photo: EgoAnt Creative Commons
I met a girl in Georgia once (her name was Linsey) and we became instant friends. I was just traveling through, so we didn’t get to spend much time together, but I’m convinced we were Kindred Spirits.
“What are you living for today?” she asked me one morning.
I had woken up feeling discouraged.
I knew she wanted to help, but her question made me feel sort of heavy. “You know, Lindsey,” I felt like saying, “I’m not really interested in having a deep, philosophical conversation right now. I’m a little out of sorts.”
But before I could open my mouth she said, “While you’re thinking about it, I’m living for Starbucks’ White Mocha.”
Wait… what?
Lindsey explained that, sometimes, when life gets boring or heavy or discouraging, sometimes what you need isn’t a deep, philosophical understanding of the “meaning of life as we know it,” but just something, one thing, to bring you into to the moment, make you feel a sense of satisfaction and joy.
I like that. I’ve thought about it several times since then.
In fact, every time I find myself feeling a little down in the dumps I try to remind myself not to worry too much about how everything is going to work itself out, but to look for something small — something to taste, touch, feel, observe, or experience.
A hug.
A good book.
A piece of dark chocolate.
A glass of wine.
A kiss from my husband.
My mom calls these TJ’s — Tiny Joys
—and she often asks me, “What were your TJ’s today?” She reminds me, just like Lindsey did, that the little things in life add up fast, and that if we’re willing to focus on all the little things that bring us gratitude, the big obstacles that seem insurmountable start to fade into the background.
So let me ask you: What are you living for today?
I heard someone use the term “blessing of the day.” I’ve chosen the term “small victories.” I think we’re addicted to “epic wins” but those don’t happen every day, so we get discouraged. But every day has small victories to claim.
Small victories. I like that, Matt. And then, when big victories come, they feel even better because we weren’t expecting them to be a daily occurrence.
Just yesterday I got to move from one side of my office to another… which means I have a WINDOW! But I was so stressed yesterday because I had a huge final exam last night so I didn’t even get to enjoy it. But today – today I’m living for the view out my window at work. It might just be a parking lot, but it is natural light. And I love it.
Love it Asheligh! Hope that sunlight does you well
Congrats on finishing your exam!
My TJ of the day is going to be hitting the pool tonight. Letting the water wash away the heat and cares of the day.
Love it. Sounds perfect, Caitlin.
I’m living for coffee with some good friends tonight! Girls night!
Love me some girls night!
TJ – love that. My TJ’s for today? Skyping with good friends last night, the coffee in my hand right now, seeing my tix for Story conference in my inbox this morning…
Our conversation last night was definitely a TJ for me to, Bethany. Thankful for your friendship. Can’t wait to hang out at Story!
Great reminder! Is it nerdy that I’m living for 5:00 so I can get home and write a blog? I definitely intend to take joy in hashing out something Ben Arment said, if that makes it better.
Katie
Not nerdy at all!! Sounds like me when I worked a 9-5 (actually sometimes I would write them at work because I couldn’t wait… shhh
)
I mean, when the words come flying out, you’ve got to do everything in your power to catch them.
I adore this thought! When I first read the question, my reaction was the same as yours… Not ready for the deep and theological right now! But living for a really good cup of tea of a good belly laugh are things I subconsciously do on a regular basis. Thanks for this. I needed that reminder!!
Today I lived for a camera around my neck walking towards Peachtree Rd capturing objects along the way most don’t even see. I once looked forward, but now I look down and around. Treasures seem to find me this way.
T.J”s, I am adopting that into my vocab!
Love that! I actually do that often – find TJ’s throughout my day when I feel down, but end up feeling guilty about the fact that my “issues” do not warrant discouragement as there are people in the world with ‘real’ problems. I’m living for reading wonderful blog posts