There is so much to get done these days. Sometimes it seems like there arent enough hours in the day to get it all accomplished! But, you know what? We dont have any more or less time during our days than our ancestors did. The difference is that they seemed to have a different spirit and attitude towards life. We want to be organized. We want to get our lists and projects done, but at what cost?

I know that sometimes I have been so focused on a project I am doing that I have been sharp with my kids. Im not proud of that. I would get my agenda done and accomplished but I wouldnt relax. I became stressed and more easily irritated. In the meantime life was flying by and I was missing out on enjoying the everyday little things.

I am working on setting aside my agenda every now and again to sit down and look at my family. Really see them, be with them; body, mind and soul and enjoy their company. How I relish doing that! I am also learning on enjoying my work time as well as my playtime.

We need to learn to be more joyful in all parts of our life not just certain breaks or intervals of it. If you can take pleasure in a chore, time seems to go by more swiftly and you feel more relaxed and less rushed in life. Take pride and pleasure not just in your hobbies and interests but also in your household work. You can feel pleasure in planting flowers, cooking an aroma-filled dinner or making a bed that you know brings you rest. Be interested in all you do. You will see how you can carry a joyful heart with you as you work as well as when you play.

We dont need more hours or days in which to enjoy ourselves. Laura Ingalls Wilder said, If we expect to enjoy our life, we will have to learn to be joyful in all of it, not just at stated intervals when we can get time or when we have nothing else to do.

Im working on doing just that and hoping it rubs off on my family as well. It will take time and effort but Im determined to learn and feel joy permeate my life. I hope that you may also rediscover that joy.