Oh, Happy Day

Some days are so delicious that you could just eat them up with a big 'ol spoon. They're so delicious, in fact, that we savor them for the rest of our lives, long after the aftertaste is gone.

What is it that makes our happiest days stand out in our minds? I suppose sometimes it's simply the event of the day itself, like a wedding or the first day of a much sought-after job. But it's the way we feel that makes them worthy of the "best days of my life" list. It's the happiness and the joy that are waiting for us at the door that makes these days so special.

One of my goals for 2014 is to create even more joyous moments. I have a theory about how I might do this. Are you listening? Here goes:

1) I'm going to stop having expectations. (This is going to be ridiculously challenging for someone who likes to plan everything.) But hang in here with me a sec.

The most joyous days of my life didn't happen at all like I expected they would. It poured on our wedding day. My epidural never worked for my C-section. Know what though? Still, they are two of the best days of my life.

See what I'm getting at here? Planning may make for a smooth day, but the unexpected yields some pretty major joy.

2) I'm going to let go of doubt, too. I think when we doubt ourselves or those around us, we send joy packing. We doubt that others around us will come through; we refuse to believe that things will go according to plan. We feel insecure about our abilities or our appearance; we throw in the towel on the day before it's even noon.

3) Finally, I'm going to be more present in the moment. As a fan of social media, (clearly), I have a hard time just being in the moment without the urge to reach for my phone to snap a photo. It's also difficult to silence the running to-do list in my head. It seems like I'm always planning for what's next instead of living in the here and now. These things are stealing the joy from my moments and I'm ready to stop them.

Here are what a few of y'all told me when I asked about your most joyous days:

Now I want to hear from you. What was the most joyous day of your life? I hope you'll join me in creating more joyous moments this year.

Remember to follow on Instagram to answer today's JOY survey question. (Username is ablondeambition)

P.S.- Come back tomorrow for a special JOY-themed outfit post featuring one of my favorite new dresses from Savoir-Faire. Did you know clothing could give you joy? I'll bet if you're reading this blog, you did ; ) Be sure to answer today's Instagram question, which will be posted later this evening!