This post was originally posted on my old page on Medium.com
Our world is in a joy-deficit.
This is a notion I heard from Courtney Long in her Life Purpose with the Fairies and Angels class recently, and while I hadn’t considered it earlier, it really hit home for me. Because it is SO true.
It’s almost revolutionary to live a life of joy.
A simple Google search of the word revolution brings back several definitions. My favorite and the one that is most in alignment here is:
“A dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized or in people’s ideas about it.”
Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest and author of over 40 books on the spiritual life, including The Return of the Prodigal Son. He said, “joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.“
Some days, this can be easier said than done. Especially when faced with the day-to-day ills of the world. It becomes “revolutionary”, though, when we consciously make the decision to choose joy over whatever other options — usually that of negativity — we are offered.
I truly believe that part of our Purpose — as human embodiments of Spirit — IS to have FUN while experiencing ALL this human incarnation has to offer. And, in addition, share our own unique sparkle with the world.
Now, when I say that, I don’t mean that you have to go out and be center stage, to stand in the spotlight. Rather, I mean sharing our own unique sparkle with those whose lives we touch, those who we come in contact with. Whether that be our children, our spouse or significant other, or the cashier at our local grocery store.
We don’t meet anyone by coincidence. There is always, always, always a reason behind every encounter we have with every individual. Whether it is to bring a spark of light into their world, or they’re bringing their light into ours. There is always Purpose and meaning. We just aren’t always Aware that’s the case.
How can you spread joy, your sparkle across our land, and in the lives of others?
What brings you joy? After all, you cannot share it from an empty cup. Pursue your own joy first and foremost.
Not sure where to start? The best place to start is by asking yourself… “What do I have fun doing?” Fun and joy go hand in hand. Find out what you en-joy (in-joy) doing, and you’ll have your answer.
Then, once your cup is overflowing, then — and only then — can you share that joy with others! (It IS infectious, though!)
What one thing can you do today that will assist you in consciously choosing joy?