There’s so much heartbreak in these devastating political times. I wanted to participate in one of the “Hands Off” demonstrations earlier this month. Instead, I was healing my own heart by taking a spring break. When we planned it, I didn’t realize that it would be a joy break.
As my family stretched out in the shade and debated the lunch options, I quietly snuck back to the beach. Alone at last, I slipped off my shoes and socks. The sand was hot on my feet. Then, as I waded in, the water was shockingly cold. It didn’t take long to acclimate as I strolled the shore.
The beauty of the sky caught my attention. It was the same San Diego blue as it had been the day before and the day before that. Of course, the sun was shining brightly. Away from the ups and downs of Chicago spring weather, life felt lighter here.
Not wanting to stray too far, I eventually turned back and saw my adult daughter, Megan, and her partner, Jakob, waving their arms at me. I waved back to them, and they both raced towards me. Rather than moving to meet them, I spontaneously turned around and with exaggerated arm motions playfully began to jog away from them. They laughed aloud and continued to run after me. I responded by gleefully picking up my pace. I can only imagine how ridiculous it looked to the other beachgoers, as they watched a sixty-one year old woman being chased by a pair of twenty-somethings.
Finally, I turned around and slowly jogged backwards allowing them to catch me. Megan tagged me on the shoulder and yelled “I win,” and we all roared with laughter as we headed back for lunch. I’m still filled with joy every time I think about this silly time together.
Perhaps during these heartbreaking times, we all need to take more joy breaks.
When have you experienced joy lately?
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