As summer wraps up, I have been having a difficult time landing on a topic to present to you. I have so many themes running around my head, design ideas, sumptuous photos, and beautiful food to show you… and like the season, all ripe for the picking. Yet, my mind keeps landing on something different…
While on vacation I saw a bumper sticker that stuck with me. This bumper sticker reads, “Don’t Postpone Joy.” I can’t get it out of my head. There have been a few tragic losses in my immediate community – families that have lost their fathers in strange and surprising ways. Immediate ways. I keep coming back to the fact that life can be taken from us swiftly, permanently, and without apology. Maybe it is the nursing hormones still in my system post-baby, but all I want to do is wrap my family in a forcefield to protect this life that we are leading, right now, in this minute. I feel scared and thankful all at the same time and then I think… “Don’t Postpone Joy.”
Have you ever read something from a crazy source that just resonates? Sometimes I feel this way about Lululemon shopping bags. The bags are stamped with all sorts of truths or mantras such as, “That which matters the most should never give way to that which matters the least.” Or, “Do one thing a day that scares you.” “Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life.” You get the idea… All good thoughts. Sometimes cliche, but still probably true and certainly good reminders.
We live with so much hustle and bustle. School is beginning, we are all getting back into our cherished and hated routines, and I feel it is especially important to clear my mind, remembering what is important. My kids are accomplishing milestones, having growth spurts and tantrums and leaving the nest in little ways each day. In the next few weeks I am sure that my baby will start to walk… All of this makes me both proud and desperately wish that I could stop time. “Don’t Postpone Joy.”
So here, right now, I will present a few moments of our Joy over the last few months and try to encourage you to think of yours. “Don’t Postpone Joy.”
Poole Party of 5 
Lesley, your post hit a responsive chord for me. Saturday I hit a van that ran a red light and totaled my car. Vinnie my 16 year old was my only passanger. It was our first time to be in an accident where the airbags deployed or where a car was totaled. No one was hurt. If only I had seen him coming in time! I can’t shake a sinking feeling that I am a bad driver. Re-runs playi unbidden in my head. Vinnie saw that the light really turned yellow as we went into the intersection (I wouldn’t have remembered or I didn’t notice). This helps me believe it wasn’t my fault, even though the other driver says I ran the read light. Do something that scares you every day? Not so appropriate for me right now! “Don’t postpone Joy?” Perfect. Today, I still have a husband who loves me and 3 children at school. Today I have a full-time paying job. Today I use a brain with no lesion that changes my personality (I’m reading a book about the history of the understanding of the brain and will power). Today, I embrace the fact that life is short and fragile. When I was grumpy in the car on the way to school, I was probably still suffering from the heavy feeling I am trying to shake after the accident. But being grumpy is postponing the joy of riding with my children, who are 2 months away from driving themselves to school in December when Vinnie gets his drivers’ license, and I won’t have the privilege of listening to their music, bickering, and anecdotes while driving to and from school.
Kathy, that must have been very scary. I am glad to hear that no one was hurt in the accident. I was in a car accident last year and it definitely took me awhile to get over it. It sounds like “Don’t Postpone Joy” came at the right time for you and your family. Take care and be well!
Sadly this is so very true! One day our niece was a happy two year old and the next she was in heart failure. It’s all so hard to believe still and in a blink your innocence is gone forever! Hug those babies and if you see my sister give her a hug from me too!
M, I’m so sorry for your loss. That is terribly sad. All good reminders to try to stay in the moment and hug our loved ones. Saw your sis and family on Sunday and gave good hugs all around!