Joy Update

So, this joy thing seems to be working out. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I replaced making people happy with bringing joy.  It is a seemingly simple semantic adjustment and yet it has made a HUGE difference in daily living.

By HUGE I do not mean to imply earth-shattering or explosive, but rather small subtle shifts that allow life to flow more easily. The most noticeable thing for me is that life has become gentler. Bring the joy with you and people open up. Make someone smile or laugh or even just feel seen and a world of ease appears in front of you.

I mentioned last week that I had been searching for someone to do some home repair. I had been trying for four months, but once I eased into joy at the beginning of March, they appeared. Not only appeared but swooped in like avenging heroes to get the work done quickly, efficiently and economically. And it included several hugs.

This past week I have had to deal with a lot of allopathic medical folks. My past experience has been that I would have entered the world of “take these pills and we can help you mask your symptoms.” While the over medication option was offered, I was also told that I did not have to agree, I only had to listen to the choices and then make an informed decision to take the medications or not. When I expressed my preference for getting well rather than masking symptoms everyone was respectful and some even seemed in agreement.  It was as if I had entered a parallel universe.

Then a new health practitioner showed up on the radar. He is not for everyone but is a lovely addition to band of healers I keep in my bag of tricks. At 82 years of age, he is still out there bringing his brand of wellness. A most interesting replacement for some doctors in my past who chose to retire. Glad this guy didn’t.

Since the switch I have been calmer, happier and more at ease. Life toddles along with its ups and downs and support and challenges. The difference is I do not have a need to ride the roller coaster, but rather I can keep my eye on the horizon and know the ride always evens out.

In your spare time, try out the joy thing. The only thing you have to lose is tension, struggle and worry.