The 15th thing I learned again -- allow joy to come into your life

Late summer flowers

watercolour and marker on 

watercolour paper

5.5 x 8.5 inches

Barbara Muir © 2017

Louise Hay once asked what word we would want to use
to define a year? In 2017  I chose the word "joy." 2023 has
been a hard year for me and my family. Illnesses, job losses,
and other hardships combined with the world news made
it a challenge. The kindness of friends and family has been
so vital. The word I'd use to describe the year? 

There isn't one word -- but "resilience" comes to mind.  And
noticing joy is a huge factor in resilience. 

As I said in 2017, "Joy (or happiness if you like) is most 

potent in the heart of hard times.  When you lift your eyes up 

out of sorrow and look around, it's there waiting 

for you.  I think perhaps it's the force of nature

saying -- "Look! Look at me! I'm always here 

to make you happy."  

These are very harsh times in so many ways. The news

is brutal.  Anxiety is rocketing, and instead of

crawling back under the covers and giving up
on trying to change the world, effect peace, make
a difference -- joy beckons us to keep going, call 

a friend, and make our voices heard, donate, volunteer,
protest, and join a vast joyous choir across this beautiful planet. 

What do you do to express your joy?  Do you paint, 

write letters to friends (or politicians), spend time 

with family, go for a walk?  I'd love to hear your ideas.
Tonight I went on a beautiful walk with the love of
my life, Steven.  The lights and decorations in our
neighbourhood are a message to all of us.  Our 
neighbours care, and want to show us some joy,
to make us happy in this cold month. 

Have figuring-out-the-joy day.