Finding joy in the little shit
I was adamantly against getting a four-wheeler, an ATV to tow us around the 2 acres and haul loads to help with the yardwork. I was convinced it was an unnecessary expense that might make us lazy. We got one anyway, because my way is not always the final way.
If anything, having it has made us busier. The ability to haul things like gravel, dirt and firewood, and pull things like a yard aerator has only increased the number of yard and household tasks that I inevitably end up helping with.
What I really didn’t expect was that the four-wheeler would become the source of one of my favorite little joys in life. Let’s face it; once you get to a certain point in life, things become predicable, repetitive and somewhat boring. I’ve found that busy doesn’t always equate to quality time spent, and you have to find joy in the little shit in life.
If you drive by my house after I’ve completed any sort of yard activity that requires me to move the four-wheeler out of the shed, you best bet you’ll watch me fly on four wheels through the yard and down the neighbors’ driveway before I put it away. Even if I only got it out so that I could access the lawn mower, my skinny, flat ass is going to be glued to the seat, shades on, a good song singing in my ears, my fingers tight on the throttle. I squeeze my quads tight for balance as I zip along the side yard, ducking to dodge pine tree limbs eager to knock me from my seat. The neighbors have a paved shared driveway more than 600 feet long that travels the other side of our property line. Once I reach the roadside edge of that driveway from my yard, I crank up the speed for the straightaway. Halfway along I open my free arm wide, close my eyes and take in a deep breath. This intentional inhalation doesn’t last long, because I have to open my eyes before the driveway ends and I have to veer back into my yard and toward the shed. If I have enough time, I’ll squeeze in a lap or two more.
This stupid little routine brings me so much joy. I feel carefree, young and alive when I’m zipping down that driveway alone. I’ve got to find and remind myself of the little joys in life, especially when the doldrums set in.
What stupid little thing makes you happy?