“Yay, I’m Awake”: What My Son Taught Me About Joy

"Joy doesn’t come from escaping life’s challenges — it comes from remembering that being alive is already worth celebrating."

One early morning (a few weeks ago now), my son work up, sat up in bed and shouted "Yay! I'm awake!" with absolute delight...

It stopped me in my tracks. When was the last time I woke up feeling that much joy - just for the fact that I'm alive?

As adults, we often wake up to lists, responsibilities, "shoulds". But children remind us of something we forget (and, sorry for the cliché here, but): life itself is a gift. Waking up is worth celebrating!

Since that morning, I've been asking myself:

• What would make me wake up with joy?

• Where can I bring more presence and play into my day?

It's not about ignoring challenges. It's about remembering that life is more than tasks and survival. Sometimes joy can be as simple as noticing the quiet stillness just before the world wakes up or the way the air smells after rain.

That's why I write stories. To remind myself - and you - that healing can be found in the everyday moments we overlook.

If you'd like a gentle reminder for yourself, The Forgotten Garden - the free story from my Healing Stories Bundle - is waiting for you.