Finding Delight

Where’s the fun here?

I used that phrase in my first blog post and am repeating it now because it’s something I ask myself often. Finding fun is, in fact, one of the principles on which my sisters and I founded Double Pom.

On New Year’s Eve I read an article in the New York Times by author Catherine Price, who writes the “How to Feel Alive” newsletter, about the importance of finding delight everyday. She writes:
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_{"The basic premise of a delight practice (which I learned about in the essay collection “The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay) is simple: You make a point to notice things in your everyday life that delight you…. Then whenever you notice something that delights you, you lift your arm, raise your index finger in the air and say, out loud and with enthusiasm, “Delight!” (Yes, even if you’re alone.) Ideally, you share your delights with another person. The concept of prioritizing delight may sound silly or almost irresponsible, given the heaviness of current events,…. But this is exactly why it is so important. Far from being a frivolous practice, making a point to notice and share things we find delightful can improve our moods, outlooks, relationships and even physical health."}

I subscribe to this idea and aspire to celebrate the delightful, noteworthy, and absurd. Here are some ways I’ve been doing that:
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‍FUNYONS:

My family’s FUNYON tradition began when my husband was stressed and impatient about getting on the road for a family trip to South Dakota’s Badlands. As he went to pay for gas and buy a cup of coffee, I lowered the car window and shouted the craziest thing I could think of: “Don’t forget the Funyons!” It was early morning, and the thought of fried onion snacks for breakfast was gross and absurd. But it made him smile. Now, whenever we travel, we say: “Don’t forget the Funyons!”

COMEDIES:

‍These films and shows always crack me up: “WHAT’S UP DOC?” a slapstick 1974 movie that my family watches regularly and quotes often; “REAL GENIUS,” a montage-filled 1985 movie starring Val Kilmer at his beautiful, hilarious best; and “THE IT CROWD,” a 2006-10 British television series about a fictional London corporation and its comical computer repair team.

DAILY WALKS:

‍Even if I didn’t have an 80-pound German Shepherd who needs regularexercise, I would walk every day. The fresh air and physical activity perk me up, and I always try to notice something new. Right now, I’m enjoying seeing who’s brave—and bundled-up enough—to get outdoors in subzero weather.

DOUBLE POM:

When my sisters and I started Double Pom, we wanted the bright colors, fluffy poms, and scalloped lines of our products to delight customers and inspire play. As we expand our assortment with colors, styles, and products, a sense of novelty and fun will continue to guide us.

We invite you to share the new and noteworthy, absurd and amusing when you see it. And, remember to say “DELIGHT!” when you do. Loudly.

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