At certain moments I find myself enjoying life in a certain way. I may be alone, or with friends, or with my family, or even among strangers. Beautiful weather always helps; the more trees, the better. Early morning or evening is the best time. Maybe someone says something funny. And while everyone laughs, there is a sort of feeling that surges up under the laughter, like a wave rocking a rowboat, that tells you that this is the way life should be.
Moments like that don’t come every day, aren’t predictable, and can’t very well be charted. But the main response they inspire is something like gratitude: after all, one can’t exactly deserve them. One can only be prepared for them. But they do come.
— Joseph Sobran, from “Pensees: Notes for the reactionary of tomorrow (National Review, December 31, 1985)
Quote: Thank you Kurt @ Cultural Offering)
Absolutely beautiful. Reading your choices of articles, books, and tips all make me tremendously thankful. Thankful for, amongst other ‘pointers’, the realisation that words like gratitude, thankfulness, praise of the moment, happiness have become my ‘go to’ on a daily basis. Of course, my life, like any other, is not always “my flavour of the day”, but I may be living through the tough going with the knowledge that things will get better again. What doesn’t defeat us, makes us stronger. And what makes us grateful, makes us healthier inside and happier.
Thank you for sharing all those precious stories with us.
PS: just finished The Midnight Library….
And yesterday night we viewed the astonishingly well made Fabelmans movie in an open air cinema.
Thank you Kiki. Midnight Library. Open Air Cinema. Magic!
Kiki’s comment is Awesome, and she is correct! Thank you for making time to share your knowledge and wisdom DK!
Thanks Paul!
Wow. Just WOW. Speechless.
Yes! Me too!
“…a sort of surge that comes up under the laughter…” I know that feeling. Perfectly captured, and when it’s happening, you’re thinking, ‘This! This is the moment I want to seal in amber, to pull out and revisit again in a quiet moment.” 💕
Seal in! Yes!
Those are some favourite moments. I aspire for them to happen at least once daily!
Moments of genuine connection are enriching – I think every fiber of my being feels better and stronger. I loved Lori’s reference to holding those moments encased in amber..
Yes, me too Mimi.
David, this is so timely for me after two wonderful days with friends where this was the underlying feeling. Moments to savor. Of course, I want to think I deserve these moments . We all deserve them. Gut reaction for sure. Will look for the title. Thank you for sharing as always.
Beautiful post that focuses on the Joys in life! Perfect for a Monday as well! Thanks David!
This is so beautifully said
Isn’t it though.
We can find that underlying magic in your photos and posts ~
Awwww. Thanks Laila.
Beautiful. You share beautiful, enjoyable, and thought-provoking pieces. Thanks, David.
Thank you Indira!
My pleasure.