Kristen's Top 10 - Random Things That Spark Joy!

 Remember wayyyyy back in June when I said I was going to start a new series? Well....the kids got out of school and with 6 kids home I barely held my head above water. Truly, in my 15 years of parenting I don't know we ever had a busier summer. We had a blast and as the summer was winding down all of the kids told me separately how much fun they had this summer. So, it was well worth it. However, this series I claimed was born, well...it was nonexistent. 

I'm bringing it back! Today I'm going to share 10 random things that spark joy in my life! You know, those unexpected things that make you smile, take a giant sigh and think ahhhh yessss....this is it!

I don't know this will be in any particular order. They all bring me so much happiness! I've tried and tried, and I just cannot rank them. Let's get into it....

- New socks! I don't know what it is, but I get giddy over a new pack of socks. I cannot stand how old, rough socks with holes in them feel on my feet. So, putting a brand-new pair of socks on my feet. Ahhhh...I don't know there is anything more satisfying!

-Takeout I cook anywhere from 6-7 nights a week. We get takeout for Mike and me once or twice a week but I'm usually cooking some sort of dinner for the kids and while I do love cooking when we get takeout for the whole family and I don't have to lift a finger it is such a treat! I like getting takeout more than I like going out to eat because there is little to no effort involved. I can be in my pajamas if I want to. That brings me joy!

-Getting in my car and it has a full tank of gas! AKA Mike surprised me and filled my tank. My husband is so good to me. I could go on and on and on as to why but that's a different topic for a different day. I cannot express how much I dislike pumping gas. I'll do it, but I won't like it. So, I will tell you, if I get into my car and I think I need to stop at the gas station and am surprised by a full tank of gas. Instant joy!!

-Clean sheets I mean, this goes without saying. Getting into a freshly made, clean bed, it's heavenly! I love a good set of crisp clean sheets that smell oh so good.

-Turning the heat on for the first time in the fall If you are from New England, you more than likely play this same game. Hold off on turning on the heat for as long as possible. Why do we do this? I'm not sure.  I guess it's to try and save money. But I personally, do not understand why we torture ourselves. I like to be cozy and warm. So, when we turn that heat on, usually in mid-October, I am ridiculously happy!

-A candle burning I know you expected me to say "fall candle" but really, I like a candle burning any time of the year. I buy a case of seasonal candles from Bath and Body Works at the beginning of every season. I have so many favorite scents for different seasons and truly, they all make me equally as happy. Mike laughs at me for this and doesn't understand. But I just love them all. Lighting a candle and having the goodness spread throughout my house whether its fall, Christmas, or the 4th of July. Pure joy!! 

-When it's cool enough to wear pants and a sweatshirt after a long hot summer Now we all know I love to be cozy and there is nothing cozy about sweating. There are many reasons I like the summer, but sweating is not one of them. I worked extra hard to embrace summer this year and I think I did okay, but my heart will forever belong to fall. That first day I can wear pants and a sweatshirt, like really wear it and I'm not pushing it, quite possibly might be my favorite day of every single year. 

-An unexpected warm day in the winter So, with that being said I feel equal joy when the weather gets above 55 degrees on a random winter day, and I throw on short sleeves and crack open my windows. I make the kids play outside, I go for a walk, I am more than likely going for a drive with my windows down and blasting my favorite music. It is such a treat!! 

-Folding baby clothes There is nothing, I repeat, nothing cuter than newborn baby clothes. They are so teeny tiny and fold so perfectly. If anyone is having a baby and doesn't find as much joy in this activity as I do, I volunteer! This might (or might not) be one of the many reasons I had so many babies.

-A nice stranger Unfortunately, in today's world a lot of people are just rude, mean and nasty. Even if they aren't flat out mean they surely aren't going out of their way to be nice. So, when I come across an overly nice stranger it really makes my day. I always make sure to recognize it and make a mental note of my interaction with this person. It costs $0 to be kind. I wish more people understood this. A smile goes a long way. 

Honorable mentions -

Canceled plans... I am a homebody after all

 That first sip of coffee in the morning... some nights I go to bed excited for my coffee in the morning

The first time I hear a new song, and I instantly love it... SO GOOD

Watching my kids do things that bring them joy... I live for those kiddos and seeing them joyful always sparks joy in myself

Watching a show or movie I've seen a bunch of times that I love... They don't call it a comfort show/movie for nothing

Nostalgia... I love love love seeing things from my childhood. I mean were the 90's the best, or were the 90's the best

When you try on a new pair of jeans and they fit perfectly... chef's kiss!

Okay, now YOU tell me what is a random thing that sparks joy in your life?! Please comment and let me know!

I hope you all have the most JOYFUL day!!