The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Finding Joy

Recently I fell in love with a book called Laughing Through the Ugly Cry by Dawin Barton. I loved it because she could express clearly what I believe. Finding joy in my life and finding the blessing that surrounds me every day is something I strive to do. I want "She Found Joy" to be placed on my tombstone when I die. I guess that is why I listen to others and hope to find their joy. It's the reason I get so frustrated with complainers. We must have a lot of stories in our community that could keep us focused on the gift of joy.

I can't worry about imperfections or mistakes. I can attempt to fix them but can't stay focused on what is wrong because it pulls me to depression.

"Our stories, the good and the bad make us who we are. They allow us to identify and empathize with each other, to connect, on big and small levels. I don't believe any of us were born to sit back in silence and just exist. We weren't created to live lives of sadness, anger, or depression. We weren't made for blaming, with holding forgiveness, or being negative. We were made to find the gift of joy." Dawin Barton

Years ago, I was a Star Trek fan, and there was a storyline about an alien who came aboard the Enterprise and, one by one, took everyone's pain away. In short, they did whatever he wanted them to do because they worshipped him. In the end, he controlled the ship. Captain Kirk said, "You know that pain and guilt can't be taken away with the wave of a magic wand! They're the things we carry with us, the things that make us who we are. If we lose them, we lose ourselves. I don't want my pain taken away; I need my pain!" I've remembered that line my entire life. It isn't that I enjoy my pain, but it is what has taught me the most significant lessons in my life. Life isn't happy, but life can be joyful. Find joy!