Finding Joy

Life seems to be a series of highs and lows for me.  Sometimes intense pain and intense joy in the same day, or even the same hour.  And years ago when it seemed like the ONLY thing I felt was pain, I wanted to feel peace and joy more than anything.  What I didn't know back then was that the secret to feeling joy was a simple thing.  But now I know,  and you know the reason I'm here is to help you heal from whatever is hurting you.  So I'll share this secret with you. 

Think back,  before The Bomb dropped (that's how I refer to The Event that turned my world into a pile of rubble), as far back as you need to go, and think about a moment in your life when you felt joy.  Now, say 'thank you' that you felt it, even if it was a short moment in time.  Feel the gratitude that at least you know what it feels like, and that you know the difference between joy and pain.  I know, darlin....you are very clear on the difference, aren't you? 

Now let's move forward, and find that great secret of feeling joy again.  Think of something, right now-today, that you are grateful for.  It can be anything.  A friend that called you, a great meal that was prepared by loving hands for you, the hug you got that made you feel comforted, your child or children, the love of someone close to you, a mentor or teacher that gave you their time to teach you something they are passionate about, a new restaurant you found that you love, the stranger who smiled at you, the flowers you saw on your way to work....anything at all.  Whatever it is that you found to be grateful for, think about and focus, and say, 'thank you'.  Whatever you feel gratitude for and focus on will increase.  The secret of finding joy is Gratitude.

It's amazing to me that the simplest things can cause the greatest healing and peace.  Years ago, I didn't believe that for a minute, and maybe you feel that way, too.  I felt so broken that I thought nothing could make feel better.  Over time I've learned there ARE things I can do to heal and feel better, and they are simple and pure and totally doable.  Gratitude is an easy and very effective tool for healing.

I recommend reading, 'The Magic', by Rhonda Byrne to get you started to feeling happier almost instantly.  Love, love, love that book.  I needed the reminder that good things come to those who are grateful for what they have already been given...and they are given more.  If you want more joy and happiness, be grateful for the joy you have felt in the past, and what you can find to be grateful for today.  You will then have more joy now.  This principle can be applied to ANYTHING you want to have.  Whatever we are grateful for, multiplies.  And it's all in our own hands to create and control.  What a relief that SOMETHING is, right?  So much in life is not, so I love to find something that is.

My hope for you is to have all the joy and happiness your heart has ever dreamed of, my friend.

Love, Michelle