Saturday, 21 June 2025

Seizing Joy

 


Lately, I've been thinking even more about finding joy in simple pleasures. Life just keeps getting busier and busier, and if I'm not careful, I can easily get caught up in the everyday, mundane routines, leaving me with little time for more enjoyable activities. And yes, that includes blogging :)

The thing is, over the last few weeks, I've made a determined effort to seize more of these little moments of joy. I've prioritised my own wellbeing (this is still very difficult for me),  and I've really begun to feel a difference in the way that I feel. Better still, others have noticed as well. Even when I've been feeling tired, I've somehow found a little bit of motivation to do something that I know will make me happy. And believe me, that can be more than a little challenging at times.

So, I thought that I would share with you just a few of the very ordinary things that have brought me joy recently. 

First off, was going paddle boarding with Lily. Last weekend we spent a very enjoyable time paddling out on the lake. It was early in the morning, so there were very few people around, and the water was lovely and still. There is something almost meditative about being on the water in this way. Very relaxing. 


After the long spell of spring sunshine, the elderflowers appeared much earlier than usual, so I thought I might have missed my chance to make some elderflower cordial. Luckily, I remembered a couple of trees, not too far away, that were able to provide me with just enough flower heads, so that I could enjoy my favourite summer drink.


The blackcurrant bush provided me with plenty of fruit this year, and I've now got three jars of delicious jam in the cupboard.

While we were in Copenhagen, Lily enjoyed one of the chocolate chip scones from the bakery. I remembered that in my old Bero book, there was a recipe for chocolate chip cookies that I thought was very similar, and she loved them! I guess I'll be baking them more often from now on. 


The garden has been looking lovely this last week. The flower beds have filled out and the beetroot and carrots look to be coming along very nicely indeed. 


Preparing my lunches for the week. I feel much less hurried when I'm organised. And getting my meals ready in this way, means that I know I'll be eating something that's good for me.


Favourite flowers from a friend. Just because. Isn't that kind!

I've been out running several times, along the lanes and through the village. The hedgerows are looking gorgeous just now, and the scent of the Honeysuckle is so strong. 


A morning walk along the shore. Sea air, sand, and I even fouund a few small pieces of sea glass. 

Watching a deer up ahead of me, on the path through the woods.





And finally, catching a Solstice sunset at the end of a busy week.

Back soon. 
J. X

32 comments:

  1. Lots to be joyful about and oh what a fabulous sunset. B x

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  2. I'm so glad to read that you are taking the time to take care of yourself, Jules, and making it a point to do things that bring you joy. Those cookies look delicious. Lovely sunset, too.

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    1. It isn't always easy to find the time, Bless. But I'm prioritising some self care from now on. Xx

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  3. I think women are very good at taking care of everything but themselves.It took me many years to realise this until someone pointed it out to me. It was hard at first, it always is to break a habit of a lifetime. I got there in the end and highly recommend it to all women. Joyful moments keep me on track. As always beautiful photos Jules, thank you for bringing me joyful moments. June xx

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    1. Thank you for saying this, June. I'm reluctant to generalise, but I must admit, you're absolutely right. It does seem to be predominantly women who take care of everything else but themselves. And I've been doing exactly that for far too long. Xx

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  4. Wow, you are doing well with self-care, lovely photo's as always.

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  5. I can totally identify with this, it's so hard to break the habit of putting others first when it's something you've always done, but small things we can do for ourselves can bring us so much joy. Those cookies look delicious, and your salad does too, but wow, that solstice sunset, how magical.

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    1. The sunset was especially beautiful, Jo. And I loved seeing the sillhouettes of the mountains against the golden sky. Xx

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  6. Such a lovely post both to read and look at.
    Beautiful photographs, especially the wonderful Solstice sunset.

    Take time to enjoy and be thankful.

    All the best Jan

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  7. I love how you are able to enjoy moments of joy and contentment, it is so good for us. Lovely to hear that you feel a difference in how you feel about yourself and life on whole. Here's to many more small moments of joy! Cxx

    P.S. I missed your Copenhagen post, will go and read it shortly, a wonderful city to visit

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    1. It isn't always easy to catch those joyful moments, so it makes it all the more wonderful when we do. Xx

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  8. Oh, it’s absolutely breathtaking, Jules. I am in awe of your photos. So glad that you are doing what makes you happy!

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  9. So many lovely things to bring joyful moments. Your sunset photos are beautiful:)

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    1. Thank you, Rosie. It was a lovely evening to catch the sunset. Xx

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  10. I'm glad you are finding some things in your life that give you joy like baking cookies, preparing a healthy lunch in advance for yourself and making elderflower cordial.
    We must have been thinking the same thing with the blackcurrants last week. I hope you enjoy your lovely homemade jam.
    Those sunsets are stunning, Jules. You take such great photos.
    Wishing you more things that make you happy this week x

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. The blackcurrants ripened much earler than usual, this year. It must have been the sunny weather we've been enjoying. X

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  11. You are absolutely spot on Jules - how does that quote go? Enjoy the little things in life, for one day we’ll look back and realize they were the big things - I’m paraphrasing, but it’s so true. I’m trying hard to do it, and while it’s easy for me to say, not so easy for me to follow through with - It always seems there’s a deadline or a to-do list tugging at me. Thanks for the sweet reminder-I’m so glad you are enjoying those sweet and simple things.

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    1. Oh, I do love that quote, as it is totally and utterly true. And having the opportunity to enjoy moments like this is priceless. X

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  12. Oh my goodness Jules - everything about this post brought such joy! I started drooling the minute I saw those cookies. And then to see berries and the thought of elderflower cordial (I can't even imagine how good that would be). And just to hear you enjoying so many lovely moments and truly searching for the joy in them all. Well it just makes me smile bigger than I can say. Keep chasing that joy (especially in this crazy world). I start every day with prayers of gratitude for so much goodness, because when you start looking you see it everywhere. 😉💗 Love and blessings to you! xoxo

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    1. Elderflower cordial tastes like summer in a glass, and I love to drink it at this time of year. It's so refreshing.
      This week's joy has taken a woolly turn :)

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  13. Hello, my lovely friend. What beautiful joys you shared today! Your post made me feel cozy and joyful, and for that I am thankful! Have a cozy afternoon!

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  14. What a delightful update! 🍇 Your blackcurrant jam sounds absolutely heavenly—three jars is a dream! 😍 And how sweet that Lily loved those chocolate chip cookies—nothing beats the magic of a treasured recipe from the old Bero book. 📖✨ Now you’ve got a new baking staple (and a very happy taste-tester)! 🍪💖 Keep enjoying those little joys! 🌟

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    1. I'm not sure where the Bero book came from but it originally cost 1'6. Whatever that is :)

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  15. Hello Jules. This post screams joy and happiness, along with plenty of cozy vibes! Are those chocolate chip cookies? They look so yummy! And is that a quinoa salad? It looks like the perfect summer lunch. The Solstice sunset is absolutely gorgeous! Sunsets make me so happy and bring me so much joy. Thank you for this joyful post!

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    1. It's lovely to hear from you, Julia.
      Yes, the recipe calls them chocolate chip cookies, but they are really more like scones, which is why I thought I would try them. Lily approves, which is the most important thing :)

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  16. What a lovely uplifting post. Elderflower cordial is one of my favourite too..

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    1. Thank you, Cherie. Elderflower cordial is the most refreshing summer drink. Xx

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