That’s what Amaal says to me every time I tell her about something that has brought me joy here. And she’s right.
This past week, joy has looked like…
Watching Afzal do Amaal’s hair with flair.
Zuri’s first poop. Yes, we had a poop party.
A pastel de nata with a candle in it to celebrate Zuri’s first week of life.
Dropping Amaal off at school and picking her up most days.
Unscheduled dance parties in the living room.
Watching a rather enthusiastic public display of affection at Belém Tower, followed by Amaal asking, very seriously, “Are they married?”
Churros with hazelnut and whipped cream.
Playing football for the first time.
Exploring the Lisbon subway – which may have brought Nagib more joy than the rest of us combined.
Chestnuts dropping from a tree as we walked underneath it.
Watching a family of peacocks every day in the park across from Sabrina’s home.
Sunsets outside our window.
The beach, just a 20-minute walk away.
Climbing the 56 steps to Sabrina’s home. Again. And again. And again. I am choosing to put this under joy.
Holding Zuri and marvelling at the absolute awe and wonder of a new baby.
Watching my daughter as she explores and learns about being a mom to two children.
Breakfast dates with Nagib – a croissant with turkey and cheese, coffee, and our daily check-in.
Riding the cable car with Amaal and watching the water glisten below us.
Walking through fallen leaves just to hear them crunch beneath my feet.
Colouring with Amaal and reading her two stories every day.
Friday movie nights. With snacks, obviously.
None of these are enormous things. And perhaps that’s the point.
We spend so much of our lives waiting for the big things – the trip, the milestone, the achievement, the celebration.
But life is mostly made up of ordinary moments. Breakfasts. School runs. Bedtime stories. Walks. Conversations. Sunsets. Fallen chestnuts. Silly questions. Holding someone you love.
Joy is everywhere.
Sometimes it arrives with fireworks.
But more often, I think, it arrives quietly – and waits for us to notice it.
There are still books I haven’t read, people I want to call, places I want to see, meals to make, birthdays to celebrate, babies to hold and stories to read. And I am absolutely delighted to be alive.
What brought you joy today?
