Find Joy

My 5-year old daughter’s class has been having mystery reader days for the past month.

In the good 'ol days before Covid one parent would go to the school, dress up and read a book to the class.

But, because we’re in lockdown things are a little different. A parent still dresses up and reads a book to the class but it’s over Zoom. As is typical with kids, they don’t dwell on what they don’t have but rather find joy in what they’ve got.

For them, the Zoom reading isn’t a big deal. In fact, they’ve now developed a game that they couldn’t have played if the parents came into the school. They all try and guess who the parent is. There is now a real air of mystery surrounding the Mystery Reading Ritual.

Kids are great teachers!

My daughter has been asking almost daily when our turn is coming up. With my wife at work, this morning was my turn to read. Conveniently, my wife also came up with the idea of reading a Fancy Nancy book.

Fancy Nancy is one of our daughter's favourite characters. At the moment. So guess who dad dressed up as? I’ve attached a picture at the end so you can have a laugh.None of the kids guessed who the dad was. It took me lifting the Fancy Nancy book to the screen before my daughter then said; “that’s my dad, Jazza!”.

Side note: you know you have a nickname for life when even your daughter uses it to name you.

When I picked her up from school that afternoon she was beside herself with excitement. For the rest of the evening, all she could talk about was her dad being a girl and all my accessories.

It got me thinking about how great it would be to have a kids' perspective on things again. Appreciate every moment and event, To be present in just that moment and find so much joy there.

I also realised if I had been working there was a good chance I wouldn't have done the reading. I would have been in meetings or had some other “important” task to complete.

The joy on my daughter’s face when she realised it was her dad.  And, dressed as Fancy Nancy to read to her whole class is something I will not soon forget.

When you're having a bad day or week it’s important to find some joy. And almost 100% of the time there will be something you can find in the week that has made you happy. Some days you will need to look harder than others but you will find it.

It doesn’t have to be huge. It can be something small. You’ll be surprised how even the smallest action that changed your headspace can be used as a reference again and again.

Take that and leverage it.

Find joy!

My Weekly Shares

What I’m reading

I’m currently reading Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. I’m 20% of the way through and will write a little something on it when I’m done.

What I’m listening to

On Audible I am listening to Effortless by Greg McKeown. 

Podcast I listened to this week. Anne Lamott on Tim Ferriss’s podcast. Anne talks about writing and taming your inner critic. Crazy how timely these things are when you’re observant. This podcast gave me the push I needed to start this newsletter.

What I’m rabbit holing

I’m DEEEEP into NFT land at the moment. I’ve joined a few Discord groups and love the communities. It’s a mix of hype and excitement but generally positive, good people. 

I also purchased my first NFT. I’m officially part of the Degenerate Ape Academy.

Something Beautiful

Every week I’ll also share a photo that is inspiring and beautiful. This week will be an exception.

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