Joy in the Everyday

If you think joy only arrives:

When you're sipping espresso

in a Tuscan café at dawn...

Or walking the cobbled lanes

of Prague, hand in hand...

Or standing breathless

at the edge of the Grand Canyon…

Then you’re chasing a myth.

Because peace—and even wonder—

can be unearthed in ordinary moments.

After tucking in dinner plates,

and wiping tiny fingerprints off glass,

I slipped outside barefoot.

The breeze was soft, the moon shy,

and fireflies blinked like little lanterns.

I clipped fragrant basil from the garden,

its sharp scent grounding me to now.

A sleepy breeze swayed the wind chimes—

a gentle song I didn't know I needed.

I noticed ants carrying crumbs

like lifelines on a mission.

I smiled at their determination.

Then the dog dropped her tennis ball

at my feet, eyes gleaming with hope.

We played fetch till her tongue lolled

and mine did too, from laughter.

Soon, my little one wandered over,

clutching a drawing of our house.

We laid side by side on the porch

and counted the stars we could name.

You see, delight isn’t found

on boarding passes or bucket lists.

Sometimes, joy comes softly—

no suitcase required—

just an open heart,

and a willingness to notice.