Shopping for Joy!

If joy was one of the things that you could get for free at the supermarket, would you make a special trip for it? When you run out of milk, you go and get more, right? What happens when you run out of joy? We all know the signs; the container feels empty and needs to be filled up. It is then that you have a choice: what do I fill it up with? Do I go for something outside of myself (my faves tend to be anything at Target) that will always bring me joy – for a moment anyway. But really, how long can new mascara or a new pair of shoes bring joy? That is called instant gratification. It will last for a bit, and then the craving for more comes along. The best deal on joy in town is found right inside of you.

 

Authenticity it is the ability to be yourself and do what you know is right for you to do. It is an authentic expression that raises you to that feeling of happiness. You know the way you feel when you say yes to doing something delightful for yourself, compared to when you say no to something that everyone else wants from you, but you really do not want it. It can be as simple as “no, i really do not want Mexican food tonight, I just want a salad.” It may seem like a simple act to honor yourself. Or even more likely, you find yourself saying: “Oh, it is not a big deal, we can have Mexican food.” Over time, Mexican food gets old and so does that lack of joy feeling.

 

It is the little things that we do in our life that allows us to feel joy, saying yes to a salad, honoring our desires. When real desires are continually stuffed, so is the joy. Let the joy flow, like the best chocolate milk in town.  You can find that here at Aunt Wendy’s house.

 

What does authentic expression look like, feel like, or sound like for you these days?