There are certain things about ourselves that are rather difficult to control. Like our emotions or spontaneous reactions to something we see.
As I rode the subway halfway across town with twelve giant balloons in tow, I noticed people were looking at me differently. Heads turned and followed my every step. Looks lingered just a few seconds longer than normal. And then people broke into smiles, shy at first and then grinning from one ear to the other. Some nodded at me with approval, others voiced a soft “Oh”.
And I couldn’t help myself, I just had to chuckle and wonder about such a simple thing of joy.
Balloons make people happy.
And I believe there are a lot more metaphorical ‘balloons’ in our lives that we tend to overlook in our busyness or are too afraid to acknowledge.
Dreamy sunrises and sunsets on cold winter days.
The first signs of spring.
Someone singing along to music in their ears on their morning commute.
A stranger smiling at you.
A child talking to you as if you’d known them for years.
A pretty dress on someone else.
A word of encouragement from a friend.
People elevating your ideas to something magical.
The smell of your favorite food at the end of a long day.
It takes just a few little things to make us happy. Watch out for the ‘balloons’ in your mundane life – notice them, acknowledge them, speak them, celebrate them.
“If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.”
Ruthie Lindsey
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
Beautiful, Katha. Thank you.
Thank you!
Yes! We need to be better about acknowledging those moments of joy. I can picture you standing there with the balloons and seeing those faces.
It was such a fun experience!
Oh my goodness Katha! Just love everything about this! I’ll be looking for my balloons!🎈🎈
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Oh this is lovely and SO true! Thank you for sharing the imagery and words!
Thanks, Paula!
This is wonderful, Katha. Your writing brings joy.
And your image of balloons inspired a poem. I hope that you like it.
Though my body is weighed down
by tumours, there is a lifting
as from a bright balloon flown
up, from God on high a gifting.
Though my days are numbered now
and every breath is harsh and hard,
there are no frown-lines on my brow;
joy is my heart’s stalwart guard.
I did not expect to be happy here
in this deep vale of pain,
Tomorrow will be worse, but it’s queer
that in the morning I’ll smile again.
Every moment contains the delight
of God’s promise: there’s no more night.
Wonderful, Andrew! Sometimes it would be nice to just float away…Thinking of you today.
There is beauty in your writing Katha. Thank you!
Thank you, Ellis.