Subtly, in the little ways, joy has been leaking out of our lives. The small pleasures of the ordinary day seem almost contemptible, and glance off us lightly...Perhaps it's a good time to reconsider pleasure at its roots. Changing out of wet shoes and socks, for instance. Bathrobes. Yawning and stretching. Real tomatoes.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of appreciating small joys in everyday life that we often overlook.
Barbara Holland suggests that in our fast-paced lives, we may have lost sight of the simple pleasures that bring us joy. She encourages us to take a moment to reconsider and cherish these everyday experiences, such as changing out of wet shoes or enjoying fresh tomatoes, which can enhance our well-being and remind us of the beauty in ordinary moments.
In practice
In a speech about mental health, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of recognizing small joys.
The thousands of possible lives that used to spread out in front of me have snapped shut into one, and all I get is what I've got. It's time to pass on the possibilities, all those deliciously half-open doors, to my children, and drive them to the airports, and wish them bon voyage.
I think every person should be able to enjoy life. Try to decide what you most enjoy doing, and then look around to see if there is a job for which you could prepare yourself that would enable you to continue having this sort of joy.
Happiness lies in making others happy, in forsaking self-interest to bring joy to others.
I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them, or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment—what is this, then? I do not ask any more delight—I swim in it, as in a sea.
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Let men be happy, informed, skillful, well behaved, and productive.
The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing.
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