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…
Some family members I love from afar, and others I am around often and spend time with by choice. I have learned that I love all family members, but I love them in very different ways. I have grown to realize that I will always love my family. There are times I may not respect the decisions that family members make, and I know that my family has not always respected the decisions I have made. One of those decisions was marrying my husband. Although I knew my family loved me, I also knew all but one did not respect…
As we move into the holiday season, it is time to start thinking about the basics. What is the meaning of the season, and why do we celebrate? Whatever holiday you are celebrating, remember the true meaning of the season. Remembering why we celebrate helps ground us from all the extras going on around us. Some of us love the holidays, others would rather blink and have it be January. For those of us who love the season, it is hard to imagine not loving the holidays. Sometimes our excitement is a bit overwhelming, but spreading love and joy is…
Have you ever been in line behind someone who used the wrong approach to resolve the situation? Painful, right? I find myself thinking, “Just be nice.” We watch people interact every day, noticing the way issues are resolved and forming opinions on what we would do in that situation. It is fairly easy to evaluate the situation, but much more difficult to do the right thing when a problem arises spontaneously. All things considered, being nice is usually the least stressful alternative. It is something that one would think would come easily, but often it takes great patience and prayer…