I Spy … a game updated & We’re Looking For Joy!

Decorative Sun- freeclipartnow

Sunshine and shirtsleeves! Bikers and walkers in what seemed to be greater numbers than just yesterday. The mountains were out, in snowy splendor, shining bright. People sat at sidewalk cafes with their faces turned up, catching rays. My spirits were up, it was great to be out and about dropping off gifts for a couple of clients, feeling warm in the car without the heater running! I was feeling joy, and each block along the way increased the feeling.

It was an it’s-almost-spring kind of day – the kind of day that is sometimes called a ‘fooled ya day’ here in Portland. (In February we may not get two of these in a row.) At just under 60 degrees, it was a day for not only feeling joy, but also for spying joy!

Michele M Larsen, used with permission

Michele M. Larsen, the former publisher of the NW Women’s Journal, has created a web experience and site for just these moments. She created ISpyJoy, a website dedicated to spreading joy by sharing photos and experiences of happiness from all over the world.

In her own words, she shares her thoughts behind the creation of the site: “After I lost my dream business I discovered I let too much of myself go with it. Then I made a choice: I wanted to be happy. Like the good student I’ve always been, I thought I needed to study this crazy, elusive animal “happiness.” So after reading stacks of books I came to the conclusion that happiness doesn’t come from what we do or who we think we are, it comes from appreciating the moment and finding value in simply being alive right here, right now.”

Stories and photos are varied. You’ll find photos of kids in the snow, a post about reptiles and joy, a note from a mother whose daughter has discovered her cancer has metastasized and how the ispyjoy site helped her move from despair to hope. As of the end of December, ISpyJoy had joyful images from 7 countries, 6 US states and 35 cities and counting.

I Spy Joy logo - used with permission

There is lots of encouragement to post your own moments and photos of joy. Check out the site, take a minute for joy, start your own collection of moments and sights of joy.

I Spy Joy – it’s a choice.