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Some days, life feels like one long checklist. Get the kids ready, pack lunches, pay bills, fold laundry, answer messages/phone calls, repeat. It is not a bad place to be, but it often feels like I am just getting through the days instead of truly living them. I know my anxiety and depression play a part in that heaviness, but I also know I want more.
I pray for big positive changes, but sometimes God nudges me to notice the small things instead. The little joys that are easy to overlook in the noise of routine.
Learning to Pause
The truth is, our lives move so fast that the small moments can slip right past us. My kids will laugh at something silly, or one of them will lean in for a hug, and I realize I almost missed it because my brain was already on to the next task. Slowing down is not natural for me, but I am learning to pause and let those moments sink in.
Joy is not about ignoring the hard parts of each day. Anxiety and depression do not magically vanish because I want to be grateful too. When I choose to lean into joy, even in tiny ways, it shifts the weight I carry. Sometimes that may look like writing down one thing I am thankful for at night. Other times it is stepping outside for a walk around the neighborhood for some fresh air, or letting myself laugh at a silly meme instead of scrolling past. These are small choices, but they add up.
The Gift of Ordinary Moments
There is beauty in the ordinary moments too, if we let ourselves notice it. Enjoying a Coffee in the quiet of the morning, a text from a friend who I may not get to talk to often enough, and the sound of my children giggling together in the next room. These are not headline moments, but they are the stitches that hold my days together.
When I remind myself to focus on them, my heart softens, even if nothing in my circumstances has changed.
Faith and Trust
Most importantly, I remind myself that God has a plan. Even when I cannot see it clearly, he has a plan for me. Trusting that he will work things out gives me peace. It allows me to take my hands off the wheel just a little and rest in his promises. My three kids are a daily reminder of that plan and they are the biggest joy in my life. I want to soak up every bit of them while I can.
Final Thoughts
Life may not feel easy, and some days are just about making it through. But in the middle of the busyness and the battles, there are tiny sparks of joy waiting to be noticed. I do not want to miss them anymore. Maybe joy is not found in the big things we hope for, but in the little things we already have.
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FAQ: Gods Plan
How do I find joy when I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. Notice one thing each day like a smile, a hug, a quiet moment. Write it down if it helps you remember.
What if my anxiety and depression make it hard to focus on positives?
Give yourself grace. You are not failing if joy feels out of reach. Even naming one tiny good thing is a step forward.
How can I make more space for joy with kids and busy routines?
Build in small pauses. Put the phone down at bedtime and listen to their stories. Step outside together for a few minutes of fresh air. Little shifts can change the tone of your day.