Find The Joy

Friday was one of those freakishly warm, early spring sneak peaks of what life will look like in a few more weeks or months. The sun was shining, birds chirping and temperatures reached nearly 80 degrees here in New Jersey.

We spent most of the day outside with the girls, keeping them occupied as best we could. While Evan and Ellie were busy riding bikes, I snuck away with Mira for some time on our backyard swing set. Watching her play, I was in complete awe. She was so happy. So innocent. So full of life. So blithely unaware of the chaos that is unfolding in the world right now.

Mira has taught me several big lessons during her 3+ years on earth. From the moment we learned of her diagnosis, she has guided me towards patience, gratitude and the ability to accept that which we cannot control. (Still working on that last one)

The world is facing something unimaginable right now. Something I simply don’t have words for. However, I am leaning on Mira’s lessons every day and finding strength in her joy.

I will do my best to be patient with my girls and my husband as we adjust to being home bound 24/7. I will accept that balancing homeschooling 2 children, one of which needs several therapies, and my own full time job is a feat that will take time to grasp.

I will allow myself to feel gratitude for all of the things we have. For our health, for our family, for Facetime, for warm beds, hot meals, long walks and yes, even toilet paper.

Lastly, I will accept that the current state of the world is out of my control. It just is. I’ve learned over the years that I don’t have as much control as I thought I did.

What I can control is finding the joy in every day. In the smallest moments. In the toughest of times. I will try my best to live more like Mira. Hair in the breeze, legs dangling, smile as bright as the sun.

I want to share that with you.

For the next 30 days, I will be sharing the moments in my day and around me that bring me joy, in the hopes that it can add some light into a very dark time.

If you are looking for some light, I encourage you to follow along on Instagram @TheJoyofMira with updates posted daily right here.

Here’s hoping for more sunshine, and more joy for us all.

#FindTheJoy