Trading thanks for Joy

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” –Marianne Williamson

You might be tired or stressed, but if you’re reading this article, chances are, you have a home, people who love you, and all the means you’ll ever need to survive. Life is good! Even if you don’t have these things, you have life. I believe that life is like one big course of study, and even the assignments that you don’t enjoy doing teach you something in the end if you are open to learning. Sorrow is what happens when we loose sight of this. Happy people are constantly taking inventory of the things that they have to be grateful for. (I even give thanks for the challenges in my life, because they have made me stronger, and wiser.)

If you constantly focus on your gratitude, even for the tiniest things, you’ll soon forget about all that is lacking. Start to notice and give thanks for things that you normally just overlook, like a good cup of coffee, patience or understanding from a friend, or the smell of pine trees. You’re the only one who’s preventing joy in your life. I know that’s hard to hear, but it’s true.

Wishing you Joy this advent,

Emily

P.S.- Come visit the advent spiral in the upstairs far classroom!