Don’t Let the World Steal Your Joy

The last few weeks have been something we’ve only seen in the movies. This week, in particular, has been overwhelming for all of us. The life we do, our routines, our schools, our quik stops, our dine n dives, our basic daily grind…  has been halted. The world & our country seems to be ‘ closed for business’. Wow. It really does seem like I’m dreaming. But, it is not a dream.

So, of course, this should be horrible & sad & some of the parts of this are VERY sad & very ‘definitive’, depending on the angle. However, if you would dare look outside the reality bubble we find ourselves in, is it really that bad?  I mean, is it so terrible that we’re forced into staying home with our families? Whether you are a student or a spinster, bachelor or divorced, a newly married couple or a family of five; is forced ‘peace & quiet & a break from the rat race’ really oh, so bad? There are things happening outside of our control, that we can all agree to in this “based on a true story*** “sci-fi’” that is unwinding daily, but, what we can control is our perception, within our reality. The view that is our personal lens.  

Today, decide, exactly, what makes you happy.  You may not figure it out today, but start to ask yourself the question & let the energy of the question resonate inside you.  Today, is, the very first day, of your new life. What would make it special? If you got a snow day as a kid, what would you do with your time?  When I was in second grade, the neighbor kids would congregate at the top of my street; a short, yet steep enough hill on a dead end street; quick slides down & an easy trip back up! We’d spend the whole afternoon, sliding down & walking back up that hill.  Our snow game was the ‘sled train’. There were usually about six to ten elementary kids. Everyone had their own sled……the protocol was belly down, flattly aligned along the wood, snow boots locked into downward position into the sled immediately behind. Once we all were locked into position, we’d catapult the sleigh train, down a sloped drive-way, across a road & then, down the big hill we’d run! It was super fun taking the block of wax & running it all over the metal running frame, in the hopes you’d glide right over the packed snow! Winter dusk would come, noses running & cheeks like rose buds, but we didn’t care.  The joy of the Winter chill, surrounded with friends & the pure exhilaration of a January day outdoors, with no school, was simply an ideal day for an eight year old kid! The best part for me? I loved when the chill had finally hit the bone….. go in the warm house, stopping in the doorway, getting the wet layers off & over the heat register ( while standing over to get the burst of warmth 🙂 sliding into fresh jammies! The treat for the cold day? A bowl of snow cream my momma ‘carefully’ (no yellow snow) made for me, along with a mug of hot chocolate & marshmallows!  

I sometimes want to hide from the world.  It isn’t always pretty out there. But, I’ve learned through trial & error, to enjoy my own nook – creating my day, just the way I like it. I’ve learned to enjoy my time with ME.  No matter what you think, you can create the exact environment you enjoy & will create happiness for your soul.

In all you do, make everything special.  Wake up, start that coffee pot & treat your senses…… enjoy the rich & welcoming aroma that is greeting your nose on this new morning.  Start the oven! Put some biscuits in a pan, some bacon & pancakes on the stove. Before you start, find some Miles Davis (I highly recommend the album “Kind of Blue” – If you’ve never heard it, please put this into your evergreen collection. If you appreciate real musicians, well, then, you’re certainly welcome!) Create a personal space that make your senses flourish.

Make each thing you do……. special! Mid -afternoon, an oddly warm breeze is outside? Lift the windows….. really notice the smell & the gentle wind. Maybe you want to throw on some Dave Matthews or Earth, Wind & Fire to set your mood- dance where you are!  Make a margarita or have a glass of wine! Sit in the sunshine!   Capture every moment! Be present. Plant some seeds & dig in the dirt – bake a cake. Prepare your household for a savory adventure with the grill tonight! Live in a mindful state – live with the intention to appreciate each moment. Our life as a collective is shifting & what is ‘normal’ on the outside is an unknown. Don’t let it spin you & collect your spirit with worry. This is our planet, evolving, morphing…….. for what is to come. Pray. Live. Love. Care for yourself & for your neighbor by finding the silver lining that is filled with light – then, go cast it, brightly!