Joy

1. A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
2. A thing that causes joy.

Bliss, cheer, comfort, delight, glee, satisfaction, wonder. For me, joy is one part happiness, one part relaxation, one part energy, one part love, and three parts dog.

Obi taught me how to smile, to make friends and love everyone, and that there is power and strength in joy.

Dexter is teaching me how to relax, let go, roll around in the grass, play, open myself to joy, and expect every moment to contain it.

Sam is teaching me the full measure of joy, the exuberant celebration, enthusiastic welcoming, energetic embrace, the embodiment and experience of joy.

All three of my boys, including their “Dad” have taught me the joy of love, family, acceptance, and belonging.

What does joy mean to you, dear reader? Where do you find it? Who is teaching you about it? Or are you teaching someone else?