The Joy You Seek Might Be Closer Than You Think
🍂 Colorful fall leaves. Comfortable, if a bit chilly, temperatures. A craving for warm, comforting foods. All of this quietly whispers, “My favorite time of year has arrived!”
This time of year, my husband and I usually take a weekend trip to the Laurel Mountains—visiting places like Seven Springs and Ohiopyle. But this year, for several reasons, we chose not to go on our annual getaway. And I found myself wondering, “When will I get to enjoy that crisp, fall air and soak in the beauty of the season?”
That thought took me back to the fall of 2005 (or maybe it was 2006?) when I had neck surgery for a herniated disc. When peak leaf-peeping season arrived, I was far too exhausted to go camping, hiking, or even take a long drive.
What I discovered that year was a tree right in my front yard—a vibrant, fiery red that I had somehow missed in previous years. It was breathtaking. Plus, just a short drive from home, I found a quiet park with a calm lake framed by a backdrop of trees simply ablaze in autumn colors.
Until that year, I had always searched for distant things—those big, planned moments like weekend getaways. But that fall, when getting away wasn’t an option, I discovered the beauty waiting for me right at home.
This year, when our trip to the Laurel Mountains didn’t happen, I chose to see the beauty in the everyday spaces around me. The local park where I take my walks. The familiar highways I often drive. And yes, the trees in our own yard.
It’s easy to spend life looking toward the future—working on long-term goals, waiting for “someday when…” But when we’re too focused on what’s ahead, we forget to notice the beauty happening now. We miss the little moments that deserve our gratitude and the gifts already present in our lives.
To be clear, I’m not saying that goals and dreams aren’t important. They are. But as you work toward them, remember to pause and appreciate the blessings you have today.
I’ll still look forward to our trips to the Laurel Mountains in the future. But, for today, I’m thankful for long walks in the park.
It even has a lake.
Inner Chatter Check-in:
Allow yourself to intentionally focus on what’s right in front of you.
When your mind starts to wander toward what’s next—future goals, to-dos, or even worries—pause and ask yourself:
“What can I appreciate right now?”
Whether it’s the warmth of your morning coffee, the vibrant color of a fall leaf, or the sound of laughter or a hug from a loved one, these small moments matter. They are gifts that ground us in the present and remind us that joy is often found in the everyday.
Each day, take a mindful pause and find one thing around you to savor. Writing it down can help. You’ll create a list of beautiful, everyday moments—a list you can revisit anytime you need a gentle reminder of life’s simple joys.