Follow Your Joy

I recently ran across a quote that I kept during a very difficult time.

Over ten years ago I was a single mom raising two young boys, working full time while going back to school. It was hard. But it was right. It was my Truth, so I knew that I could get through it. The situation itself was temporary, but at the same time a path to permanent improvement for all of us.

Although I don’t recall who this story is attributed to, I suspect it was Mae West or Marilyn Monroe? (If anyone can help me out with that, and get further with Google than I was able to, please comment below! I would be grateful!)

When (this woman) was asked by a reporter, “How did you enjoy yourself?” she replied, “Magnificently. But not at the time.”

I’m sure you have similar seasons you can look back upon, too. When your direct line to God was a constant, surrendered plea.

I prayed a lot for courage. (Thank you, Dad! <3) It became my new favorite word. I collected images, stories, and quotes, Here’s one in particular that was helpful:

I already am that which I want to become.

And it worked.

I gained the courage to face my challenges, and with grace. In fact, I became so confident in being able to rise to the occasion that I began to say “Bring it on!” I repeatedly spoke aloud that Life could throw me all the curve balls it wanted to, and I would simply knock them out of the park again and again and again. Bring it on! I got this. Bring it on! Bring it on. Bring it on.

And it worked.

More and increasingly challenging situations — more curve balls– came into my life. Court subpoenas, leaking roof, health issues. I finally was stunned into awareness: my request was, “Bring it on.” And that’s exactly what I was receiving.

So I immediately changed my language and declared out loud, “I want to learn about joy.”

(And then I quickly amended it to, “I want to learn more about joy.” I didn’t want the Universe to think I was ungrateful, hadn’t been paying attention, or knew nothing about it at all!)

And holy cow, that worked, too.

Right away, I began to receive situations in which my only appropriate response was joy! Again and again and again. Manipulations no longer had power over me. A crew of new friends created a roof-repair weekend. I let go of health fears. We all began laughing more at home. The gift of finding my true partner.

I am still learning more about joy. Again, and again, and again. To this day, a decade later.

Does this sound good to you? Have courage, and bring on joy. Ask directly for it, daily.

And revel in what happens.

A gift.