Wonder, Gratitude and Joy

My camera was with me constantly yesterday: I kept it with me to snap photos of my day as it happened, participating in the 18th group photo shout-out held by Flickr, one they call DILO ~ A Day in the Life Of.

I did not plan a special day: I decided to have a very ordinary one, and just see what would happen. Wonder, gratitude and joy happened.

I was so grateful for all I am surrounded by each day; things that are not unusual but add to my life in some way, the ways of wonder and joy. Here is what we had said about these three virtues:

Wonder. To have an inner capacity that can always make room for awe and wonder is such a blessing. To return to child-like innocence and acceptance, to be rendered speechless, and have it feel good and right, never helpless. To not have all the answers but feel it is perfectly fine not to, to just have wonder.

Gratitude. There may be no mightier force in our lives than learning to live in thankfulness for all we are and all we have been given. An attitude of gratitude is an attitude of aloha; The breath of life within you is meant to be shared in appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude.

Joy. Happiness with more than contentment. Happiness with bliss and euphoria. Silliness without self-consciousness. The holidays are so perfect for splashes of joy in color, in song, in tinsel and texture, even in the scents that fill the air. But most of all, in people’s faces.

You can see all of the photos I had taken in this photo set; some of my personal favorites follow.

I need to choose just five to add to the Flickr photo pool; perhaps you can help me choose?

What are the very ordinary things which fill you with wonder, gratitude and joy?

Are you taking the time to notice them each day?

An Update: Visit this page to see which photos I chose, and why (two of my choices are not shown here).

Comments

[Fran Magbual]

I couldn't possibly choose only five of those, but the white hibiscus is just incredible and the picture of the wooden steps should be in a design magazine somewhere!

The set of five you chose work great for the round-up.

[Karen Putz / DeafMom]

Ah, your photos instantly brought me back to Oahu and our wonderful trip there. I have some photos of similar flowers. The beauty is stunning. I love how you took the ordinary throughout your day and showed the beauty of it.

[Joanna Young]

Wonderful selection of photos Rosa. I particularly liked the wooden steps.

Taking photos has helped me to pay more attention this year and to access those states of wonder, gratitude and joy. It's a great way to shake yourself out of a grey mood.

I'm glad you had such a wonderfully creative and ordinary day.

Joanna

[Robyn McMaster]

Wow, your photos definitely take me into the wonder of the everyday. Thanks, and Christmas blessings to you, Rosa!