J is for JOY

My original idea for this post was to do it on judgment. In this day and age and as we get older it is so easy to sit in judgment of ourselves and others. We can be relentless with the list of woes or wrongdoings. “She should do this”, “He should say that”, “Why didn’t she….”, “Why can’t he…..”

Isn’t it amazing how much we judge ourselves too?! We don’t let ourselves off the hook for ANYTHING! Our ideas of having or needing to be perfect or better than someone else have gotten out of control. We hold ourselves to phantom standards imposed by the beauty industry or society in general and we always seem to fall short. We become judge, jury and executioner.

I would much rather talk about JOY. Where is the joy in your life? Do you have any? Have you become so bent on the mundane day to day grind and nonproductive nonsense that it seems to elude you now?

Sure there are many responsibilities that come with adulthood and even more, it seems as we get older. That still doesn’t mean that we need to give up our joy. It doesn’t have to be a distant memory.

It doesn’t even have to be difficult or challenging. How about a phone call to a friend or family member that can put a smile on your face or theirs? How about a short (or long depending on your schedule) walk. Take in some fresh air. Marvel at the intricacies of a flower. Be glad you are still 6 feet ABOVE ground. Share a smile with someone – you don’t even have to know them!

What can you do today to put a smile on your face? In your heart? What can you celebrate? There is such turmoil in our lives at times and in the world, how can we turn that around? Even for a few moments. Please share how you experience joy. I wish you a wonderful joy-filled day!