Finding The Joy

This week I had a day that was absolutely beautiful. Perhaps even the best day of my life. Coming off of a birthday party weekend for my boys, I decided to spend the afternoon of their real birthday with them on Monday. The time at work flew by without anything dragging me down. Arriving at the school and being greeted with such love and excitement is beyond expression. Our afternoon wasn't an elaborate affair. Just a simple meal at a family restaurant, playing some games in their entertainment area and then home to open gifts. The reward of seeing one's children going to bed so happy and content is something only a parent can understand.
This will be a day I lock away in my memory banks and will call on when I am harassed by the pressures and circumstances of daily life. That joy I felt, will be something I will strive to have every day. There is actually no reason to live in a place constantly thinking about the atrocities around yourself. Dwelling in those dark places is not helping solve the situation and is definitely not helping yourself. Don't ignore the issues of the world but rather choose to take your mind to where there is joy. If you can't find that place, here are the directions:
 - Do something kind and unexpected for someone else.
Taking your focus from the negative and using your efforts to create a positive in someone else's life will only ever generate joy in both the giver and the receiver.
 - Go and do something fun.
For me that's easy. Hopping on a bike is not only great exercise but totally thrilling for me. Doing something fun doesn't have be an hugely expensive event either. It can be as simple as taking a walk in the rain, go swim in the ocean, have coffee with that friend you have been meaning to.
 - Hug someone you love.
And not just a limp-armed one second pat on the back. It must be a full body, locked-arm-wrap-type hug which lasts long enough so that you feel the warmth generate between you. (I did say this has to be someone you love!)

If we all find a little joy today, what an awesome day it will be. Go and find the joy.