Speaking of the pets we love … it heartens me to wake up and see cat pee in the litter box. My big fur man had urinary troubles that nearly killed him earlier this year – I have reframed the stinky chore to give thanks he is thriving!
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I can totally relate. My old lady cat has diabetes, and she was peeing in the house for awhile. The furniture cleaner I used was almost worse than the urging smell (Eventually I trashed it). She also got a serious issue and spent 5 days in ICU last year. Now she thinks she’s starving most of the time and lets us know that very loudly, but when she cuddles up on your lap, you feel very special.
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GD1’s excited voice when she arrives on our babysitting days and shouts Nana! The sweet smile when GD1 sees me when waking up from her nap.
Not setting the alarm clock on our non-babysitting days and knowing I can go back to sleep if I wake up early.
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It is so hard to see them ailing! Hugs 
(Ugh, I relate about the cleaner. At one point my hub rolled up all our area rugs and we stored them under plastic till the cat was better.)
My mailman–brought my first Christmas card today–from a far away friend, with a lovely note and picture…
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Any contact whatsoever from our son brings me my greatest happiness. Lately, every time his fiancée pings me for an opinion on some wedding detail, I smile. She’s even shared pics of her trying on wedding dresses. She’s definitely a keeper. I’m so happy for them both. I guess they’re what bring me joy lately.
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@Catcherinthetoast Do we have the same dog?? 
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My Dad is 91. Every (almost) Wednesday, I drive down to see him and bring cupcakes from my local bakery. Wednesday cupcake lunch with Dad brings me great joy.
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I’m very lucky in that my job brings me joy every day. I’m a special ed teacher and even when my job is hard, I still love it and there is always something during the day that brings me joy. Don’t get me wrong. I love having weekends to rest up but returning to work 5 years ago after staying home with my kids for over a decade has added tremendous joy to my life.
I also love when I come home from work and walk up our basement stairs (garage underneath) to see this goofball staring down at me
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When I first get up in the morning, check my phone and someone has purchased something from my Poshmark closet.
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I have a group of several people who play pickleball together. Even though it will be less than 40 degrees out, we are going to play outside this morning. Many of us would rather play outside, even in the COLD, than play inside. So for now, that’s bringing me joy. (I will likely need to play inside soon).
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Today the surprise splash of peppermint mocha almond milk creamer added to my coffee by my H brought me joy. Sometimes (ok, usually) it’s the little things, you know?
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In my opinion, the little things are the BEST!!! The unexpected. 
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Going to help D1’s kindergarten class make dough ornaments today. I am so excited to get to help in her classroom again and 5 years olds at this time of year bring joy to me.
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Here’s my major joy: DH and I are at a resort in Florida. We will be here a full week. Forecast highs are 80 every day. Full sun. 
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This morning I got a call from a group wanting to know if our home was for sale - ours, not one of the rental properties that they usually ask about.
No way! I love our home. I love walking outside and seeing the critters (domestic and wild). I love listening to the birds and bugs. I love watching sunset practically every night we’re home on a walk. We’ve even decided to give the last “drop off” cat a home here since he’s wiggled his way into our hearts with his hunger and desperation, yet also wants some loving time that we know he had in his former home - poor guy. (I hope he’s not lost - haven’t seen signs.)
My joy comes from the peace and enjoyment of living in a place I love, coupled with still being able to see our kids + travel a fair amount of the time because I love traveling and seeing the planet just as much.
I also love playing games with our kids or visitors (board games, not mind games).
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Thought I’d post a pic in the off chance anyone recognizes this cat. He’s been around for about a month or so. Our neighbors said when they first saw him he was wearing a collar (either brown or pink pending which kid I ask). He is more wary of women than men, so was likely owned/fed by a male. He’s adapting to farm life, but he misses the life he had I’m sure.
I assume he’s “another” drop off, but most drop offs don’t come with collars. We don’t feel a chip. He’s an intact male. If anyone is missing him (he jumped into a delivery truck or something and got taken far from home), feel free to inquire more. No signs locally or on the internet that we could find and no neighbors claim ownership.
Otherwise, we’ve named him Nittany, because he sure looks like the Penn St lion.
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my dog greeting me when I get home from work (I’m sure has nothing to do with the dog biscuit I always give him when I get home 
), texts from my sons, a glossy travel / home / cultural magazine.
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When my black lab puts his head on my chest in the morning gently telling me it is time to take our walk.
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My two Labs - their excitement and enthusiasm greeting me each morning. You can’t have a bad day when you start the day with someone who is that overjoyed to be with you!
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