Step #1

 For the next 7 weeks, I am going to highlight my 7 steps to finding your joy. I figure it's a good time to do this. I know I am already feeling anxious about the holidays. I'm busier than last year, and things are still different too. I need the reminder of finding my joy and thought maybe some of you do too.

Here we go!

Step #1- Only YOU can find your joy.

No one can find it for you. Honestly, it can be hard work. Really hard, but it is worth it. My hope for myself and you is that we can find deep down joys. The ones that really resonate with you deep in your soul. The ones that aren't fleeting. They are always there, but we can't always tap into them or recognize them. Other"stuff" prevents it sometimes. Busyness, sadness, being overwhelmed, or negativity can cloud our ability to get to those deep down joys. That is when you need to find the "surface" joys. They are just as important. 

You may be thinking, "Kim, I have no idea what the difference is between a "surface" joy and a deep down joy. " Let me give you an example:

Having my husband Mark in my life is a deep down joy. When I am upset with him because he didn't do something I asked him too, or I direct my anger toward him when he had nothing to do with my frustration, I can't find my joy that I have in him. He is a deep down joy though, because he lovingly corrects me and I find my joy again. It's always there, it's a constant. 

A "surface" joy is something quick and maybe temporary that reignites your joy spark. Things like sunshine, or birds singing. We need those joys. They have a purpose too. They are easier to find, and a good place to start. 

The key is YOU have to do the work. I can't say to you"hey, hear that bird, Doesn't that give you joy?" I mean I could, and would if you were really having trouble finding a specific joy, but it's better if YOU find it.

So, do some work this week at finding joys.... surface and deep down ones. You'll know if you are doing it when you start to notice people who aren't! 

I hope you can #findyourjoy this week!

here are my joys for the week ending 11/7:

1. A wonderful All Saints Sunday service

2. A fun Vendor show Saturday

3. Meeting with our financial advisor, I am so thankful for her.

4. Being able to have worked with and known Penny Rutledge. What a sweet and talented lady. 

5. Being able to share a classroom with Donna