Yesterday, Larry and I took Lexi to Petco for her birthday... she's three!
Basically the dog version of taking your kid to Toys "R" Us and saying, "You get to pick one."
We already know her type. She likes her toys squeaky. And loud.
Easy to carry.
Not too big.
Not too small.
Not too fuzzy.
She zigzagged through the aisles, stopping every few feet to sniff, inspect, reject, and move on. It was a very serious decision.
After about ten minutes... she found it.
We brought it home, picked up sushi, sat down for a quiet dinner, and just as we started talking...
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK.
Not only was it the loudest squeaky toy she's ever owned...it was the longest squeak we've ever experienced.
Conversation we thought we would have? Impossible.
Maybe a movie? Nope.
And yet... neither of us wanted to take it away. Her happiness was enough entertainment.
Somewhere between the squeaking and the sushi, it hit me.
Watching someone you love experience joy... is its own kind of joy. And you don't need a dog to know that feeling.
So if you're looking for a little more joy today...
Don't start by looking for your own.
Celebrate a friend's amazing news.
Call someone whose laugh always makes you laugh.
Watch dogs and babies on TikTok.
One of the quickest ways to feel happier... is to watch someone else light up.
Whose joy will you celebrate this week?
Until next Friday...
Love,
Jenn