Delight

“Where attention goes, energy flows.”

If we accept this as truth, then what better place to direct our attention this month than toward delight? What better way to round out a year than by noticing the delightful—delight in your life, delight you can cultivate, and delight you can spark in someone else’s world?

What does delight feel like?

Delight is a momentary spark—an elevated emotion that makes you smile, lifts your spirit, and brings you fully into the present. It often arrives with a hint of surprise, which gives it that spark-like quality. And when those sparks string together, they can create something like a firework display in the heart: joy, serenity, curiosity, gratitude, pride, even happiness.

A delightful way to close the year

The appearance of the Delight card at year’s end is, fittingly, an unexpected treat. There have been many years where I’ve closed the calendar saying, “Well, I’m glad that’s over.” But what a charming encouragement this card brings—a nudge to finish the year on a high note. To enter January with joy still ringing in your ears and the warm reminder of long-held smiles in your cheeks. Let December be delightful, and step into the new year saying: “Come on in, January”

Clearing space for delight

If you’d like to work with this through Elemental Space Clearing, consider clutter clearing to be your steady companion this month. What in your space is blocking delight? I know I’m far less likely to be charmed when I’m rushing out the door, keys in hand, tea left behind, cooling on the counter.

Make your path clear:

• Remove rugs that trip you up.

• Deal with stray items that interrupt the flow of your home.

• Either wear those mismatched socks or let them go—stop waiting for their long-lost mates.

• Notice where energy stagnates: cluttered counters, donation piles that have become furniture, half-finished projects you’re no longer excited about, an overstuffed schedule.

Give yourself the gift of clearing these before the sun rises on New Year’s Day. Sometimes, simply granting yourself permission to let things go can be a delight of its own.

Tend your altar—wherever it lives

Turn your attention to your altar—any place where you meet with your higher power. This can be a formal setup or the kitchen sink where you talk to Creator while doing dishes. Make space for delight there, by going over the unexpected pleasures of your day or surprises you have left behind for someone else. 

Try starting seeds or rooting a succulent. From gathering materials and preparing soil, to daily checks of moisture and light, your care becomes a quiet ritual. And one day, you’ll notice a tiny sprout, a root reaching down, a graceful stem bending forward. A small, perfect moment of delight.

Train your inner watchdog to notice delight

Encourage your awareness to become vigilant for delight. Notice someone making space for a stranger. Spot a leaf shaped like a confused cardinal. Open that special soap you’ve been saving and use it. Leave a little surprise for someone you love and watch their face when they find it.

Most importantly, acknowledge your own capacity to feel delighted—by small things and grand ones—no matter what else is happening in your life. You are magical enough to hold both joy and challenge at the same time. And it’s the experience of delight, joy, and love that strengthens your ability to shift the circumstances that no longer serve you.

Because when you look for delight—where attention goes—you will absolutely find it—energy flows.