I am a sucker for a good alliteration (hence my corny blog URL circa 2011.) Nothing flows off the tongue quite like two words with the same first letter, and because I have been a bit of a pessimistic pill the last couple of months, I have decided to dedicate an entire post to more uplifting energy. I am trying my damndest to find joy in my everyday life despite the stagnation I feel.
Not to worry, this is a normal way of existence for me. I don’t like the idea of settling for mundane, so when my life feels a bit monotonous I feel an uptick in anxiety. I have been coping, and there are indeed joyful days sprinkled amid the stale air in my lungs, but they do say you are your attitude after all.
Without further adieu, let’s list five joyful specks in my life.
1. Duncan. Ohhh Duncan. Where do I even begin? Duncan and I have a bit of an age gap. Erm, a decently significant age gap, as well as a plethora of differences. We had no idea where this relationship was going to go, and somedays we still don’t, but what I do know is that age has nothing to do with the ability to provide proper emotional support.
Never have I ever dated someone who holds me so tightly when I cry.
He has been such an unexpected blessing in my life, and I am thankful everyday to be shown what a meaningful relationship consists of. He also sometimes rocks a mustache giving me real Tom Selleck vibes. We celebrated our one year anniversary in April, and I went full high school prom proposal with a candy board.
The idea was indeed borrowed, but the cringe worthy words were all my own. No shame.
2. Hikes with friends. I have maintained a consistent fitness routine throughout the year, but my baseline hikes have been low-level adventures. I embarked on my first higher elevation hike a few weeks ago with two gal pals and I was sore for two days after. I don’t have many people around me that I truly enjoy investing my time in, but every so often a few slip through the cracks and we enjoy an outdoor adventure.
Plus, I recently watched Grizzly Man for the first time, and have become absurdly afraid of bears. I don’t see many solo hikes in my future for a while.
3. Torture Device. Aka my inversion table. Out of pure desperation after a year of consistent sciatic pain, I bought an inversion table. I had literally nothing to loose (except some money I suppose.) Nothing was working, I was in constant discomfort or pain, and my quality of life was suffering because of this unwelcome guest always nagging at my nerves.
I cannot say if this has been exclusively what helped, but for about two weeks now I have had minimal discomfort allowing me to run again. I find this table to be a place of relaxation, and I can adjust how far back I want to go. Some days I only invert a little, and some days I invert more. I am a fan, and I will be keeping this tool in my repertoire.
Also, shoutout to Duncan for helping me assemble this the day it came. I was extremely overwhelmed by the weight and the instructions, but he showed up at my door without being asked.
4. Running. Running and I have had such an on again off again relationship. Recently I stopped running in attempt to help the above mentioned back issues (herniated disc), but I have been able to start again the last couple weeks and already it has improved my mood. I’m never without a weapon though, because running outside as a woman is always a gamble.
The sad reality of the world we live in.
5. My baby. Sometimes it’s hard for me to fathom how this tiny being had such a life threatening health concern four and a half years ago. I spent a lot of money to ensure he lived another day, and each day I have with him is now a blessing. He brings me so much joy, and his neediness over the last few years has been welcomed with open arms.
Except when he humps me.
I am thankful to have these pockets of joy in my life, but I also appreciate the ability to recognize that sometimes it’s ok to feel stuck. I’m realizing this is a recurring situation for me, and perhaps not just a short term struggle. Perhaps this is something I will continue to manage throughout my life. The up’s and the down’s are expected, but the waves feel more frequent than I would like at times.
At the end of the day I know when I fall into these pockets of life my body is trying to tell me something. Typically a change is needed in some form, and I am trying to figure out where I want to start first. Change is not always easy, but it is almost always necessary. All things considered, I have become quite good at surfing these waves of life.
Most days.
Q: What is bringing you joy right now?
Blissfulbritt 
21 thoughts on “Joyful June”
Atheria
Happy anniversary you two lovebirds! I never noticed an age difference. I hope you are the cougar and that he’s 20. LOL! Now, regarding bears, there have been some seen at work lately, so they sent out information on what you are supposed to do. Supposedly, you should identify yourself. I guess if you say, “Hello. I’m Brittany Wilson” the bear will be fine with that. HA HA! It’s funny that you mentioned inversion tables. Just last night (during typical insomnia due to horrid head pain…and now sometimes back pain) I thought about getting an inversion table again. I’d gotten a $100 one from Walmart back in 2015-ish but sold it a month later because it was putting too much stress on my ankles, knees, and hips. BUT, I think what I may have done wrong was immediately go all the way backward, totally upside down. I tend to be an all-or-nothing person, and that causes issues. I love your little fur baby. Chakra will be 15 next month and is having increasing issues (She’s had health challenges since showing up in my L.A. driveway with a shattered leg as a kitten) and I don’t ever want to lose her. She had another emergency late at night last Saturday, of course, but I was able to help her myself. Bleu is already 10. They grow up so fast. Finally, I sadly understand the feeling of rotting (in my case) as there is nothing to do here, I have few friends now, I’m in pain, and feel lost and aimless. Your life seems MUCH happier, and I’m very happy for you. You are a lovely soul.
Brittany
I am indeed the cougar. LOL. It took me some time to get over it, but I just couldn’t fight the fact we made a great match. It’s comical now.
I have been so obsessed with bears and reading about them and watching videos and it is just out of control. The fear is so real, and they are definitely abundant here in Washington.
I will say with my inversion table, it took me a couple weeks to build up the the middle inversion. I thought I would be able to just jump right in too, but it did not feel good. So I did a very mild inversion for a couple weeks first. I do feel it sometimes in my left knee (that’s my bad side of my back), but I just try not to overdo it. The insomnia from this shit is so frustrating though, I feel you.
My baby turned 14 earlier this year, and if he doesn’t give me at least six more years I am going to rage. I NEED HIM.
I’m sorry you are feeling stale too still, it’s a horrid place to be.
Atheria
Good for you! I’m 55, so I definitely need to go younger. 😉
I just found a $99 inversion table via Walmart, and it should arrive Friday…although I might be in Roswell for the 75th anniversary of the UFO crash. 🙂 I am hoping it’ll make me taller too!
I lost Bodhi at only 13 and Karma at 15. I am praying Chakra and Bleu have much longer lives. And yeah, feeling like you’re stagnant sucks.
Bob Wilson
glad you finally reached a safe conclusion. run only with protection
against 2 and 4 legged predators!
Brittany
Looking into an alarm system next. None of the running alarms seem loud enough, perhaps I start carrying a small bear alarm. Like a small air horn. That should scare someone enough to back off.
Pree
THE CANDY BOARD! Aww those always make me smile! Glad to see another post from you again 🙂
Brittany
ME TOO! They are so cheesy, and I love everything about them. LOL
Grace @ Cultural Life
Awww happy anniversary you two! I’ve never seen a candy board before but it’s adorable 🥰In the UK, we don’t have most of the candy on your board. Well I’m sure it would be possible to get it in an American candy store (there are lots of those in big cities here) but it would probably be three or four times the US price.
I’m glad you’ve found someone so supportive and an unexpected blessing. I can say the same about my partner – we met last year and I am so happy we did. I definitely wasn’t expecting it as dating can be a bit of a minefield haha. Re: age gaps, my partner and I are almost the same age but my manager saw me with him and sent me a message to say “hey, I see you’re dating a younger man” 😂 That made me laugh. Tbh I think we both look younger than our actual ages but I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
Lovely to read your updates, it took my mind off feeling sorry for myself. Currently sitting on the sofa with suspected Covid, I have all the symptoms even though I tested negative. Hope you have a great week!
Brittany
American candy is intense, although I’ve had my fair share of candy from the UK too. Not enough to know how to make a similar board though. 🤪
Too funny about your partner. Mine looks older than he is, and I’m told I look younger than I am, so from the outside looking in we look similar enough in age. I thought he was at least 6-7 years older when we met and when I began crushing on him. I think his mature look and attitude solidified my attention to him. We started as friends and it grew from there.
I hope you feel better soon! I’m at the end of my second match with Covid. I know showing positive can sometimes take more time to show despite symptoms. It’s so unpredictable!
Grace @ Cultural Life
Thank you. I got a positive test result this morning (2 days after initial symptoms started) so I’m resting and not working today. My job is remote so I logged in this morning, but my brain doesn’t have any energy to focus. Hope you haven’t had any long-lasting effects from having it twice!
Brittany
Rest up! I thankfully only had one day each round that was really rough, and the rest were just annoying. Feeling much better today. I know too many people who have had it twice, and some who have had it three times!
Rootchopper
You? A cougar? Thanks I needed a laugh.
Brittany
By the laws of science, that is what I am defined as per society. I find it comical too. Ridiculous yet comical.
Liz H
Life Goal = Low levels of ecstasy
Congratulations on your 1 year! Sounds like he’s a keeper!
Brittany
I strive to find joy in the more simple things, proves to be hard for me!
gpavants
Hi Brittany,
Wow, well just being alive. My wife. Our daughter and her coming baby.
Thanks, Gary
Brittany
How wonderful! Those are beautiful things to be joyful for.
Amy
YES to alliteration!! I literally started my blog to document my “Alphabet Adventures” so… I’m guessing you can tell I have a thing for them too. 😉 I never would’ve guessed there was an age gap unless you had said something, and even now, thinking about the other blog posts and photos that you’ve shared, I still wouldn’t have known. When our souls find another that resonates so deeply, age doesn’t seem to matter much, if at all. So happy for you — and I seriously LOVE the candy corn-y board! (I’m picturing Brach’s candy corn in my head right now… 😉 ) My little dog sounds fairly similar to your cat right now. She’ll be 14 this September, and she’s recently become much more clingy. I love it though; it makes my heart melt with how much she wants to be around me and almost permanently attached to me like superglue. ♡
Brittany
To be honest I didn’t know if I’d ever share the age gap fact, it didn’t seem necessary, but clearly decided to make a comment. After meeting Duncan I couldn’t agree more with you, somehow we just mesh. It helps we built a friendship for a few months prior to trying anything more. I think I like to emphasize the age because while he may be younger, he is wise beyond his years.
Awww your sweet little doggo. I was sick the past week so I spent A LOT of time with my cat. In fact he is sitting next to me as I reply to you. 🥰
Allie Zottola
I had no idea you and Duncan had an age gap! I’m glad you don’t let it get in the way of true meaning in your relationship.
Grizzly Man sounds terrifying, haha. I am so afraid of bears, too! It has been years since I’ve used an inversion table and now I want to try one out again!!
I looooove seeing pictures of your cat!
Brittany
My coworkers were talking about Grizzly Man one day, and it intrigued me. I watched it with Duncan and became obsessed with the story for nearly a full two weeks. The documentary wasn’t too scary, it was the thought of what happened. I’ll spare you. 😂