Breathe Deep…Now Choose Joy

Attention:  This is NOT a political post!  I am so glad to see the election cycle come to an end….and I am writing this on the Sunday before even knowing the results.  It just seems that no matter what your party affiliation that people have been angry and on edge more than ever before.

Now, save your time if you are about to tell us whose fault that is.  I will not post those comments.  This is not about blame…I am here today to encourage you to take personal responsibility and choose JOY.  That’s right, I believe it is a personal choice whether to be angry, ugly, or disgruntled.  OR, to choose kindness and joy instead.  I have made the choice more recently to turn off certain conversations or to walk away simply because I could tell I was giving the words of others the power to steal my joy.

As I have said so often, life is short.  It is time to discover joy in each moment…even when things are not going our way.  I know it can be hard and circumstances can make joy a struggle…I also know it is possible to live this way.  Remember that old adage from our mothers…if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all.  Really relevant words for today…and still taught by Big Bird!

My love of Christmas time exists for many reasons, but I do love that it is a season of joy.  The word is everywhere.  A recent survey revealed that those who decorate their homes for Christmas earlier are more joyful…I can see that!

So, even if the election was a bummer to you…choose joy.  Find a way to experience every day and then you will find it much easier to

KEEP SMILING!

A couple of the brands I am wearing are in today’s slide show below:

16 Comments

  1. So true Pam, so true. We make choices every day, and the first one we make when we wake up should be to be thankful and choose joy for the day we’ve been given. Then go and make the most of it. Well said!

  2. The joy of the Christmas season is open to everyone. This special season is about bringing light to the darkest time of the year. We can all use that.

  3. I wrote something similar on my blog today as well. God was in control before governors or governments and He will be in control long after they exist. That is my source of Joy and contentment regardless of what is going on around me. And yes, I’m sure there will be many days ahead when I will need to remind myself of this truth over and over again. Thanks for helping us put this period of time into a healthy perspective.

  4. Well said, Pam. It’s easy to get caught up in every day negativity that buzzes around our ears like a mosquito when you are trying to sleep in on a summer morning. I have to check myself from time to time and will tell myself (out loud) to chill out. I’m trying to be conscious of helping to bring back the lost art of kindness and find joy in every day. Feel free to keep reminding us.

  5. Choosing kindness toward others is always, always the right choice!!!! Saying hello, really noticing someone, offering a compliment can make another’s day a good one. And I believe kindness comes from joy and gratitude. Thank you for an uplifting post and all you do to create community.

  6. I agree. In this current political climate I find it necessary to make a conscious effort to protect myself from the toxicity and to choose JOY! And, I’ve said here many times before, it is such a comfort to know that this remains a safe, supportive, kind community to visit. Thank you so much, Pam, for making it so.

  7. I have been thinking about how I can make a difference in this sadly hostile world, and I ask myself what Jesus would do today. I’m not hyper-religious, but I do believe that Jesus’ philosophy is the best one. So I try to be kind, to avoid angry arguments and name-calling, and to remember the words that speak most passionately to me: (paraphrasing) “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” It helps.

  8. So well said, Pam. My theme verse is Colossians 3:12 “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” I would definitely add joy to that list!

  9. Thank you, Pam. You have given voice to how so many of us feel. Kindness & respect cost nothing to give but are priceless to the recipient.

  10. Well spoken Pam.I have recently made the decision to try to be part of the answer not part of the problem. I am striving to choose kindness.

  11. While I totally agree with Pam and other commenters, and think joy and gratitude are the most important, might I also add respect? Respect for yourself and for others means that you listen and speak civilly, even if you disagree.

  12. Thanks to everyone who has commented today….and Linda, Yes to Respect. I find when I am feeling my most content, joyful self, that I am more empathetic and willing to listen to others and their views. I think all of this…kindness and respect of others…helps us to achieve a more joyful life. Great comments, ladies!

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