Check the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here, a collection of seemingly insignificant things that serve as a reminder to appreciate the little things — those small joys that make a difference in our day-to-day.

It seems that we’re on a long streak of laying low these days, though I am definitely thinking of some sort of plans for this upcoming weekend — I just need some fun! What do people do for fun these days? You know, things that don’t involve drinking, as that’s not my idea of it… Anyway, I think I might just have come up with something, so we shall see… Yes, I’ll share if it happens 😊.

That aside, here’s this week’s list of small things that bring me joy:

• the lightning strikes on the horizon. Rain has majorly been avoiding our area this year, but somewhere in the distance, it has not. As I’m writing this, I’m watching a lightning “show” striking somewhere far behind the clouds, and I find this phenomenon simply fascinating. It brings me peace and joy, somehow… does it ever do that for you?

• tonight’s intense sunset colors. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a sunset like this. The colors took me by surprise and brought me joy, of course!

• completing my workout. This isn’t going to change — the only kind of exercise I truly enjoy are walking and biking… Since I find it impossible to be outside longer than a few minutes these days, I have been pushing and convincing myself to go to the gym instead. It may be an everyday struggle, but once I’ve accomplished my exercise goal, I feel a sense of pride and joy, and that’s enough to keep me pushing. Also, thinking of this book has kept me going when I wanted to stop because of the pain.

• using this ice roller after my workout. Boy, does it feel good! If you “borrow” my idea, don’t forget to wash it with soap and water after use and put it back in your freezer for next time!

• these earrings. Seriously, they just bring me joy!

What’s bringing YOU joy this week?

xo,

Em