How often do we take the time to think about what brings us Joy? 

What is it during the week that makes you happy, that makes you smile and that brings joy to you and others?  What do you do during the week that is fun?  Are you doing something you consider fun every day?  Are you allowing yourself daily joy?

Everyone’s idea of joy is different.  What brings joy to me might bring panic to others.  Some of what brings me joy has changed as my life unfolds.  Most of what brought me joy in my 20s is far different than what brings me joy now, and I expect that to change a few more times throughout my lifetime. 

What has not changed is that my faith unconditionally has brought me joy.  It has been the constant in my whirlwind of a life thus far.  For me, no matter how bad the issue, my faith has led me back to joy.

For most of my 20’s, I was attending universities.  What brought me joy and a sense of accomplishment was successfully completing courses that led to earning my Ph.D.  Anyone who knows me well knows that is well out of my comfort zone and was never something that was on my bucket list. 

In my 30’s I was career driven.  My happy place was work.  I loved my 7 am to 10 pm days in NYC and various other East Coast cities.  I was always happy to get up to go to work and never cared what hour I arrived home.  I enjoyed that time in my life.  But I would not enjoy those hours now, my priorities have changed, and most of what brings me joy has changed. 

In my 40’s I loved my career but also loved being with my family.  I worked hard but also made quality time for my husband and children.  I found myself becoming aware of the beauty around me and all that it has to offer.  I allowed myself time to enjoy my family and worked hard when it was time for business.  I found great joy in doing things that brought joy to my family. 

Although many things were not joyous, particularly in my 40s, my faith walked me through and showed me how to be grateful for what I have been given.  Many of my life choices that did not make sense to me when I was younger, became very important during the tough times.  Many of which were stepping stones or insurance policies to get me through the difficult times.  Thank God I had faith to follow my path.

In my 50’s I am enjoying what life has to offer.  I am taking the time to be there for my children when they succeed when they fail, and when they just want to hang out together.  I try to give back to others because so many people have helped me along my journey.  My work gives me joy, my family gives me joy as does serving others. 

Click here to stay connected.