April 2026 Joy Journal
Welcome back to the Joy Journal! In March, I wrote about a “seek-and-find” kind of joy that fit with the slow reawakening of early spring. Here in April, I’m finding that joy has been more of a surprise that just shows up unexpectedly on your doorstep. The garden is blooming, the joy jar is filling, and I’m eager to reflect on a lovely month.
Porch Surprises
Early in the month, one of my mom’s sweet friends sent me the most joyful surprise package: a box full of cross-stitch patterns and floss! We had talked in the fall about various projects, and it was so kind of her to send me a plethora of patterns to try myself and share with friends. That immediately went into the joy jar! If anyone has been thinking about trying out cross-stitch for the first time, swing on by!
Garden Surprises
It always feels surprising to see the garden come back to life after winter. Our lilac had a glorious bloom this month. Our oak leaf hydrangea has a ton of new growth springing up from the ground. Our salvias are thriving with their gorgeous purple. One thing that’s particularly surprising this year is our crepe myrtle. In the previous three springs here, we have not once seen new growth on old wood. It only shoots up brand new growth from the ground, and I eventually snip the old wood back. This year, though, in addition to the brand new growth, we have red leaves poking out of one of last year’s branches. I suppose its story just wasn’t finished yet.
For us, it’s been a month of enjoying quiet surprises and letting them grow. I hope your April included at least a few surprising moments of joy. I’d love to hear what you put in your (metaphorical or actual) joy jar this month!
xx