JOY

I choose joy! 

Each day, I have a choice.  Lord knows there is enough trouble to go around, so if I choose misery, I’ll have plenty of material to consider.  It requires little imagination to cover myself with gloom.  I mean, if all else fails, I can always read politics!

 

By the same token, there is so much wonder!

          The glossy portrait of my grandchildren,

          The easing of hot, sticky summer into gorgeous winter weather,

          My upcoming re-patriozation,

          Thanksgiving with family,

          Christmas in New England.

My list is ENDLESS!  Health, Freedom, Family

In the last stages of her fight with cancer, my friend allowed herself a single sad lament – and then snapped it away.  “Ridiculous! Who am I to feel sorry for myself!” and she pushed the conversation to happier thoughts.  She is my hero.  Even when she was losing the battle, she chose joy.

And please don’t misunderstand – it is a tough choice.  When recent events made me snarky and vile, my colleagues taunted me with “So how’s that joy working for you today?”  Obviously, it wasn’t.  And I didn’t want to be joyous, I wanted to castrate something. 

Each day, I have a choice,

          Will the headache win?

          Will I give my precious day to someone who wishes me ill?

          Will fear and sadness cloud my thoughts and shade my eyes?

Not me, babycakes!  Not on MY day.

C H O O S E   J O Y !

p.s. The photos on this page are architectural details here in Antigua!!