What Pockets of Joy Really Means
Reflections on presence and enjoying the little things
My parents visited us over the weekend, and my mom and I got to talking about my newsletter. She commented on how she thought I really nailed the title of my newsletter, Pockets of Joy. It’s somewhat of a vague title, and I think I did that on purpose because it allows me to write about whatever strikes my fancy without committing to one particular theme. While I cover a myriad of topics in this space, both metaphysical and practical, at its core, it’s about taking those little moments of joy and savoring them while you can. Expanding on them, reflecting on the lessons they teach, seeing what lies below the surface.
Back in May, we took our first vacation since before the pandemic, to Disney World and Universal Studios. It was my first time on a plane in over 2 years. As someone who regularly goes on at least one plane trip each year, this felt like a lifetime. After being deprived for so long, we felt determined to make the most of this trip.
If you’ve ever been to Disney World, you know that in order to do it “right,” there is no time for rest or leisure. Through the Genie app and Genie+ service, you’re mapping out an itinerary for each day, reserving time slots for popular rides and attractions, and walking over 20,000 steps a day in the process. I’m usually a go-with-the-flow type of person, so it’s probably a good thing that my app never worked for the whole trip. I was forced to rely on others (also not a strength of mine), to figure out where I needed to be and when. On a trip like that where every moment is jam-packed, you can’t help but be present and enjoy the magic.
Anyone with an iPhone can attest to the time of the week when we’re forced to reckon with how we’re spending our time: the screen time report. The week we went to Disney, I saw a significant reduction in screen time. While I can’t look up my history to verify the exact numbers, I believe I averaged less than 2 hours per day. While this might seem like a lot to some people, given how much I rely on my phone for everyday tasks (and, let’s be honest, the typical social media time suck), this was unprecedented for me. It was also a wake-up call to realize how much time I waste mindlessly scrolling.
After that, I decided to take more time to put down my phone and live in the moment. I started noticing the value of being alone with my thoughts for once, without immediately picking up my phone to look it up, then getting distracted by something on Instagram. I spent more time snuggling or throwing the ball with Della and having conversations with Bryan over our morning coffee. I started going out to our backyard with Della at night to smell the summer air, check out the moon, and watch the fireflies twinkling like Christmas lights in the trees. I noticed how slow and intentional life felt in those moments.
Try as I might, I still notice myself drifting back into more screen time and those weekly reports trending upward. Then I have moments that bring me back to reality. I look up and realize that everyone in the room is on their phone, not talking to each other. Della starts whining when I’ve been working for too long, or barks at me if I check my phone when she wants to play.
At our wedding, Bryan’s cousin, Father Danny, used the homily (the sermon after reading the gospel) to give us some advice as we entered into this new chapter of our relationship. After taking some time to tell stories and roast Bryan for a while, he gave some sound advice that stayed with me. He talked about the little things and how they become the big things. There are big moments, but those are fewer and far between. It’s the combination of little moments that make a life. While interruptions and distractions are inevitable in our connected world, I’m consciously trying to be “there” physically and mentally for as much of life as I can.
What are your best tips for staying in the moment? Let me know in the comments!
The Overshare Zone
Thoughts for now, whether you want to hear it or not
Reminiscing: About closing on our home and moving in 1 year ago this week. Finding this place in a crazy housing market at the time we did was definitely divinely guided, and I’m taking a moment to be grateful for where we are and how far we’ve come.
Remembering: That we’re living the life that past us dreamed of. I heard a version of that quote a long time ago, and it really stuck with me. As someone who is typically forward-thinking and always looking ahead to the next big thing, that thought helps me to take a moment for gratitude.
Balancing: Consistency with the desire to experiment and create from a place of flow. I’m excited to get back to a rhythm with my newsletter posts and also see how I can mix up my offerings and try new things.
Pockets of Joy is a perfect name! I will be reminded to take all the sweet little moments around me everyday and stuff them in my pockets for later. ❤️