The Power of Joy
Joy. Its a small word, and at first it seems a simple one. But the more that I embrace the joy in my life the more I realize the depths of what it is, how it feels, what it can do, how it is shared… and how it can be squashed. The first time I really pondered joy was when I became a mom. Since my son was born, this small word has consistently jumped out to me. I see it printed in the Bible, I notice cute little “joy” signs for sale, and I hear it in song lyrics. Mostly though, I notice it in my son’s effortless smile and my daughter’s dancing to her own internal song. So I have made it my mission, my mantra, my motivation to live my life with Joy – to exude my gratitude so that maybe someone else can find their missing joy.
But to be honest, it’s a work in progress. Some days in the midst of all the Mommy chaos, I really have to work for my joy. I am a girl of routine and self-set expectations. These expectations sometimes turn into obsessions and these obsessions can turn into joy-squashing burdens. Lately I have been trying to take a look at some of my areas of “discipline,” and I’ve realized that in some cases my discipline gets in the way of His plan, and in turn, in the way of my joy. In the midst of chaotic moments–getting out the door, nagging my kids, just trying to fit it all in–I know in my heart that I just need to Be Still.
Brendan and I talk about this often in regards to many aspects of our lives and health habits. We talk about how much more we appreciate our life when we simplify our life. Our blessings stand out more in the midst of less. I have come to realize how uncomfortable change is for me, but letting go of meaningless routines and self-imposed obligations has led me to hold on tighter to my family, my gifts, my JOY.
What brings you joy? What is getting in the way of your joy? Ask my health coaching clients and they will tell you about my mantra of being intentional in all our decisions in life. How can you intentionally foster your joy today? And who knows, it might just spread.