Finding Joy in Every Day

The world is upside down right now. Yesterday was Easter Sunday. While we stay in this state of self isolation from the world, it is easy for the emotions to take you for a daily roller coaster ride. Yesterday was particularly one of those carnival days. Spring is by far always my favorite time of the year, all the bright cheery flowers popping up through the soil with a perky hello and every day new ones emerge to remind us, life goes on, it is uplifting! But, Easter is a time for family. Gatherings in church to remind us while we celebrate the occasion, children excitedly searching for colored eggs some they creatively died and some filled with treasures, meal gatherings with loved ones and the reminder of how important the people in our lives matter. So, yesterday maybe it was a test of faith, strength or more time for reflection? Not being able to celebrate those rituals with family, friends or even the community, put a question in the heart, why are we doing this social distancing and its keeping us from what matters most, people.

We keep on keeping our distance and realize we are doing it for what matters most, people. So in the times of solitary confinement, is the time for meditation, self reflection, prayer to keep our faith and hearts strong. Missing most what matters the most, to me.........grand babies, adult children, friends and family. There is comfort and reassurance in knowing they are healthy, safe and keeping strong as well.

Don't let life pass you by while you are lamenting or wishing for something else. Life, in all of its fullness, is happening right now. While our thoughts are sometimes elsewhere, beautiful opportunities and moments are being passed over and lost to the flow of time. Don't get so focused on what you are missing that we don't pay attention to the wonder all around us. When we do that, we live in a world that exists only in our heads, while we miss life itself. There is so much to be enjoyed and appreciated that we need to remember to pay attention to the present moment, because it is the only space in which we can experience being alive. So have faith with time in your thoughts to feel for those not with us right now and preserve the moment and see what is in front of your eyes. There is a bigger reason why we are all doing this and it will pay off, let go and be thankful for the moment. Be super thankful for modern technology and face time! Virtual hugs are not the same, but it brings long distance social distancing way closer.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

― Walt Disney Company, Mulan