Small Joys

Small Joys: Volume 5

For the most part, this fall has been pretty good so far. But, there have been a few crap things that have happened in our family. This can take a toll on my spirit, as I am an empath who tends to feel others’ hurts and a spiritual searcher who is constantly bothered by and trying to make sense of the fact that bad things happen to innocent people and animals. Consciously cultivating gratitude is a good way to also acknowledge all of the goodness around me! Here’s what’s bringing me joy lately:

Small Joys | Fairly Southern

1. My space heater. I recently moved to a new office, and it is FREEZING! This space heater is one of the best purchases I’ve made all year. My emotional well-being and productivity is much better when I feel physically comfortable in my work space!

Konwin Small Room Space Heater | Fairly Southern

2. Mountain time. I have always been more of a beach person than a mountain person, but I have really loved spending the past two weekends with various family members in the mountains. The scenery and the company have been refreshing for my soul.

Grandfather Mountain sunset | Fairly Southern

Mountain Women | Fairly Southern

3. Escazu Artisan Chocolates. We recently bought some chocolate bars from this Raleigh, NC chocolate store and were very impressed! They have beautifully decorated, uniquely flavored individual chocolates in the store that I’d really like to go back to try. Next date night!

Escazu Artisan Chocolates, Raleigh, NC | Fairly Southern
via

4. In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. I’ll chat more about this book in my annual “what I read this year” blog post at the end of December, but for now just know that it’s a great read. I highly recommend it, even if it did keep me up one night because I got super scared and couldn’t muster the courage to get out of bed to close my bedroom door.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware | Fairly Southern

5. Opening our doors. Hubby and I recently agreed to host a potluck dinner for people who go to our church and also live in close geographical proximity to us. It really made my heart smile to see others in our home, laughing and connecting. I am admittedly someone who rolls my eyes a lot whenever people of faith start harping on about the importance of community (it feels overdone and cliche to me), but this was definitely one of those sappy moments where I was totally buying in.

Ekklesia church Raleigh community potluck dinner | Fairly Southern

6. This artwork done by an 8-year-old girl, Lily.  The image features a watercolor Mother God holding the universe. According to Lily, she is rainbow-colored because she represents all people. I just love it, y’all. May need to buy me some notecards.

"Mother God Holding the Universe" by Lily's Art and Lore Studio | Fairly Southern

What’s bringing you joy lately, friends?

xoxo Laura

10 comments

  1. I can’t concentrate being cold. It is like my brain is frozen as well! Glad you were able to warm yourself up with more than just the heater. Having friends and family around warms the sole and heart. You seem to be doing great with your small joys this fall!

  2. Sorry that your family has been dealing with some tough times, but thankful that you’ve been able to get away with those closest to you for some refresh and recharge up in the mountains. It’s beautiful there this time of year!

  3. I am with you on the space heater at work! I get so cold. Also, your open house for Church looked fun.
    xo, Lee

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.