Chase JOY

Hello All,

This pandemic has been and continues to be a time of great challenge and uncertainty – not just here, around the world. Food insecurity is more prevalent than ever before. Housing concerns are growing. Unemployment has impacted so many. The weather has been a challenge.

The tone of the political campaigns has been a challenge – unless you live in Utah! Have you seen the incredible political ad for the governor’s race in Utah? The gubernatorial candidates Spencer Cox (Republican) and Chris Peterson (Democrat) appear together in the ad! (To be fair, I listed them in alphabetical order by their last names.) Their joint message – a call for civility. They note that “our common values transcend our political differences.” They further state they are “equally dedicated to democracy, liberty and justice for all”, even though they have “different opinions on how to achieve these goals.” They end by saying they are committed to “American civility and the peaceful transition of power”, no matter which one wins. In the middle of this crazy political season, this brought me joy!

I have been thinking a lot about joy lately. Perhaps it is because for me joy serves as a flashlight to brighten these sometimes gloomy days. Brene Brown says that “A joyful life is not a floodlight of joy. A joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration and faith.” Joyful moments, trust, gratitude, inspiration, faith – all things we need in our  daily lives, and even more so today.

Joy is based on the Latin word gaudium/gaudere meaning rejoice. It morphed to joie in French…..and to joy in Middle English. (I do not know why I have been interested in word origins lately! I think it might have something to do with finding my old – very old – Latin textbook from high school!)

My personal mission over these past few weeks has been to recognize and appreciate the joys in my life. As I have been more deliberate about this, I have realized there is joy in every day. George purring – Geoffrey tossing his toys in the air and chasing them, which entertains me as much as he does his cat-self – Gene patting Bob gently on the leg when it is time for Gene’s evening treats – the first sip of Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice eggnog, serving as the start of the holiday festivities – a great novel – a case of the giggles or a full out belly laugh – a surprise note or call from one of my daughters or my best friends – Bob checking to see if we need to add my little cans of Coke to the shopping list so I don’t run out (stars above! that would be a nightmare) – a hug from my mom – giving hugs, even if I do it with my mask on – getting together with the incredible group of women in our book club – activities with my friends and family – a beautiful sunrise that symbolizes new opportunities (which I see more often these days with George waking me up so early!) – an electric blanket on a cold night – holding hands on my date with Bob to the grocery store (yep, that qualifies as dating!) – raucous family dinners – singing out loud in the car (with the windows rolled up, I must protect the environment) – the smell of cedar or cookies – giving gifts to others – watching the bunny who lives in our backyard – hearing the words “Aunt Phyllis” or “Momma”. Each day there are joyful moments to string together! Each day these joys keep me sane.

Nikki Banas, writer and encourager, says this about joy:

“Make your life about joy. Celebrate your big and little wins. Grow every day. Enjoy the first sip of your morning coffee, and the second and the third and the fourth. Find something to smile about on your commute. Give hugs often, compliment others when you can. Get inspired. Nourish yourself. Go outside and spend some time in nature. Take chances. Make the art. Watch the sunrise. Climb the mountain. Because life is just too short and fragile to not live a life of chasing joy.

Joy requires action. “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” – Henrie J. M. Nouwen.

Take a few minutes to catalogue the joys in your life. Wrap you arms and heart around these joys. Choose joy. Chase joy.

Phyl