Dear Friend,
How are things this week? We had some sunlight, not necessarily warm, and the traffic has been something else. In all of this, I have had moments of deep gratitude and appreciation for life. One of my patients who disappeared for a few months came back and was well enough to have a chat today. I had a hopeful chat with my sister, and in my friendship group, we have a big celebration this weekend. God is good indeed.
In many situations I find myself in, not always pleasant, I give myself the privilege of thinking again, considering that a little more perseverance in the present challenge or trial, is working a greater faith in me, that I may become what God intended in the end.
It’s not to say you have to see things this way; it’s my own way of managing the issues that fly at me daily, which are mostly out of my control. Do you have something that keeps you grounded? Care to share?
Sometimes life feels like a blur — deadlines, errands, news, responsibilities — all moving so fast that we barely notice what’s around us. And yet, if we pause for a moment, we realize that joy is often hiding in plain sight.
It’s in the laughter of a child, the warmth of sunlight on our skin, the first sip of coffee in the morning, or a quiet moment of prayer. Joy is less about grand achievements and more about being present enough to notice the little things.
I wrote a few years ago about the simple pleasures of taking a longer, more scenic route to work, or having your drink in a bottle you actually like, such pure bliss.
The art of living more mindfully is simply learning to pay attention. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and see life — and God’s hand in it — more clearly.
See yourself in the multitude and magnitude of this world and how little you are, yet in your own little world, you occupy such a large space, and your problems are so heavy. What are you going to do? Realize you are a small piece of a larger puzzle, and the owner will place you perfectly in your place at the right time. In the meantime, enjoy the ride surrounded by all the other pieces.
Stillness in our mind is not empty. It’s a space where we can recognize the goodness already present in our lives. We are inherently good; our thoughts, behaviours, and patterns may evidence the opposite, but deep within each person is good.
Take a moment to pause and observe the good in your current circumstances. The friend that still checks on you, the sibling that comes to visit, the boss that actually wants you to succeed, the staff that turns up diligently…. The list is endless.
Slow Down and Be Here Now
One of the most overlooked joys is simply being present. How often do we eat while scrolling through our phones or talk to someone while thinking about what comes next? Life becomes a list of things to do instead of moments to live.
Try pausing today. As you brush your teeth, feel the water on your hands. As you walk outside, notice the sound of the wind or the rhythm of your steps, chew your food a bit longer, feel water go through your mouth and down your throat, and observe your breath for a moment.
These small acts of presence may seem insignificant, but they slowly retrain our minds to notice joy. One day at a time, you become someone who notices. You will struggle at first, but I can guarantee it helps, because one time, a few years ago, I was like you. I was controlling, frustrated, unable to stop long enough to taste my food, but I learnt soon enough that was no way to live.
I started noticing the inner parts of myself and what made me happy, sad, or overwhelmed, and adjusted my life to reflect the new information. Self-awareness leads to more intentional practices.
Small Wins Are Worth Celebrating
We live in a culture that glorifies big achievements, but small wins are the quiet architects of a joyful life. Did you get out of bed despite a rough night? Did you finish a difficult task? Did you hold your children a bit longer? Resist the urge to snap? Did you speak kindly to someone who frustrated you? These are wins too.
Try writing down three small victories each day. They don’t have to be monumental. Over time, you’ll notice a shift — your heart starts seeking joy in the ordinary, and gratitude becomes natural.
Joy in the Everyday
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about truly feeling it. Consider picking up a hobby you have always been interested in, spending time with people who give you joy, and pursuing your dreams. Not just when life is perfect, but even when it’s messy, riding the waves of life with hope, faith, and dignity.
Pause and notice: the aroma of your morning coffee, the clothes you love, the reward for your labour, the comfort of your home. These small blessings are reminders of God’s love and presence.
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Create Space by Limiting Noise
Modern life is loud. Phones, social media, emails, constant news alerts — it can feel impossible to breathe. Joy can hide behind all this noise, waiting for a quiet moment. The constant distraction and overstimulation leave our nerves quite frazzled, our bodies tense, and our brains tired😩
Step back. Take a few minutes to sit outside, breathe deeply, and have a cup of tea slowly. Silence isn’t wasted; it’s where we find clarity and reconnect with what matters most.
Real Connection with People
There’s something powerful about being fully present with another person. Not scrolling, not distracted, not thinking about what to say next — just really listening.
I am so guilty of falling into this one. I often want to have a discussion and at the same time send emails, read texts, and view social media. A recipe for disaster because not only do you fail at everything, but you also leave another human being feeling unwanted.
Simple moments, like laughing with a friend, sharing a cup of tea with someone you love, or offering a listening ear, can bring more joy than any achievement.
Connection is how we reflect God’s love in the world — small, intentional acts of presence and care. We can be the light that is needed in the world today through our interactions with others.
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Embrace Imperfection
Life is messy. Things don’t always go as planned. But mindful living doesn’t ask for perfection — it asks for presence. We find joy not when life is perfect, but when we allow ourselves to accept it as it is.
Paul reminds us,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9).
Your joy isn’t dependent on flawless circumstances, but on a heart willing to surrender to God’s strength, trusting him to carry you through life safely.
Joy Is Already Here
The truth is, happiness isn’t waiting at the next milestone or achievement. It’s already scattered across your day, often unnoticed. It’s in a smile, a hug, a kind word, a sunset, a deep breath.
Mindful living teaches us to pause, notice, and let these simple moments fill our hearts. This is not a call to ignore working towards a better outcome in life; it is maintaining a calm and grateful inner state even when things are not as we expect.
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So slow down. Look around. Breathe. Listen. And remember, God has already sprinkled joy in the simplest corners of your life.
Until next time — stay warm, stay growing, stay loving, stay whole.
With love and light,
Amaka
