Chasing Joy

We live in a culture that glorifies the 24/7 hustle and, though work is important and necessary, some of us made our life all about working to pay the bills. Then we journeyed into 2020 and received some life lessons on what holds real value. We were reminded that living is just as important. For me, something shifted somewhere between having children and working to advance in my career. I started living my life like a race that I had to push myself through. Running from one duty to the next, allowing exhaustion to be validation of progress.  I tried so many times to break that habit, but somehow always ended up back in the race.  When 2020 forced me to be still, listen and revisit my priorities and what is important to me, I started to recognize that the race does not bring me joy or peace, and it certainly is not healthy.  

2020 taught me that a lot can happen in a very short period of time and I should take nothing or no one for granted, because the unimaginable can become a reality.  It revealed just how much is out of my control, so every breath is a gift, and in that truth I find peace. But, perhaps the most valuable lesson was to identify and embrace what brings me joy, and then intentionally and relentlessly chase after it.  

I’ve never been one to make New Year resolutions; instead I create specific financial and professional goals. This year is a little different. This year I set one specific goal which covers all facets of my life.  I affirm that 2021 will be a year of profound self-care. My intent is simple; to begin creating the life I want one loving act at a time. I started by having a few hard, but necessary conversations, clearly communicating the behaviors I will no longer accept and those that should no longer be expected of me. I will no longer choke on my discomfort by being ambiguous about my needs or blurring boundaries simply to avoid hurting others. This means that a few chapters were closed, for now. Life is full of the unexpected so maybe some paths will cross again. Regardless, I’m excited to create the first strokes of color on these new pages. These chapters will be colored with all the ways I am intentionally creating a joy filled and purposeful life. 

I’ll be writing a separate monthly self-care blog and sharing the things I’m doing for an extra dose of joy or simply to love on myself more intentionally.  My goal is to encourage and support you in doing the same.  Don’t make this just another year with abandoned resolutions.  Make this a YOU YEAR where you intentionally chase the joy you deserve!