The Gift in the Garbage: Finding Joy in the Overflow

 

Hey friends,

Thank you for stopping by Maryam’s Joyful Life today. I want to share a little perspective shift with you—one that caught me off guard in the most beautiful way.

You know those moments when the trash is full and no one wants to take it out? The grumbling begins, the finger-pointing starts, and suddenly, something as simple as a bin bag becomes the battleground for frustration.

But recently, as I stood there looking at our overflowing trash, I smiled.

Yes, smiled.

Because that full bin? It’s not just trash. It’s a sign of prosperity.

It means there was food to eat—plates filled, bellies nourished.

It means community was present—laughter around the table, stories shared, even if the kids were loud or the kitchen messy.

It means family—whether by blood or by bond—gathered, connected, and lived life together.

A full trash can is evidence that something good happened. That prayers were answered. That provision showed up. That life—messy, beautiful, loud, and real—was lived.

So the next time the bin is full, I challenge you (and myself) to take it out not with a sigh, but with joy and gratitude.

Gratitude for the meals we didn’t go without.

Gratitude for the people around the table—even when things weren’t perfect.

Gratitude for the noise, the crumbs, the wrappers, and the love that made the mess worth it.

Taking out the trash becomes sacred when you realize what filled it.

So instead of fighting over it, maybe just take it out. Take it out with joy, knowing you’re living in the very blessing you once hoped for.

Thank you for reading my blog today. And hey, don’t let anyone steal your joy—not even a trash bag.

With love,

Maryam

Our Magical Adventure to Stonehenge – A UNESCO Wonder

Hello wonderful, sweet, amazing, and lovely people!

Thank you so much for checking out MaryamsJoyfulLife blog today. I hope you’re not letting anyone or anything steal your joy—remember, your peace is precious!

Today’s post is all about our unforgettable adventure to the legendary Stonehenge, one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

We started our journey from Milton Keynes, and the drive took about 2 hours and 20 minutes. We decided to take the scenic route and boy, was it worth it! The English countryside is breathtaking—rolling hills, open fields, and winding roads lined with trees. It reminded us a bit of the back roads in America, especially when we passed a few roadkills (yes, even the UK has wildlife mishaps along the road!).

As we got closer—about two miles away—we caught our first glimpse of Stonehenge in the distance. Even from afar, it was awe-inspiring. When we arrived at the visitor center, the staff kindly told us we had two options: take the shuttle or enjoy a scenic walk to the stones. Naturally, we chose the walk—it felt more adventurous and personal.

On our way, we passed through a peaceful sheep pasture where a herd of sheep were happily grazing. At one point, we veered slightly off course, but with a quick check of the path, we found our way back (it was all part of the fun!).

As we approached the monument, we were surrounded by tourists from all over the world, each one just as amazed as we were. The energy was electric. We soaked in the wonder, snapped pictures, and even filmed a vlog for our YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out at YouTube.com/MaryamsJoyfulLife!

After spending some quality time there, we took the shuttle back to the car park, browsed the gift shop, and couldn’t resist grabbing some sweets to bring home.

This experience was definitely a 10 out of 10 for us. It was magical, refreshing, and deeply memorable.

Thinking of planning your own visit to Stonehenge or any other breathtaking destination? Let MaryamsJoyfulLife Luxury Vacation help you out. Visit Maryamsjoyfullifeluxuryvacation.com or give us a call at 470-765-2745. We’re here to make your dream travels stress-free and joy-filled!

Until next time, stay joyful and keep adventuring!

With love,

Maryam 💛

A Day Out at Willen Lake (a.k.a. Willy Lake) in Milton Keynes 🌞

 

Hey beautiful souls!

Thanks for stopping by MaryamsJoyfulLife today. I’m so excited to share a little slice of our summer adventures here in the UK. Recently, my sweetman and I, along with the kids and family, took a day trip to Willen Lake—also lovingly known as Willy Lake—in Milton Keynes, and it was quite the experience!

Willen Lake is absolutely stunning. The lake stretches nearly 2 miles wide and is surrounded by lush, plush trees and a peaceful hiking trail. It really is a picturesque spot to enjoy a scenic walk or simply soak in the beauty of nature.

We were especially impressed with the water sports area, which features fun slides, a floating castle, and lots of exciting activities for the more adventurous. For little ones, there’s a splash pad, but just a heads-up—you’ll need to pay to access it. (Also, parking at the lake isn’t free, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.)

As we walked around the lake, we spotted swans and ducks gracefully swimming by—such a calming sight. The heat was definitely real that day (hot MK sun, anyone?), and my nephew Shower made sure we knew how he felt about it, haha! The kids weren’t the biggest fans of the heat either, but my sweetman and I really enjoyed the stroll and the views.

There’s a hotel nestled right in the lake village, and if you’re feeling peckish or just want to relax, there’s also a pub where you can grab a pint and a bite to eat. Super convenient and charming!

The baby slept through the whole adventure in her stroller (mama win!), only waking up right at the end—just in time for her feed. 😊

If I had to rate the whole experience, I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10. It was a beautiful place, even if the heat made things a bit tricky for the kids. We’re still having a great time in the UK, and honestly, my sister has been the best host ever—so grateful!

Until next time,

Don’t let anyone steal your joy! 💛

Love always,

Maryam

Sweet Date Night at Kaspa’s Milton Keynes – A Little Joy, A Lot of Love 🍨💛

 

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for checking out the blog today! It’s a beautiful day, and I’m excited to be back with another joyful moment to share with you.

My sweetman and I recently had a much-needed date night — and it was just what our hearts needed. Of course, in true Maryam fashion, we brought our sweet baby along with us (because she goes everywhere with us and adds to the joy every single time!).

We took a cozy little drive to Kaspa’s in Milton Keynes for some dessert indulgence. It was actually my sweetman’s first time there, and let me just say — we were not disappointed!

We ordered a few mouthwatering treats:

• A creamy, dreamy tiramisu dessert cup
• A cozy matcha mocha
• And the star of the night — a heavenly treat with a chocolate chip base, topped with vanilla gelato, peanut butter, caramel drizzle, and a little extra sweetness that made every bite unforgettable

We spent the evening chatting, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company. The simple moments are always the best, and this one felt extra special. Being in the UK has been such a lovely adventure, and there’s still so much more we’re excited to explore.

Now… here’s the part where we had a rookie mistake moment 😅 — we sat down at our table and waited… and waited… and waited. For a whole 30 minutes, we kept wondering why no one was coming to take our order. I completely forgot that at Kaspa’s, you actually place your order at the counter!

I finally asked my sweetman to go up and order, and we had a good laugh about it — I guess I had a mini flashback thinking we were back in the States where servers come to you. Once we placed our order, everything came out in less than 15 minutes and it was so worth the wait.

Everything was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy, and the time together was exactly what we needed. We’re already looking forward to going back again soon!

Have you ever been to Kaspa’s? Let me know what your favorite dessert is — I love trying new things!

Thanks for reading and spending a little time with me today.

Until next time — don’t let anyone steal your joy.

With love,

Maryam 💕