Wrangling Joy

 The address for this new blog of mine is wranglingjoy.blogspot.com. Wrangling Joy. Wrestling happiness out of life when it might not be readily available.

I mentioned some health challenges in a previous post. I know that the details of another person's medical issues don't make for particularly interesting reading to most folks. But beyond that, no one seems to be able to decide what's wrong with me. I even trekked up to the Mayo Clinic to try to get to the bottom of my breathing difficulties, but all this got me was yet another entry in my list of conflicting opinions. One thing all these doctors did agree about, though, was that I was in the top tier of risk for serious problems, possibly even death, if I contracted COVID-19. So I locked it down and played it safe, only leaving my house to go for drives or pick up curbside grocery orders.

I am immensely grateful to be vaccinated now, as are all the adult members of my family and most of my closest friends. So I'm able to venture out a bit more. But back when I had to be extra careful, here are some of the ways I found moments of joy:

Taking a hot shower, especially with a favorite-scented soap or shower gel.

Enjoying a movie night. Now this was hardly unique. I'm sure the use of streaming services went through the roof over the past year. But to make it seem more special, I'd do things to create a sense of occasion. I like to do themed movie nights. One is what I call a "chain:" you start with any movie of your choosing. Then the second movie you watch has to feature an actor who was in the first movie. And the third (I like things in threes) has to feature someone who was in the second. Or sometimes I go with a trio of movies all starring the same person. You can do themes of various kinds - a favorite of mine is movies set in record stores (Pretty in Pink, Empire Records, and High Fidelity). Or you can pick a movie that has a distinct food tie-in. A former roommate and I hosted a Godfather night once, watching I and II with a couple of guests, serving chicken parmigiana and pasta with marinara, our guests supplying the cannoli (leave the gun). 

Taking a drive to enjoy some nice scenery, and listening to favorite music or an audio book.

Wearing comfortable clothes and enjoying a beverage (I like hot tea) while reading a good book.

Playing games with friends over Zoom. Did you know there's an online version of Cards Against Humanity? 

Devoting a chunk of time to a favorite hobby. Over the past year I definitely improved my crochet, Sudoku, hand lettering, and doodling skills. OK, OK, and Candy Crush.

Naps. I try not to do it too often because I don't sleep well and naps aren't recommended under those circumstances, but I do have to admit that the opportunity to nap during lunch on a weekday is a perk of working from home.

Sitting outside when the weather is agreeable.

Watching the array of wildlife that inhabits my backyard. I bought a new desk and rearranged my furniture so I could look out the picture window in the (nicely finished) walk-out basement that is my living space.

Burning candles or oils or otherwise infusing my environment with pleasant scents.

There are so many more, but that's the gist of it. I am not an optimist by nature. But this has certainly been a year where I had to force myself to focus on the things that were in that proverbial not-full glass rather than the things that spilled out when the pandemic knocked it over. That's a skill I need to be sure I carry with me into whatever world awaits when restrictions finally lift.


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