I’ve been working on this blog for less than a month and already it’s causing a shift towards more joy in my life.

Tonight as the boys and I were wrapping up dinner, the ominous navy sky broke open to sheets of pouring rain. Tropical Storm Emily had graced us with her presence yet again.

I don’t remember exactly how it came to be but we all, dogs included, ended up out on our lanais to drink in the sights and sounds of the tremendous downpour. Most of our lanais is covered, but Kyen, always curious, waddled straight over to the edge that was open to the rain. Mav looked to me, wondering how I would react. I nodded my approval as a huge grin appeared on his face. He skipped out to the rainiest part of the lanais to splash in the big puddles.

“Mommy, come play in the rain with me!” he said, reaching for my hand with a huge smile on his face.

Now, I don’t like to be wet. Bath time was approaching. And one dripping mama plus two little boys and two not-so-little dogs prancing around my house would surely be a recipe for messes, slips, and extra clean up. But something caused me to respond differently than I initially wanted to.

Shifting Towards Joy.

I thought about the fact that my boys usually get me during my worst hour of the day: That one hour when I transition from the busy, sometimes brain-numbing work day of persuasive conversations, rapid-fire emails, and endless decision-making, to home mode. That transition where I have to slow my brain down and turn on patience – LOTS of it – and the art of being, not doing.

And I remembered that I’ve committed to encouraging people to find more joy in their everyday lives. I could see joy about to crack open onto Mav’s hopeful face, so I scooped Kyen into my arms, grabbed Mav’s hand and ran into the cold abounding rain.

Mav jumped and danced and charged back and forth singing Rain, Rain, Go Away. Ky watched us both closely from my arms, not sure how to react. Goose bumps covered my skin, my heavy drenched clothes clung to my body. A bellowing laugh erupted from the pit of my belly that I hadn’t heard in a very long time.

“This is so fun, Mommy! I love you, Mommy!” Mav cried, as our hearts raced with exhilaration.

After several minutes of wet play, I realized that bath time had come. Instead of stressing about staying on schedule, I looked at the rain still pouring from the sky and the happiness in my boys’ bodies and realized there couldn’t be any activity more natural than humans splashing and playing in the beautiful rain God created.

“We are taking our baths out here tonight!” I declared stripping the boys naked. I could tell by the smiles on their faces that they were thrilled.

From Joy To Magic.

Then by magic (because really, life is full of everyday magic) Mike walked in the door, home from work early to witness our play in the lanais. His eyes were wide but his smile wider. He ripped off his shoes and apron and joined Mav running from wall to wall in the three-inch puddles underneath the still torrential rain.

I thought about our usual nights filled with me telling the boys “no, we can’t right now” and “stop it” and “don’t do that.” Then I compared it to how this evening had unfolded. Because of my conscious choice to drop my rules about what parents and kids should do and allow myself to be silly and uncomfortable in my wet clothes, we had a fun-tastic night that created beautiful memories. I hope they will always remember this; I know I will.

Tell me, have you had a shift in awareness that has moved you to more joy? Have you gone against your normal “rules” for yourself and found pleasure? Please share below!

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