Finding Joy in the Chaos: A Day of Simple Adventures

Today, anxiety decided to make its presence known.

Today, anxiety decided to make its presence known. You know that feeling—it creeps in quietly, then suddenly feels like it’s taking over your whole day. As someone who feels others’ emotions deeply, it doesn’t take much for the uncertainty of the world, especially with a job that’s tied so closely to social media, to weigh me down. It’s a heavy load to carry, and some days are harder than others.

But today, I chose not to sit with it. Instead, I grabbed my kids—the best little adventurers—and set out to create a day filled with simple joys. Our first stop was Cancer Survivors Park. There’s something about walking through the peaceful trails and seeing the inspiring stories of resilience and strength that grounds me. It’s a gentle reminder that even when life feels heavy, there’s beauty and perseverance all around us.

Next, we headed to the mall, where the smell of freshly baked Cinnabon rolls was too tempting to resist. The kids’ laughter over sticky fingers and frosting-covered grins was medicine for my soul. It’s amazing how a little sweetness and their giggles can instantly lift my spirits.

We ended our adventure at Ocean’s Floor, where we picked out some stunning additions to my fish tank. There’s something so calming about watching fish swim gracefully in their underwater world. It feels like a small slice of tranquility amidst the chaos.

For me, photography is a form of therapy. When life feels overwhelming, I grab my Fuji and let it guide me back to the present. Capturing the little moments—the sparkle in my kids’ eyes, the sunlight filtering through the trees, or the vibrant colors of the fish—reminds me to focus on what’s right in front of me. It’s a grounding practice that helps me reset and recharge.

Social media, for all its positives, can sometimes amplify feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. But days like this remind me of the importance of stepping away, embracing spontaneity, and reconnecting with what truly matters: family, nature, laughter, and the simple joys of life.

So, if you’re feeling the weight of the world or just a little off-kilter, take a moment to breathe, explore, and be present. Whether it’s a walk in the park, indulging in a sweet treat, or diving into a creative outlet like photography, these small acts can make all the difference.

Here’s to finding peace in the little things and choosing joy, even on the hard days. 🌿📸

Images shot on a Fujifilm Xt-5 my ‘play’ camera.