Joy is a Journey

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves

to recognize how good things really are.

                                                    Marianne Williamson

This is a season of joy. Festive lights and holiday music proclaim celebration, and we are reminded that this is a special time.

Of course, sharing gifts and holiday meals are part of how we celebrate, and that celebration brings us joy. But it is so easy to get caught up in the preparation of gifts and decorations and elaborate holiday meals that we often forget to enjoy the process.

Joy can be the exuberant expression of happiness. It can also be a quiet experience of delight or appreciation.

It may seem that we just don’t have time for joy in the midst of our busy holiday preparations, but it just requires a shift of focus. Whatever you are doing, stop and look around you. What beauty do you see? Take a moment to appreciate it – festive decorations, the smile on someone’s face, the hustle and bustle of other people engaged in their preparations for celebration.

Waiting in a checkout line, use the time to think of the blessings in your life, and turn impatience to get on to the next thing on your list into a moment of gratitude.                                       

Look at the sky and feel the warmth of the sun on your face.

Notice the people passing by, and silently wish them well.

As someone approaches you, nod and smile. You will uplift their day, and yours, too.

Greet the checkout person or other store workers with a smile and pleasant greeting. A few words of appreciation will provide a bright spot in their busy day.

Lighten up a chore at home by listening to holiday music or other uplifting music you love.

As you are preparing a meal or gifts for the special people in your life, think of them while you go through the motions, adding your love into the mix.

Your experiences will offer you unique opportunities for joy. Look for them and enjoy them.

Of course, the greatest joy is the time of sharing our gifts and good food and the delight of being together in love and appreciation for one another.

When we have experienced joy in process of preparation, this time will not be just a few moments of joy. It will be the final celebration of a journey of joy.

Enjoy your journey.

   Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Click here for a musical treat, "Ode to Joy."

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We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.

With love from our hearts to yours,

Pat and Larry