I recently came across a saying that has stayed with me: “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” At this stage of life, when so much is shifting, I find myself wondering how to live as fully as possible with the life I have right now. I haven’t figured it all out, but I’ve learned that getting outside always helps.
I crave nature, and city living doesn’t quite satisfy that longing. So I make the most of what’s close to home. Near my apartment is a bird sanctuary, and the little path at its entrance lets me pretend, for a while, that I’m deep in a forest. Leaves blanket the ground, trees rise all around me, and I want to keep walking just to see what’s around the next bend.
The sanctuary is open to the public from October 1 to April 1, and I love knowing the birds have a safe haven nearby even during the months it’s closed to us. When I can visit, I follow the boardwalk through the trees and stop whenever something catches my eye.
This time it was the light filtering through the leaves, the tall grasses swaying, and a few flowers still holding on to their blooms. I took pictures, but I also let myself simply be there and take it all in.
Just off the boardwalk, a little hidden path leads to a small beach where dogs and people alike come to enjoy the water.
It isn’t the ocean, but the sound of the waves can carry me there all the same. Then I look up and see the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty across the harbor, and I’m reminded that I’m still in the city. Somehow, right here, I’ve found a place that gives me some of what I’ve been longing for.
Being outside felt so good that I broke into a little jog. I’ve been trying to keep a promise to myself to exercise more, and that day I actually felt inspired to move. I jogged a bit, walked a bit, and paused for pictures along the way. Because I was enjoying myself, keeping that promise didn’t feel like a chore. It became part of the pleasure.
As I get older, I want to pay closer attention to what makes me feel this way. So much changes at this point in life, and I don’t always know what’s coming next. But there are still things I want to do and places I want to see. I want to take care of myself so I can keep enjoying them, and I want to appreciate what’s already within reach along the way.
I’ll always long for time in a forest or beside the ocean. Until I get there, I have this little path, a boardwalk, and a beach close to home. On this particular day, they gave me room to wander, a reason to move, and the simple joy of feeling good outdoors. That’s something I want more of in my life.
Simple Ways to Find Your Joy
Your joy might look different from mine. It could be music, flowers, baking with the kids, or an afternoon somewhere new. Here are a few simple things to try.
- Play your favorite music and do a little dancing. You don’t need a partner or an occasion—just a song that makes you want to move.
- Sit at an outdoor café and people-watch. Order something you enjoy and give yourself time to linger.
- Read your favorite book on a park bench. Find a comfortable spot and spend some time with a story you love.
- Buy yourself flowers, just because. Put them somewhere you’ll see them every day.
- Go on a photo walk. Use your phone to capture whatever catches your eye—a flower, an interesting doorway, or sunlight through the trees.
- Take a day trip that doesn’t require driving. Hop on a train, bus, or ferry and spend a few hours exploring somewhere new.
- Have a craft day with your grandkids. Pick up some inexpensive paper, crayons, glue, and stickers, and see what you can create together.
- Bake with the kids. Make cookies, cupcakes, or a family favorite together—and enjoy tasting what you’ve made.
- Do a little gardening, indoors or out. Pot some herbs for your windowsill, plant flowers on your balcony, or spend an afternoon in the garden.
- Spend time on your favorite hobby. Pull out your knitting, work on a puzzle, or pick up whatever you love doing just for the pleasure of it.
What’s one little thing that brings you joy?