Simple nature experiences can give you long moments of joy. And writing them down in a small nature journal can make them even more memorable. Just write one sentence about something you notice. It might not seem like much, but it’s powerful and builds over time. Anything nature-related goes. It can be a sight from your front window, something you see in your back yard, a smell or sound on your walk, the state of the weather, or the night sky. Don’t underestimate the effect of this easy activity. It’s a great way to get you paying attention to the natural world that surrounds your home. And you’ll find that the longer you do this, the more restorative it will feel…a nice balm to what otherwise might be a challenging time. I call it my joy list. If you want to get fancy, you can find many nature-themed journals online and they come in all sizes. But, really any kind of small notepad will work well.

Here are some examples from my nature journal of things that bring me joy...

• smelling the pungent fragrance of sage in our backyard (pictured above)

• suddenly knowing that a hummingbird’s buzz is a gift to cherish

• looking out my kitchen window at a branch covered with tiny reflecting water droplets

• hearing a bewick’s wren sing his heart out

• the taste and smell of lavender tea

• feeling inspired by the fresh air of an early morning walk

• watching the moon rise

• catching a glimpse of a a pileated woodpecker in a nearby ravine

• Smelling our neighbors lilacs that hang on our side of the fence

• watching the towhee hop under our bird feeder

• feeling renewed as I watch the sword fern unfurl its fronds outside my office window

• smelling a freshly snipped rosemary sprig

• discovering a volunteer Marjoram herb that has sprouted in our yard.

Remember, all it takes is one sentence at a time and before long you will find yourself reaching for that journal many times throughout the week. Enjoy nature at home!