#55: Joy

​Don’t let anyone steal your joy. In a world where many people are unhappy with themselves or their lives, it is a common occurrence to attempt to bring others down to their lower level. I don’t think people always do this on purpose, but misery loves company. So, I am issuing this crucial reminder: Don’t let anyone steal your joy. 


In fact, FOCUS on your joy. Joy is one of the most powerful and positive emotions we can experience. And similarly how misery is contagious, so is joy. When we see the world and our lives with joy, we see the beauty and goodness in and around us. 


The recipe for joy is different for each of us. For me joy is found when I spend time outdoors, with family, or appreciating the simple pleasures in life. When I compete in a race, the time is never my goal. Saying that doesn’t mean I don’t push myself, but rather I prefer to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the race and help someone push through if they are struggling or need help. So often the first thing people wish to know is my time or place for completion of an event. And here I remind myself: don’t let them steal your joy. 


In addition to people stealing our joy, there are sometimes circumstances in life that are out of our control that may cloud the joy in our lives. For instance, I have truly struggled with menopause for the past few years. My symptoms have been extreme and I would be lying if I didn’t say sleepless nights, frequent hot flashes, and depression haven’t brought me down. But I remind myself that going through this difficult chapter means I can help someone else. And I know that I can work around it and still enjoy the race (albeit a little more tired or weak sometimes). Menopause won’t steal my joy, it will just be another obstacle to hurdle. 


So to the person who is about to complete their first half marathon, someone breaking the cycle to work at McDonalds and be the first person to live off welfare, or the single mom struggling to support her family: don’t let others steal your joy. Be happy that you FINISHED the race and EXPERIENCED the event. Be proud of the fact that you can feed, cloth, and house yourself without the government assistance and are the first in your family to do so. Celebrate the fact that you are doing your best to love and support your child, even if that means you can’t give them the extra bells and whistles Don’t. Let. Other. People. Steal. Your. Joy. 


We must not allow their negativity seep into our minds and hearts. We must learn to disconnect from their words, actions and sometimes their lives. I have found that they are usually jealous, insecure, resentful or just not understanding of our happiness. Keep looking for the joy in the life you’re living. Even in darker moments or challenging chapters, you can find and focus on it. We must not allow their negativity to seep into our minds and hearts.   “Don’t allow negative people to steal your Joy.  When you lose your Joy, you lose your strength.”  -Joel Osteen


Until Next Monday…