Joy is a powerful emotion that can bring positivity and fulfillment to our lives. In a world where negativity and stress seem to be the norm, it's helpful to look at joy as a tool that can be leveraged to deal with the craziness around us.
For me, joy is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary feeling. It's a way of life, a state of being that does require work. I believe that joy is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Choosing joy means leaning into people/experiences/hobbies/conversations that fill my cup, even in the face of adversity. It means finding pleasure in the simple things, like a beautiful sunset, a good book, or a delicious meal. It means cherishing the moments of happiness, no matter how small.
But choosing joy is not always easy. Life is challenging, and there are times when it feels like joy is out of reach. That's when it's helpful to be intentional about cultivating joy in our lives. We can do this by practicing gratitude, surrounding ourselves with positive people, engaging in activities that bring us pleasure, and taking care of our physical and emotional health.
In my own life, I have found that choosing joy has brought many benefits. It has helps me stay positive and optimistic, even during difficult times. It has allowed me to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around me, and to find joy in the simple things. And it has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I might not have found otherwise. And when I need I reminder, I refer to my "To Do" List of Joy in my journal. A list of all the random things that bring me joy and help me to reset when I'm feeling out of alignment.
It's the reason, I started making candles and created Flows Grand. Inspired by my grandmother, who lived through some of the darkest days in America-- the struggles of Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and the daily challenges of life, she still leaned into joy and found a way to instill that into her children and grandchildren. It's her legacy. My mission is to remind people that joy is possible even in the darkest of times. With each hand poured candle and hand wrapped crystal, I am creating a space for joy to grow.
So why do I choose joy?
Because it helps provide me with fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.
Because it helps me to stay centered, even through adversity.
Because it reminds me that life is a precious gift, and that every moment is an opportunity to experience joy.
How are you leaning into joy in your life?