Moments of Joy

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Moments of joy were easy to recall as we went round the room: an unexpected smile from a passer-by, a memory of climbing a mountain, comfort from stroking your cat, settling down with a good novel, a warming cup of tea, the sound of a cheering football crowd, signs of Spring in the park, cuddling a toddler finally succumbing to sleep… It was a topic some had previously discussed (see Small Joys, November 2022 ) and a joy to share some pieces written then with more recent members of the group. 

In a follow-on meeting, Chris Hogben led a relaxed and enjoyable sewing workshop, helping us to capture our thoughts about small joys as we chatted, stitched and unwound.   In the blog post which follows, some of us share the results in images, others have also written reflections.  Enjoy!

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Jean Thompson

What a lovely session this was. Led by Jolene and Chris Hogben, we could choose some simple designs of things that might give us a small joy in life and Chris helped us develop the embroidery skills needed to complete our designs.

I chose a design of a teapot. On one level it represented how much I enjoy the joy of a proper cup of tea made in a china pot with real tea leaves, out of a china cup. So civilised in a busy world! On another level though, it represented how joyful it is to meet with friend and family and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea and conversation. What could be better than a walk in the sunshine with companions of a like mind, and then finding somewhere that can offer a decent cup of tea, and maybe cake?

Practically it was so relaxing to focus on some simple embroidery, concentrating on the work in hand rather than all the thoughts that usually occupy your mind.

After a long time of not doing any sewing and embroidery, it was great to have Chris’s support and practical tips which I will definitely use in the future. His collection of needle threaders were great fun as well!

Tony Goulding

This month’s sessions were slightly different in that we first explored a theme of a previous session including looking at some of the writing it had produced and reflecting on it.

In the follow-up session the group was encouraged to embroider a symbol of something that makes them joyous. Those who know me will not be surprised that I chose this badge of my favourite football club, Manchester City.

I must admit that I am finding the craft work quite difficult, but the activity has brought me small joys in several ways. There was the camaraderie fostered by the sharing of a group project as I was given both practical help and great encouragement.  There is the benefit in being creative, joy being found through the process not necessarily the end product. Finally, there is the joy derived from overcoming a difficulty and producing a piece of work.

Jolene Sheehan

It’s been lovely to think about Small Joys again and the way they hold up a magnifying glass to what is important. In those fleeting moments that barely register in the grand timeline, when we pause to take notice, the volume gets turned up on the most valuable things in life. A cup of tea placed beside me without asking, a song that unexpectedly brings me to tears or dance (or both!), the way ‘my’ beloved Chorlton Water Park looks different every single day. These are the fabric of my days, and when I reflect on them, I see just how much I have stitched into my life that is meaningful and beautiful.

For years, I thought big moments were what I should be working towards—the life-changing events, the achievements, the milestones. But I realise now, life isn’t made up of milestones—it’s just a series of moments, and small joys are the ones that truly represent and amplify what is important. They exercise my capacity to be present, to appreciate the good, and to connect with something beyond myself. They aren’t just tiny bursts of happiness; they are portals to possibility, constant invitations to feel alive and in tune with life itself.

And really, they’re never actually small. The smell of onions and garlic drifting from the kitchen isn’t just about food, it’s about my husband cooking for us, about home, about years of familiarity wrapped up in one ordinary moment. My son’s suddenly massive shoes by the door aren’t just footwear, they are a reminder of how fast he’s growing, how strong and healthy he is, how time moves whether I’m paying attention to it or not. The cheese plant reaching across my living room like it’s plotting a takeover isn’t just a plant—it’s a daily reminder that life keeps expanding, keeps making space for itself.

A conversation with a friend while walking, a bright sky on a cold day, hearing someone I love laugh, the first signs of blossom on the tree near my house, all of these things, small as they seem, are spokes-moments for something much bigger. They’re proof of connection, of care, of time passing and circling back. They’re reminders that there is always more, more to notice, more to appreciate, more to be part of.

When I stop and take it in, I realise just how much love and support moves through my life, how much has been given without me even having to ask. Small joys aren’t small at all. They’re the scaffolding of everything that matters.

Jane Graham

Joy! It’s heavenly! Only a moment in time and you know. What was before has ceased and too soon after that exquisite time of knowing has moved to the calm and bliss of having known.

So, what is it? There are many uses of the word ‘Joy’, each can only be told by personal experience because ‘Joy’ comes from within, a feeling that blazes through our bodies, mind and spirit without being planned or prepared for. Suddenly it engulfs one’s whole being. The feeling may stay for a short or long time. What is wonderful is it remains in memory. The feeling cannot be recalled, only knowing we had it. What is sad is not being able to retell the experience to others no matter how hard we try. Others can see the change the moment is having in you, and they cannot put it into words. It is a heavenly time which can be felt and seen and does not stay. Heavenly! I wonder why I choose that word?