Creating Joy

My friend Shirley has a son named Josh. Recently, when I asked her how Josh was doing, she says "oh he's wonderful - every meal is his favorite meal, the person he is with is his favorite person, and every day is the best day ever!"

Josh lives with autism and faces big challenges every day, but his soul knows the secret to creating joy. Josh knows the secret to happiness that many of us are searching for.

We can create joy with the power of our thinking.

Josh chooses to embrace each moment as the best one ever. He may not realize he is making this choice, but it is his way of existing in the world. Josh has a way of being where joy comes easily to him.

Since that conversation with Shirley, I have thought a lot about Josh when I eat a meal, spend time with family, reflect on my day, and even during mundane tasks. I can see it all through a lens of hard, heavy, and dread. Or I can see it through a lens of wonder, enthusiasm, and joy. Some days it is easier to find joy than others, but making this an intentional practice has helped me re-frame my perspective and find joy more easily than I used to.

In the days ahead, let's try to follow Josh's lead and decide that everything is our favorite thing. It is hard to believe that it could be this simple, but it actually can be. It might not change your circumstances, but it can add lightness to your spirit and lift the heaviness a bit.

I've talked with a lot of people who have heavy hearts this holiday season after two years of living in a pandemic, division on approaches to safety, loss of loved ones, and struggles that seem unbearable. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Every feeling is allowed. If you don't feel joy, that's okay, don't force it. Be gentle with yourself. Joy will return eventually.

For those who celebrate Christmas, my wish for you as you hear the lyrics to "Oh Holy Night" is that this is the year when you allow your soul to feel its worth. Deeply feel your worth. And then see the worth of every other human being.

Sending you love and peace,
Ginger