storytimewithjoe | Simple joys

The wet sloooosh of driving through puddles this morning initially set a soggy tone for the day. After all, it is only mid-point through the workweek (sigh), I have a long day ahead of me (groan), and it is one of those unusual days here in SoCal where the skies are gray and water falls from the sky (Wah-whine-wah!) But just then, another car pulled up just slightly ahead of me and to the side. The personalized license plate, which I do not recall exactly, spelled out some sort of reference to surfing and skiing. Just then, I remembered that I have reason to smile.

Here in SoCal, one advantage that we have is living in an area where, to be perfectly honest, fun abounds. Like surfing? The beaches are right over there. Like skiing? The mountains are off in the distance. Like hiking? Biking? Off-roading? Trips to the desert? Etc., etc., etc. All of it is fairly close-by and within reach. Heck, even in inclement weather, I drive around in an open-aired Jeep. Why? Well… because I can. Because when I moved here from the harsh weather of Florida, I made a conscious decision to loosen up a bit, have fun, and stop being so freaken’ uptight. And I’m reminded of that fact every time I get into my wrangler sport. Am I a wrangler? Am I sporty? I guess a part of me is. And I just love it!

When faced with the day-to-day routine of going to work, or dealing with idjots, it is so easy to just get caught up in the negative. But I think we can all use reminders from time to time that life is about choices. And even when facing the harsh realities of life (bills having to be paid, house-repairs, etc.), we can also look around and realize that fun is an option, too. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. It can involve just hopping in the car, putting the top down, and driving. Life in an area that is snowy? Well… take a moment to make a snowball and just cast it at something with childlike glee. Rainy area? When nobody is looking, put on your galoshes, find a big ol’ puddle, channel your inner child, and jump in that puddle. Heck, maybe you can even make a boat out of the newspaper and float it down the gutter.

Simple joys really do make up for a lot of the challenges in life. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy them.