Only What Brings You Joy

I was writing in my journal recently in the a.m. and asked a question about using my energy to line up with Who I Really Am and what actions I can take toward that end.                                                                    

Instead of conforming to what I think it might look like, or what I should be doing, or being similar to what others are doing, I need to go with that flow that comes from my core essence. 

As I dissected this further, a notation of what types of activities would get me nailing my bulls-eye, I got the instruction: do only what gives you joy. 

Wow. This felt like an epiphany to me. 

Yes, I know my focus often resides on refreshment and doing things that enliven you, so it really should come as no surprise to me.

But, yet, it really struck me when I saw the word: JOY. 

JOY is an indescribable feeling that comes from the core of your being, from within.

You feel it when you are actively engaged in something or with someone that is in true alignment with who you really are. 

When the purpose of what you are doing is simply because you want to; not because you have to or feel obligated to. 

After I wrote this entry, I went into my art studio and gazed at my current art journal two-page spread and I immediately felt JOY come up. Like I was looking forward to working/playing with it. 

So this JOY idea really gave me pause. 

I started to think about what really gives me JOY and what doesn't...

Now I realize that we can't practically only choose to do things that bring us joy. There are things we must do to keep living that aren't necessarily fun and joyful; but our attitude can make all the difference in that arena. 

But when I think about how I spend my time aside from those other duties, and even the choices I make as a writer, an artist, a host, a social media marketer, or simply as a woman, mom, wife, grandma, friend, then JOY brings a whole new dimension. 

JOY can teach me what is really true, authentic, interesting, a natural draw for me.

JOY can show me what life experiences open my heart, such as:

Talking about refreshment, positive change and what truly enlivens you.

Sharing inner wisdom that resonates and gives food for thought.

Watching someone share their vocal abilities when they don’t even know they have it and being told they do. (I get so inspired by the surprise element that comes with such a life experience.)

Recording something I observed about my grandboy’s learning, imagination and personality that is new and spending time talking to him and playing with him…JOY unbounded!

Trying a new technique in my art journal that turns out better than I thought it would and what I immediately learn multi-dimensionally from that hands-on experience. Creative JOY.

Enjoying quality time with hubby where we share from our hearts and laugh a lot because we always have so much fun together….yes, JOY indeed.

Watching my eldest daughter with her son as they play word games together and he responds with great interest and laughs out loud as she gets silly. JOY bubbling up.

Seeing my youngest daughter get excited over something that truly lights her creative fire. JOY resonating.

Yes, there are many sources of JOY in my life; and I love recording every one of them.

And to use JOY as my barometer for decision making and determining my course is an awesome understanding that I will delve into even further in the coming days.

What would you do, how would you choose your course, your activities if JOY was your barometer, your determining factor to your life experience? What would that look like for you?

The actual definition of JOY is a deep emotion of pleasure, gladness and a thing that causes delight.

Who doesn’t want more of that?

I’ve got the joy down in my heart.

How about you?