Currently, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is advertising an initiative encouraging people to find the joy in everyday actions; it’s about identifying simple little things to keep your mental health meter topped up. As I moved through my very run-of-the-mill day today, I felt myself turning the idea over. Nothing special happened today.
Stuff happened today.
Like Little Olive and her brood going about their day next to me as I had my morning coffee
or discovering Miss Babette somewhere unexpected.
Dolly the chicken is not keen on the roosters. Here she is, checking to see if the coast is clear for her to make a dash to the feeder.
As it always is before you go away on holiday, I had plenty on my list to be getting on with. But instead of tackling the list, the weeds growing the the cobbles in the vegetable garden as I picked broad beans for dinner distracted me.
It wasn’t pressing or important but…well, I reckon it was worth the time investment. The dogs felt I’d done a fine job.
Nothing special happened today. It was a Top Up kind of day.
Union Homestead 
How did the guinea pig feel about sharing its quarters with Babette?
I adopted the practice of daily gratitude some years ago as a way of acknowledging the positive aspects of my day – a mental health top up if you like.
I think Ed is used to Babette’s ways but April and Cindy, his housemates, do not like it at all. It’d just that lovely warm hay, out of the wind, is too good for her to overlook for her midmorning nap. I’ve never seen her do this before but Farm Girl and The Princess say its a regular thing. As for seeking joy in the everyday, I’m with you. It’s the ultimate top up.
I love the minutiae of life; these little details are what existance is all about and once we start to notice them we cannot stop even if we try. I love this post!
Thanks, Clare and you’re so right. At the end of the day it’s simply a habit. A good habit!
When you get to my age, nothing special ever happens and that is just as well, If something special did happen, it might be the end of me. I liked your ‘top ups’.
I protest! Special things are a regular occurrence at your house and you handle them magnificently 😊