Happy WEDNESDAY, friends!
It’s a Wednesday that feels like a Monday.
I don’t even understand that sentence, but in my core, that’s how it feels.
My kiddos had a five day weekend for Labor Day, and honest to goodness, it’s felt like one big long Saturday. I’m not complaining, I’m just letting you know that I’m quite confused…but also excited that in three days, we get another weekend 😉 .
Today, we are combining WELLNESS WEDNESDAY with this month’s LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what LET’S LOOK is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
Just as a reminder, here’s what we have “looked at” in 2026 (all your suggestions!)…
In January, we looked at THINGS WE OUTSOURCE WITHOUT REGRET.
In February, we looked at WAYS WE’VE TURNED INTO OUR PARENTS.
In March, we looked at FAVORITE FAMILY VACATIONS.
In April, we looked at the HARDEST THINGS WE’VE EVER DONE.
In May, we looked at MAKING COUPLE FRIENDS.
In June, we looked at WHAT I’M MAKING MORE TIME FOR.
In July, we looked at OUR SUMMER SELVES (HOW IT’S DIFFERENT)
In August, we looked at THINGS WE MISS.
And today, we’re looking at FREE THINGS THAT BRING US JOY.
Well, I didn’t select this topic, but it’s certainly one I LOVE!
Of course, of course, of course, I love things that “cost” something, but some of my very very very favorite things in life are those simple pleasures. I have found that stopping to savor, have gratitude and appreciate all of life’s “little things” is what seems to bring me the most happiness. (FYI: I have a post on my favorite “LITTLE LUXURIES” you might want to pop over and read too 🙂 . )
As for where my actual JOY comes from?
Well that’s an easy answer.
My JOY comes from the Lord.
As you know, I’ve spent the last year studying Nehemiah, and he says it best…
…before we get into all of the “little” free things that bring me joy, if you don’t understand what I mean when I say that my joy comes from the Lord, I’d love to connect with you about that. Please, please feel free to reach out to me ANY TIME about where my true peace, love, and JOY comes from. I’d love to share with you. Email me at mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com.
Well, this will surprise no one that we are about to transition from Jesus to pumpkins over here because…
…there are certainly some “free” things in life that bring me JOY too and looking at a pumpkin on a fall day is one of them 😉 .
I’m going to rattle off the list I made of FREE THINGS THAT BRING ME JOY and then I certainly hope you share your list too.
Full disclaimer, can we be loose with the word “free” just a bit? A few of the things below might require one to buy a pencil or book or something, but can we overlook that little detail and not get too in the weeds?
In no particular order, here are 22 FREE THINGS THAT BRING ME JOY:
#1: CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS/RANDOM DAYS
I love celebrating dates on the calendar. I’m not just talking about those big holidays (Christmas, Halloween, July 4th, etc), but I want to celebrate Oktoberfest and April Fool’s and Groundhogs Day too. I also make up days to celebrate. We treat the first day of school and the last day of school like a holiday. We celebrate September 1st, October 1st, and December 1st around here. Guess what one of our VERY favorite days to celebrate is? Christmas Eve Eve (or Christmas Adam depending on who you ask at my house).
I really learned to do this from my dad (who learned from his mom). My Mimi made ANY day a special day. And when she died, we all had so many memories of these really amazing days that honest to goodness were just normal days she made amazing. She was famous for her “Skip Days” where she would let her kiddos skip school and just have the most special day with her instead of going. My dad is 71 and still talks about his Skip Days…and when my kids are 71, I hope they’re still talking about theirs too.
It is absolutely free to make a normal Wednesday special, so if you’re not in the habit of doing that, might I encourage you to try 🙂 .
#2: LISTENING TO THE TICKET
The Ticket is an all sports AM radio station here in the DFW area, and I absolutely love them. I’ve shared my love for years and years because truly, turning this radio station on every morning makes me SO HAPPY. I started listening by accident a gazillion years ago when Andrew would listen as he got ready for work. I would overhear him listening to them and crack up…and then he would leave and head to work, but I wanted to keep listening. So, I started listening on my own. My favorite on air personalities (though I do love them all) come on from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, and I try to listen (via the app on my phone) all three hours if I can. Last year, we were eating dinner with the Slaughters and Erika laughed at Andrew, Tab and me because we saw one of the DJs “in the wild” and fan girled like teenagers at a Taylor Swift concert. A local sports AM radio station brings me SO MUCH JOY!
#3: PINTEREST
I’m sure this isn’t what a professional “influencer” should be saying…but you could take away my Instagram or my Facebook (and heaven knows I’m not savvy enough for TikTok), and I’d be okay. Take away my Pinterest though, and I’m going to sob. I love scrolling Pinterest. Sitting around and scrolling on IG or FB makes me feel ick after about five minutes…scrolling on Pinterest leaves me energized and motivated. I love Pinterest.
#4: WALKS
This will not surprise you…but going on a walk brings me so much JOY. It doesn’t matter if I’m walking for exercise or walking to clear my head or walking just to enjoy the pretty day, I love, love, love, love going on a walk.
#5: VISITING WITH NEIGHBORS
I love visiting with my neighbors! I did a post on BEING NEIGHBORLY, and even if it’s just a quick hello from the mailbox, I enjoy connecting with the people who live around me. I have a wide variety of neighbors, and it makes me happy any time we get to chat.
#6: READING
My favorite hobby is reading. My kids would probably call that “lame”, but I don’t care.
Give me a book and time to myself and my cup is filled.
#7: CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS
I love connecting with my friends. I love when we get to share meals together or go for walks together or just chat on the phone together. I love sharing memes with my friends and also prayer requests. I love traveling with my friends and shopping with my friends. I just LOVE connecting with my friends.
#8: “PIDDLING”
If reading is my first favorite hobby than piddling is my second. And as a Texan, when we say “piddle”, we basically mean walking through Home Goods/Hobby Lobby/Target/a boutique/etc just looking at stuff. We’re not shopping, we are decompressing by looking at the candles or pillows. If I’m having a stressful day, one 15 minute walk through the home section of my local grocery store and bam, I’m back to normal. What do I want to do with a free afternoon? A massage? No. A movie? No. I want to drink coffee and stroll through Hobby Lobby.
So. Much. Joy.
#9: GOING TO THE PARK
I typically walk from my house when I set out to walk because it’s just so much easier, but man, there is something so nice about going to a park and walking…or reading a book…or whatever. Visiting parks on vacations are one of my favorite ways to experience a city. It’s great for people watching and animal watching and just enJOYing a new town.
#10: THE OCEAN
I am such an ocean girl. I don’t care what time of year it is, I want to go sit by the sea. I want to smell the salt water. I want to watch the seagulls. I want to hear the waves crash. I love to be near the ocean.
#11: RIDING MY BIKE
Bike riding brings me JOY! I always feel so good when I run an errand on my bike instead of my car. Not only does it make me feel good because I’m “being active”, but it just makes me feel more connected to where I am.
#12: VISITING THE LIBRARY
One of my favorite places to work is the library. I love how they always smell like books (it’s a very specific scent!). I love that everyone is in a whisper. I love how it’s a “come and stay” location. It’s a great place to nest and settle in, and it always brings me joy.
#13: GOING TO CHURCH
I LOVE going to church! Church always brings me joy (and if you’re going to a church that doesn’t bring you joy, my suggestion is to look at other options!). I love the community, I love studying God’s Word with others, I love the music, I love the sermons…there is so much to love about being a part of a church family.
#14: SUDOKU
I could sit and do Sudoku for hours. I love it because it forces my brain to just think about it and nothing else. Your mind can’t wander when you’re doing Sudoku. I find that type of focus really enjoyable and relaxing.
#15: WORKING ON A PUZZLE
I’m one of those people who enjoys slowly working on a puzzle. I’m not in it to sit down and finish it right away. I’d rather slowly work on one a few minutes here and there. I love walking by and spending just a few minutes until I find the right piece and then moving on. It’s very relaxing and makes me really happy.
#16: READING BLOGS
There are a handful of blogs I really enjoy reading. When I open them each day, they’re inspiring and motivating and/or just make me smile. They are little bits of free happiness to add into my everydays.
#17: LEAF PEEPING
I am a professional leaf peeper 🙂 . I get SO EXCITED when I spot fall foliage. I get great joy out of driving ANYWHERE where I can see a changing leaf. When the leaves change here in McKinney, I legit talk to myself as I move about town. I’m in the car saying out loud “oh that’s so pretty!” over and over and over again.
#18: DRINKING COFFEE
One time I was watching Oprah and she said “every cup of coffee is an experience” and no truer words have been spoken about coffee.
I don’t care if I’m drinking a cup freshly brewed in Paris, France or one in the waiting room at a hospital in Texas, EVERY CUP IS AN EXPERIENCE. I have never not anticipated and enjoyed a cup of coffee.
#19: LUNCH OUTSIDE
Any time I can take my lunch outside, I do. That one little switch makes the exact same meal so much more enjoyable.
#20: VISITING THE FARMERS MARKET
I love visiting a farmers market! I enjoy watching the vendors in their stalls, I love looking at everything from fresh eggs to homemade jams and honeys…it’s just the happiest place to be.
#21: LISTENING TO PODCASTS
It took me a long time to get into podcasts, but once I started, it was love at first listen. They’re not just entertaining, they can be educational or motivating or inspiring…anything. I thoroughly enjoy any moment I have in my day to turn one on.
#22: PRAYING
I get a lot of joy out of spending one on one time with God. How crazy cool is it that the creator of the universe wants us to connect with him?! Prayer is absolutely something that brings me an incredible amount of joy.
And those are 22 of the FREE THINGS THAT BRING ME JOY 🙂 .
Alrighty, next month…
…we are looking at THINGS WE’VE OUTGROWN!
Hmmmmm…I’m thinking about this one already.
Okay, I would LOVE to know what free things bring you joy! Please, please comment and share!
Don’t forget, if you blogged along with us today, please make sure you link up below.
Have the best Wednesday, friends! I will see you back here tomorrow. xx
Laura Fuller says
Yes to so many of these! The leaves are turning red here in NC and it makes me SO HAPPY. And, the coffee! Just last Friday I was with my daughter at the doctor and the sweet nurse asked if I would like a cup of coffee and “YES. That’s what I need in this moment.”
Alison says
This was a fun topic! Thanks for sharing your list, and I can definitely agree with most of them! Have a JOY-ful Wednesday!
Diane Moore says
A cup of English breakfast tea with a little milk twice a day, every day.
Time with my dogs (sadly, I don’t have that right now).
Yes; prayer, reading, enjoying nature – the way the trees look against the sky as it slowly lightens each morning,
Getting to relive some of those priceless toddler moments with grandchildren
Faith Parnell says
Such a joyful list! Reading is my favorite hobby too- any tips with how you made that happen with toddlers about? I currently just take a book with me wherever I go, but rare when I actually get to open it.
I also enjoy playing a game of catch whether it be baseball or football, dance partying with my kids, and writing notes/letters/journaling.
Please share your fave blogs!
Mix and Match Mama says
I didn’t read very much when Kensington and Smith were little. I read A TON of magazines back then, but I didn’t read books. I picked my book reading habit back up in 2014 (when they were about 4 and 5). Once I started reading less magazines and more books, it became a solid habit which I was able to continue when my youngest set of toddlers arrived. I always swear by this, every little page adds up. I will read a page in line at the grocery store (on the Kindle app on my phone) or while I’m waiting for them to finish a sports practice or waiting at the dentist’s office, etc. Every little bit really does add up.
Elspeth Mizner says
We have so many things that overlap! Walks, time with family and friends, reading, all bring me joy! What a positive topic!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
So one thing your list is missing that would be at the top of my list…. A REALLY GREAT NAP. Definitely at the top of my JOYS list! 🙂
Lorraine says
I share so many joy filled free things with you. I love spending time with the Lord. I really love prayer with instrumental hymn music in the background and a cup of coffee while sitting outside. The Lord so kindly meets me every time. I agree about church too. So much joy in corporate worship!! I would also add women’s Bible study to the list. I love diving deep into the word with other women.
I love walking, especially prayer or worship walks. I also do a little cardio dance once a week that brings me great joy!!
My favorite hobbies are reading and puzzling while listening to scripture or an audio book. It’s so peaceful!! I just finished Rebecca by Daphnie DuMaurier. Definitely in my top five all time favorite books!!
Thanks for this joy filled post!
Mix and Match Mama says
Now that I’m dipping my toe into audio books, I need to listen while I work on a puzzle. What a lovely idea!
Lorraine says
I thought of something else that brings me joy every day! I listen and sing along to the worship initiative daily devo led by Shane and Shane. My heart is stirred daily as I sing to the Lord!i highly recommend this daily worship practice. It has brought me so much joy as I sing truths about who God is back to God.
Bethany says
Love all of these Shay! Thanks for sharing 🩷
Kristin says
I work in a library, my son and his wife work in libraries, and my daughter is a librarian, so she obviously works in a library too. They are magical places, and working in my library is lots of fun and so fulfilling.
Jeanie H says
I just found a new to me podcast called “Ologies by Alie Ward” that would be right up your alley.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am looking that up right now! Thank YOU!
Katie Macsherry says
can you share your favorite blogs and podcasts?
Mix and Match Mama says
I can make a list of both!
Theresa Childs says
Please share.
K.K. says
Yes, yay!!! I would love to know this as well!
Kelly Sites says
Lots of similar free joys! I LOVE LOVE walking on trails and hiking. This summer I made a huge list of all the great trails and recreation areas all around Michigan and each week we go mountain bike or hike there. So fun. Feels like a mini vacation. I love reading blogs (thank you), I love free audiobooks on Spotify, I love doing YOGA and arm workouts on You Tube (totally free). I love sitting on my deck and reading. I love reading magazines from Hoopla (free). I love calling a friend or family member and chatting while I work around the house. I love sending cards to people “just because”. I love doing Bible study, and keeping a prayer journal. I love researching nutrition on the internet. 🙂
Cathy Maronde says
Yes, please share your favorite blogs!
Paula Hobbs says
Oh I love this! I absolutely love to piddle! My husband thinks I’m nuts, but when I’ve had a stressful day at work I go straight to Marshall’s or other local stores, pop in my earbuds and continue a podcast or audiobook and tune the world out as I stroll up and down each isle. So rather than going straight home stressed out, I come home calm and peaceful LOL. You’d think my hubby would savor my “nuttiness” 🙂
SO says
Would love to hear some of your favorite blogs…I feel like a lot of people have stopped writing them. They are a favorite thing that brings me joy. Like you – I am a beach girl and a reader too!
Mix and Match Mama says
Every day, I read Sheaffer’s and Andrea’s (and Erika’s when she has one!). I also read Cassie at HiSugarplum’s and The Simply Luxurious Life too!
Yvonne says
Wonderful list and I agree with you on many of them! Completing a bible plan and learning more about Jesus definitely brings me joy! Driving home from work and staring at the majestic mountains by my house always makes me happy and I love seeing all the little birds in my back yard. They are the pets I never knew I wanted! 😃
AJ says
I’m a puzzle lover who enjoys listening to audiobooks or podcasts while puzzling. I also enjoy hot showers, decluttering, and a completed to-do list.
Lori Bittenbender says
Blog idea! A list of your favorite blogs you enjoy!
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
Watching college football (especially my team) on a Saturday afternoon from the comfort of my own home. I love the sound of a football game while snuggled under a blanket and drinking a cup of coffee or tea ☺️ Walking through Bath and Body works to smell fall hand soaps and candles is another favorite. The Leaves scent is my favorite!
Heidi says
Hi Shay! What are some of your favorite blogs you enjoy reading? Thanks!
Elizabeth L says
I’ve never heard the term “piddle”, but I’m totally stealing it. So many of the free things you love are free things I love. I feel like if I lived in TX we would be besties haha! The ocean, walks, reading, hanging with neighbors, piddling, lunch outside, all a few of my favorite things.
Heidi says
Sorry, just saw you responded to my question in another person’s comment!
Valerie Potts says
I love this post and so many on your list would also be on mine. Walking/hiking is one of my all time favorite things to do, including walking around small quaint downtowns. I would also add drinking my morning smoothie, especially in the summer when I’m using fresh fruit, Being creative with fabric also brings me so much joy, whether it’s quilting or looking at all my fabrics deciding which ones go best together for a certain project. The other one that comes to mind is being high up in a mountain meadow or pass after a really steep climb with my husband. It’s exhilarating and one of the bests! And lastly, I just had to comment on the piddling. I love to do this too in grocery stores, fabric stores, and places like Hobby Lobby. I also use the word to refer to the times I am walking around my house doing this that or another that I feel drawn to do in the moment. So much joy for me in all of these! They just make my heart smile. Oh yah, my favorite time to pray is on my morning walks in the woods. I feel so close to God and surrounded by all the beauty that he has created. Thank for post Shay! 🙂
mary lou says
One of my greatest joys is spending time with my grandchildren!!💙🩷
Dawn Scheurich says
I agree with you about so many of these—especially Pinterest!! It’s a treat! And also coffee—it’s a joyful experience every day!
Kay says
Shay-I really needed this today! My oldest is a junior studying abroad this year and we just sent my middle (and only daughter!) off to college this Fall. I miss her so much it hurts! And she is my big Fall celebrator too-I don’t know if my husband and my youngest son even noticed all the pumpkins up around the house? LOL!? I really appreciated this little reminder of the small things that bring joy.
Anyway, on the bight side, hearing from my college kids esp with FaceTime brings SO much joy! I love hearing about friends they’re making, ways they’re learning about themselves, new things they tried, new passions they’re discovering. It is an amazing experience to hear them come into their own! One positive of technology is that I can see my son’s dorm room across the world, and help him rearrange furniture!
Being with my dogs is also the most joyful. With three golden retrievers, it’s hard not to feel joy! Just their smiles alone!
Lastly, my youngest is still home (jr in high school) and the other day he asked about a fall tradition-your mini apple hand pies! I started making them years ago the first week of school. So he remembered that and I loved it! I made him some and even brought some over to the assisted living facility my father in law lives in. Spreading joy also brings joy.
Happy Fall!
Helen says
I am cracking up at Christmas Adam! Why do I think that Smith came up with that name?
Mix and Match Mama says
Nailed it! 😉
Amy Owens says
I’ve read your blog for probably 14 years now and I’ve never felt more connected to you than when I read that you will say, “oh, that’s pretty!” out loud, alone in your car. That’s so me!! 😂😂😂
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an involuntary reflex when the leaves are turning. Hahahaha!
sandi says
What an exceptional list… it doesn’t matter the body of water, lake, river or ocean, there is something calming about it even on the roughest of days. One day can be slick as glass with the water disappearing into the horizon, and the next stormy, rough and white capping, but mesmerizing all the same. I do have a different stance on the sea gull watching; we live on the Chesapeake Bay and they are a nuisance!
We did skip days with our kids starting with our son in maybe 4th grade. The first day of March Madness, my husband and I picked him up from school (surprise!!) and took him to Buffalo Wild Wings for the first few games of the tournament. After lunch I asked if he wanted to go home and watch the games or back to school… he said back to school so he could tell his buddies why his parents signed him out. We did that through middle school but a teacher in HS said it was not wise with his course load. I should not have listened, but those were some fun memories.
Erin H says
Love this list! I think as you get older (speaking as a 51 year old), finding simple joys comes more naturally. Like just walking outside and seeing a giant blue sky filled with white fluffy clouds just fills me in amazement. Or looking at the moon and thinking wow – so crazy to think we have a moon. I may be getting overly sentimental. Ha.
This blog is one of my favorite free things that brings me joy. It’s so crazy to think I’ve watched your kids grow up and feel like we’re friends even though we’ve never met. The amount of times I’ll say, “well I read on Mix and Match Mama…” I value this especially in a season where everyone has moved to Substack and charges a fee. I want to support my favorite writers/podcasters, but dang it starts to all add up.
Mix and Match Mama says
You have no idea how much this blesses me, Erin. Thank YOU! xx
Shay says
That’s a great list. I love sunrises and sunsets! The beauty of them brings me such joy!
Cindy Davis says
My freebies are praying and worship. I love cool mornings outside. My Mom is in a home for elders and I visit her every other day. I have found that, the interaction with the people there, bring me so much joy ! Some of them have no close family so they are so happy to have you talk to them. I also, bring them things they need or enjoy. I love being outdoors (when it’s not so hot) bird watching and just enjoying our beautiful world that our Lord created. I also enjoy reading your blogs, of course !
Kara says
Free things that bring me JOY:
1. Sunsets.
2. The ocean and collecting seashells.
3. I also enjoy “piddling” 🙂
4. Our church.
5. A sweet handwritten note from my husband.
6. A card or an invitation in the mail.
7. Savoring my afternoon coffee.
8. Fresh Sheets.
9. A phone call from my bestie or sister.
10. A funny reel from my friends.
11. Taking notes during Sunday Service.
12. My desk at work.
13. Cleaning out my purse.
14. People watching.
15. A compliment from someone.
16. My Cat, Jack Frost, napping beside me.
17. Watching the butterflies on my flowers.
18. A fire in the fireplace.
19. An unsolicited hug or thank you from my children.
20. Salvation.
What a FUN topic that also brought me JOY!
Allison says
SUNSHINE. I’m like a weed. It feels so good!! Give me all the vitamin D and sunshine!
Katie Hahn says
What a FUN topic! As another person said, this blog brings me joy!
Sara says
Fun post! I love fall sports so think I would love The Ticket. Is it “The Ticket 96.7”? Turns out there’s more than one The Ticket app. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is! They’re 1310 on the AM dial and 96.7 on FM. The app is called Sports Day 🙂 !
Sara says
Thank you!
Bailey Morris says
Looks like we’re all interested in your favorite blogs! HA!!
I’m curious because I’ve followed your whole gang for… has it been 15 years now? Holy moly. Been here since you just had two littles. Life’s gotten busy and a lot of people’s blogs (especially free ones) have fallen to the wayside. Just wanted to pop in and tell you that reading this blog been one of my favorite FREE things I do every day. It’s a lot of work on your part, but it’s always happy and joyful and might remind me to read my Bible (you sent me one YEARS ago – thank you!) and just wanted to say thank you.
Anyways – while reading blogs is one of my favorite things, I’ve run out as people have dropped off… and how do I even start with someone new?! I know your “lore” so well – I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Hahahaha. You can’t leave us, sister!!! LOL.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well thank you, thank you, Bailey. I am so blessed by YOU. I know you’re here each day and that means so much to me. xx
Holly Garberich says
Do you still do Skip Days with your kiddos? I was thinking of implementing something similar with my kids and would love to hear your updated insight on how you do them.. the last blog post I found specifically about them was back from 2017 when K & Smith were TINY. 🙂 Sigh, why must time fly?
I agree with another reader, this blog being free brings me much joy. I know you need your days off and time with family but I truly miss your posts to read in the morning when you’re gone. Thanks for being a light in the world!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do and I’m super grateful that I’ve kept it up especially since I have a senior!
Debra says
Such a great list- I can say walking is one of my favorite joys – no matter what is going on in my life at that moment, good or not so good, a walk always makes the day even better.
Neighbors are another joy – we are lucky to have such great neighbors that all really enjoy each other and it just makes life more fun.
Fall foliage also brings joy – I love seeing the colors change and the air get cooler. But I also love spring when the flowers start to bloom!
Piddling is another joy- especially when I am on my own and can take as much time as I like.
So many more but these are some of my top joys.
Dana J says
What a great topic!! We enjoy so many of the same free things that bring joy!! I will add a couple of things that bring me joy! I love to cook and scroll Instagram for new recipes.
I love making stockings! I have made them for my kiddos and all of my nieces and nephews and then great nieces and nephews and now finally my first grandbaby!! Brings me such joy!! One more thing is I love to listen to worship music and get my praise on!! ◡̈
Caitlyn Blalock says
One thing that brings me joy is coming to your blog each morning while I’m sipping my coffee to see what you are up to! Truly mean that! And I’m totally making your s’mores cookies you posted about today. Yum!
Cheryl S. says
I connect so much to this list! Your blog would be on my list, if I made one 🩷
Also, I once heard Jerry Seinfeld in a stand up speak about coffee; he said it’s always on your side. So true!
Finally, I would add to your #13, if someone isn’t experiencing joy at church, get involved/sign up to serve! It’s nearly impossible to not experience joy when you’re serving the needs of others!
Kathy says
We live fairly close to a lake. There’s a path there that we often walk that can just make an ordinary day extraordinary. Over the years we’ve had people join us just to watch the sunset over the lake. There’s something special about that. I love sunrises and sunsets anyway, but watching it go down over the water is really wonderful.
When my kids were younger, I used to call them to the window to see the sunset. That’s something they still remember.
Alana says
What a fun blog post! This was filled with joy & positivity and I loved reading it! A couple things.. I didn’t know you’re a puzzle builder. I love a good puzzle! Also, I miss your podcast so much. I should go listen back to all the episodes just for fun!
Angela says
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post, Shay! I love your list! It is such a sweet reminder for us to stop and take inventory of all the many blessings God graciously gives us!!
A few things that bring me joy… going to sporting events with my hubby and our sons (especially if it’s to cheer on our sons!), spending my morning quiet time reading the Bible, celebrating birthdays and holidays, working on puzzles or a sudoku, hugs, connecting with friends, your blog, and a great smelling candle!
Leslie Jackson says
Off topic but TJs in McKinney has the PumpkinSpice Barebell Bars! 😋
Mix and Match Mama says
I KNOW!!!!!!! My heart is so so so happy!
Amanda says
Great post! Yes, every cup of coffee is an experience!
Question for you regarding Pinterest…I feel like recently whenever I open up Pinterest, so many of the posts are AI-driven (I’m mainly talking about recipes) and it’s frustrating to me. When I click on links, I can tell there’s not a “real” person behind it. Is it my algorithm or are you (or any other readers) finding that too?
Mix and Match Mama says
I find broken links to many things (home inspo, workouts, etc) on pinterest. I don’t know if it’s AI-driven or just things that have been re-pinned many many times and the links are now old and/or broken? I do find that some too though!
StephC says
What a great list, Shay! One free thing I like to do is digital scrapbook – I love creating something beautiful that I can share with others.
Sarah Yaffe says
I agree with every single one of these except Sudoku! Maybe I should try it? If we ever met in person we would be fast friends because we are so much alike! One of my simple joys is reading your blog the last 11ish years. Thank you so much for bringing so much positivity to the internet, Shay! I can honestly say you are one of the most positive and grateful people I “know.” 😊