joyful living

Put Something In ~ A Poem by Shel Silverstein

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Why the World Needs Your Unique Brand of Silly

You don’t need to be a master artist to change the world—you just need to be a little bit “loony.”

Put Something In

Shel Silverstein

Draw a crazy picture,
Write a nutty poem,
Sing a mumble-grumble song,
Whistle through your comb.
Do a loony-goony dance
‘Cross the kitchen floor,
Put something silly in the world
That ain’t been there before.

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Deepening the Creative Spark

Shel Silverstein’s “Put Something In” is more than a whimsical rhyme; it is a profound manifesto for authentic self-expression. In a world that often demands perfection and conformity, Silverstein invites us to embrace the “loony-goony” and the “mumble-grumble.” This poem suggests that the value of art lies not in its technical mastery, but in its originality—the simple act of bringing something into existence that “ain’t been there before.” By celebrating the silly and the nonsensical, we strip away the fear of judgment, uncovering a raw, joyful creativity that is uniquely our own.

As you read this poem, ask yourself:

Which “silly” part of your personality have you been hiding lately, and how would it feel to let it out across your own “kitchen floor”?

The Ritual of One: Finding Joy in the Meals You Make for Yourself

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Eating alone isn’t lonely—it’s intentional, rich, and beautifully personal.

Eating alone often carries an unfair stigma. People imagine silence, emptiness, or lack. But the truth is that solo meals can be among the richest, most meaningful parts of your day. When you live alone, every meal becomes an opportunity to create ritual, cultivate joy, and nourish yourself in a way that is deeply personal.

Ritual doesn’t require candles or ceremony—though candles help. It simply means bringing intention to the moment. Maybe you play soft music. Maybe you choose your favorite bowl. Maybe you take a breath before eating or give thanks for the nourishment in front of you. These small gestures turn a meal into something grounding and restorative.

Research published in Appetite found that mindful eating practices lead to greater satisfaction, improved emotional wellbeing, and healthier food choices overall (Beshara et al., 2020). When you slow down and give your meal attention, even the simplest dish feels more meaningful.

Julia Child said, “Dining alone can be just as fun as dining with someone—if you make it so.” Solo meals are a chance to reconnect with yourself, to pause, to savor, and to remind yourself that you deserve good food and good moments.

When you bring joy into your meals, you bring joy into your life. Cooking for one becomes a daily affirmation that you are worth the time, the effort, and the nourishment.

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Recipe for One: Warm Chickpea & Spinach Skillet

Ingredients: chickpeas, spinach, olive oil, garlic powder, lemon

Instructions: Heat oil → add chickpeas → wilt spinach → season → finish with lemon.

Chef Quote: “Dining alone can be just as fun as dining with someone—if you make it so.” — Julia Child

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Seeking Joy ~ A Poem by William H. Davies

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Where Joy Truly Lives: Rediscovering Happiness in the Simple Things

We spend years chasing joy in all the wrong places, only to find it waiting quietly in the natural, uncostly moments that ask nothing of us but our attention.

Seeking Joy

William H. Davies

Joy, how I sought thee!
Silver I spent and gold,
On the pleasures of this world,
  In splendid garments clad;
The wine I drank was sweet,
Rich morsels I did eat—
  Oh, but my life was sad!
Joy, how I sought thee!

Joy, I have found thee!
Far from the halls of Mirth,
Back to the soft green earth,
  Where people are not many;
I find thee, Joy, in hours
With clouds, and birds, and flowers—
  Thou dost not charge one penny.
Joy, I have found thee!

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Reflection

William H. Davies reminds us that joy is not something we purchase, earn, or chase through extravagant living. It often hides beneath the simple rhythms of life—clouds drifting, birds singing, flowers blooming. The poem invites us to consider how easily we overlook the joy already around us, mistaking noise for fulfillment and motion for meaning. When we return to the quiet places within and around us, we rediscover a joy that costs nothing yet enriches everything. True joy has always lived close to the earth, close to the heart, waiting for us to notice.

As you read this poem, ask yourself:

Where have you overlooked simple, cost-free moments of joy in your own life—and how might you welcome more of them?

POST 1 — The Art of Saying “No” Without Guilt

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Give Yourself the Gift of “No”: The First Step to a Joyful Holiday Season

The holidays aren’t a performance—they’re an experience. Protecting your time may be the greatest gift you give yourself.

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The holiday season brings bright lights, music, and excitement—but it also brings more invitations, obligations, and expectations than any other time of year. Many people walk into December full of hope and walk out exhausted, stretched thin, or secretly relieved the season is over. The truth is simple: the holidays don’t create stress by themselves—it’s the pressure we place on ourselves to say “yes” to everything.

Learning to say “no” without guilt may be the most powerful holiday stress reliever you will ever practice. It’s not rejection—it’s emotional vaccination.

Most of us were raised to be agreeable, helpful, and available. During the holidays, that instinct goes into overdrive. Someone asks you to bring extra food to a gathering—you say yes. Someone needs help decorating, shopping, or wrapping gifts—you say yes. Another fundraiser, another school event, another cookie exchange—you say yes again. Before long, you’re running on fumes, and the joy gets replaced by resentment.

Setting boundaries is not about avoiding people—it’s about showing up fully for the moments that matter most. And you cannot show up fully if you are depleted.

Here are simple ways to say “no” without guilt:

1. Use gratitude + clarity.

“I’d love to support, but I’m staying committed to a lighter schedule this holiday season.”

2. Offer a smaller “yes.”

“I can’t attend, but I’d be happy to send a card or drop off cookies.”

3. Honor your energy.

“Thank you for thinking of me. I’m keeping space open for rest this week.”

4. Don’t over-explain.

A simple, kind refusal is enough. Your health doesn’t require justification.

5. Say “yes” to what truly brings joy.

If it makes you feel connected, inspired, or peaceful—choose it. If it drains you, release it.

The biggest transformation happens when you realize that saying “no” to something small is saying “yes” to something greater—your joy, your peace, your holiday spirit.

When you protect your energy, your presence becomes a gift. Your laughter is easier. Your smile is real. Your family and friends feel the difference immediately.

This holiday season, make room for rest. Make room for joy. Make room for what fuels your soul.

Closing Quote

“Let peace begin with me.” — Sy Miller & Jill Jackson

When the Universe Smiles Back: Starting the Day with Joy and Gratitude

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Some mornings the universe seems to whisper, “This one’s for you.” From shooting stars to morning coffee, joy is waiting if we just notice it.

I woke today feeling happy. I don’t remember my dreams. They must have been good ones. I couldn’t wait to get out of bed get started on the day. Although it’s relatively early in the day (8 a.m.) as I am writing this post my day has started off awesome. I like to check the night sky early in the morning. Jupiter is over head and Orion is smiling at me. Today, I saw two shooting stars in the Orion constellation. I take that as a good sign that my day will only get better. And it has! Text messages from daughters saying good morning. A surprise chat from a friend in China. Coffee so rich I savored every drop. Some days are like this. I’m going to enjoy the ride while it lasts. Hope your day is over the top as well.

Question for Readers:

What small moments have made your morning feel extraordinary today? Do you believe the universe sends little signs of happiness?

Light for the Journey: Sunlight for the Soul: The Power of a Joyful Heart

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What if your heart could be a beam of heaven’s own sunlight? Discover how joy reveals divine love—and why it might just save the day.

A joyful heart is like the sunshine of God’s love, the hope of eternal happiness. ~ Mother Teresa

Reflection:

Mother Teresa’s words are a reminder that joy isn’t surface-level giddiness—it’s the deep, abiding warmth that radiates from a heart aligned with love. A joyful heart, she says, is “like the sunshine of God’s love.” Think about that. Sunshine doesn’t pick favorites. It shines freely, touching everything in its path. So does joy when it comes from the soul. It’s not based on perfect circumstances—it’s rooted in a quiet trust that love is stronger than fear, and that we’re all being gently held by something greater. That kind of joy becomes a window into eternity, a glowing promise that what we hope for—peace, love, meaning—isn’t wishful thinking. It’s already shining within us. A joyful heart doesn’t deny sorrow—it carries hope through it. So let joy rise. Even in the cracks. Especially there. That’s where sunlight always finds its way in.

Dancing Through the Day

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What happens when you wake up turbo-charged, the moon winks at you, and the birds sing your theme song? You dance through the universe, leaving grumpy faces in your stardust. Come along—you might just rediscover how terrific today can be.

I think today is going to be a terrific day. All signs point to it. I rose early. I felt great. When I did my early mining exercises I was turbo charged. After my shower, I stepped outside. It was still dark, but the birds were singing. The moon was showing off it’s beauty. I think the cosmos was celebrating with me. My expectations for this day are high. I admit my expectations for every day are high. I’ve always been this way. I think I’ll play some dancing music and dance through the day. No gloomy people allowed around my circle today. Wave at me as I fly by on my trips around our solar system. I hope you have a similar day. I’ll be seeing you as we pass each other. Shine on!

3 Amusing, Engaging Questions:

💫 If the moon cheered you on today, what would it say?

🎶 What song would be on your personal “Dance Through the Day” playlist?

👽 If you bumped into an alien on your joyful orbit today, what positive advice would you give them about Earth?

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