Joy

I took this photo when I was visiting my dad last time in Utah. In Utah, all things are coal related. This was a piece of equipment in a coal mine equipment display. I loved that the manufacturer was Joy.

I think joy is something left out of many people's day. So many (especially these days) think they have no joy in their life whatsoever. I would challenge any one of them. Let me walk through your day with you and I guarantee that I can find joy. That doesn't mean that all in your life is good, but there will be something to be joyful about.

Knowing what I know about finding the tiniest rays of light in life despite all difficulty, knowing that makes it difficult for me to be around completely negative people. I start by pointing out the joy to them. But they don't want to see it. They refuse to acknowledge it. So, I must distance myself. I don't want my joy-sight to be blinded by their negativity.

You know... when that happens, and I separate myself from people like that... those people get very angry. They call names. They slander. They want their poisonous outlook to spread and it can't if we all don't remain concerned and close. Oh, they lash out... but I don't care. I'm partitioned off from them. I can't be touched.

I hope that you all look extra hard today to find the joy. You will find it. And when you do, share a ray of your sunshine with others.

Crisp Clean air After a Storm

You know how right after a rainstorm, the air smells so good? It seems charged with positive energy and all is right? Especially a daytime rainstorm where the sun comes out afterwards.

I think that so often, during the storms in our life, we forget how it will feel after. Rain is necessary to make things grow. Adversity is necessary to make us grow. I have always said that I have no regrets in life... because every single thing that has happened to me has made me the person I am today.

Life seems to have so many ups and downs. And all we can control is how we react. I, for instance, am not a confrontational person, and I am a sponge for negativity. I have learned though, how to handle situations where I deal with people respectfully (while keeping them at a distance), and let their negative vibes go right on by. That's a daily lesson for me. Sometimes I pull it off, sometimes I don't. But I'm working on it.

All I have to remember is that no matter what choices I make, I have to live with myself. I hope you have a wonderful day!