Soaking in Life’s Joy

How to take in moments of happiness

A handmade teacup I won online along with my grandma’s teapot and some homemade coconut butter mochi I made this past week. -Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth

“All the miles of a hard road are worth a moment of true happiness.”
― Arnold Lobel, Fables

Last week, I lovingly brought home a houseplant my mom gave me. One look at its leaves and you would think there was no hope as they drooped in despair.

Quickly, I did some research on antler ferns. They sometimes love a long soak in water and a mist on their leaves. The roots sat in the big bowl of water for nearly three days. Slowly, I saw them rehydrate and perk up!

Once I repotted it in a larger pot with new soil, sprinkled it with more fresh water, and made a home in my garden window, I felt the joy rush into my heart!

My new antler fern soaking in the sun in my kitchen. -Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth.

Sometimes, we can feel like a dried, struggling houseplant. We reach for nutrients, hydration, and light, not only for our bodies but for our souls. Taking time to notice the good things around us is like a refreshing soak of love for our hearts.

My new plant inspires me to feed myself with joy daily by being present with everything good in my life.