Sun shining day, rockin' it out at my job day, getting along great with husband day, I didn't do anything to piss off my mom day, looking cute day= easy to be Joyful.
Minnesota winter snow storm day, can't do anything right at work day, just not clicking with husband day, my mom yelled at me day, the silver (fine, gray) roots are really showing day= NOT as easy to be Joyful.
joy·ful
adjective
3. causing or bringing joy, as an event, a sight, or news; delightful: the joyful announcement of their marriage.
(thank you dictionary.com)
I would add:
4. the joy of the grace and love of God; the joy in one's heart comes from God.
Also in the last two years I've annoyed people with my "Choosing Joy".
Fine.
But I'm not sorry. I usually post something about Joy when I'm struggling the most.
Must.Reframe.
(reframe= stop. think. evaluate situation. is it really as bad as I thought? put it in perspective. be self aware. be grateful. adjust attitude.)
Must.Reframe.
(reframe= stop. think. evaluate situation. is it really as bad as I thought? put it in perspective. be self aware. be grateful. adjust attitude.)
The more I remind myself that when things are ugly or inconvenient or uncomfortable that I need to Choose Joy in the situation. It is up to ME to make the best of EVERYTHING in my life while leaning on and being grateful to God for giving me the ups and downs that I experience therefore I will learn from them and perhaps share the wisdom gained with others.
So. I do it - my Facebook status will be "Choose Joy! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood"
(Mr. Rogers flashbacks occasionally occur in my head)
Or it'll say "Missing my Gram Millie today, but I will Choose Joy as I know she is in heaven and I'm grateful to have known her"
...or they could be less serious "Choosing Joy that although my yard is full of dandelions at least I have a yard!"
...or they could be less serious "Choosing Joy that although my yard is full of dandelions at least I have a yard!"
Cheesy? Perhaps. Does it work? Absolutely. Just a few seconds to stop and think about my attitude and I reframe.
--sometimes reframing also includes pouring a Diet Coke into a full, frosty glass of ice...meh, I never said I was perfect.
Bible verses:
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
John 16:22 - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.".
2 Corinthians 7:4- "I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."
Not into God? (well, call me- I can introduce you to Him)--- There is still a place for Joy in your life. Just live a few days reminding yourself to Choose Joy when things seem to be going south...I predict your heart will feel better and your mood improved.
It's NOT often easy, but it makes life so much easier/better/positive and really affects the people around you when you Choose Joy!
1 comment:
you lead by example. i like that about you. :) xoxox
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