft with my girls.
Going foraging for herbs and mushrooms.
Listening to the wind, roar down through the valley that I live in.
Getting to have moments of solitude.
Walking home after a long day of work.
Listening to music, as I go about my day.
Making art with my girls.
Writing poetry.
Talking with my sister on the phone.
Jamming with my friends around fire.
Making tasty food for my family and friends.
Discovering new music.
Playing my Bodhran (Irish drum)
Learning a new skill.
Sitting outside, under a tree reading a good book.
Feeding the stray animals that live in the town closest to me.
Jumping from rock to rock as I walk the dry riverbed with my daughter.
Joking around with my girls, making each another laugh.
Dancing in my truck as I cook dinner.
Singing along to Alanis Morrisette's Ironic with my girls.
Getting to introduce my girls to the music I love and then them sharing with me, the music that they love.
Watching my girls grow up and become the wonderful beings, that they are.
Watching them discover the world for themselves.
Looking at my collection of books, that I have gathered over the years.
Creating free events/festivals with my friends.
Whilst writing this, the following song came to mind.
I find my joy in the simple things, that come from the earth,
I find my joy in the sun that shines and the river that speaks to me.
Listen to the wind and listen to the water,
hear what they say,
singing hey ya, hey ya, hey ya,
hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey
Oh never forget, never forget to give thanks,
give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise.
I definitely find joy in singing that song and especially when my girls join in with me.
( All images used in this post are mine.)
