Joy

Three Steps to Joy
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Three Steps to Joy

I  think there is a distinct difference between joy and happiness.  Happiness is dependent on what’s going on in your life.  It’s the choice of how you deal with everyday annoyances.    Joy, on the other hand, is deep inside.  It’s something you have whether you are happy or sad, satisfied or annoyed,  excited or indifferent.

My Steps to Joy include three questions to ask yourself. Continue reading →

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Take Back Christmas

My Christmas Mantle

My Christmas Mantle

Oh the joys of Christmas are many but the hustle and bustle that we get ourselves wrapped up in are exploding before our very eyes; exploding before our family’s very eyes!

I’m not sure when, if ever, in my life that Christmas was an easy and gentle time.  I fully admit that I go for the all or nothing approach, decorating every corner of the house, baking dozens of cookies, writing cards to hundreds, singing in concerts, ringing the Salvation Army bell, hosting parties…  You get it – over the top.

This year I have discovered , more than any past year, that I need to stop and listen.  I need to stop what I’m doing, look at the people around me, and ask one simple question.  “How are you doing this time of year?”  Oh I’ve asked the question many times before but the” stop and listen” part were not in my consciousness.

The answers to my question have been rather humbling. Continue reading →