I found myself sharing some time with someone I haven't seen in quite a while. As we were talking, it was brought home to me how much things have changed for me in the last year. I don't think about it much because I am so filled with the joy of the change that I don't really think about "how much" things have changed. She seemed pleasantly surprised by the changes she was witnessing.
Today I spent some time watching daytime television. Shows about a woman and her journey to lose weight and one of my favorites about cleaning cluttered houses. What struck me was all of the excuses people use for the "why" they haven't changed. My favorite is, "I've always done it that way", with a close second, "I've never done it like that before". At which time you want to yell at the television, "and how's that workin for ya!?"
One of the reasons that I was inspired to begin this journey of spreading joy to everyone that I could, was because of change. I realize that change can seem scary and disconcerting. However, oftentimes change is necessary and most definitely at times out of our control. We simply can't stop change from happening, but how we adapt to it is absolutely in our control.
When you are dealing with children, stability is vital. This is why children have "security" blankets and if you have to move they have all kinds of advice for how to help your children adjust. However, that need for security and stability never really goes away. This why people stay at jobs that they are not happy at. This is why people stay in relationships that don't bring them joy any longer. At first it's about a need for security, but then it becomes so ingrained that it's easy to just get stuck there.
Over the years each time that I have lost a job it has been because I chose not to move when I was no longer being fulfilled. First I was given an opportunity to find a way out and then the Universe came in and helped me along. It doesn't feel helpful at first, it just feels awful. But, I notice that very quickly I wake up one morning really glad that I don't have to go back. I no longer wake up with dread at what my day will bring. I find myself waking with the anticipation of what my day will bring.
We can get stuck in the pain, anger, shame, guilt and resentment. When we are looking at what has changed versus what we want to do about the change, we are missing the opportunity to really find the gift that the change has brought to our life. There is always a gift. What that gift is can only be determined by you. Have you stopped getting the migraines every Wednesday? Do you wake up without the anxiety? Have you rediscovered the beauty of a sunrise? There are so many gifts to be found!
So, here's the challenge...you knew there would be one. Think about a change that you've experienced in your life. It can be a brand new one or an old one that you can't seem to stop going over in your mind. However, instead of pointing out all of the things that were unpleasant, scary or negative about that change. Try looking at what gift you received from that change. I don't want to hear any "yeah, buts". I understand things are not always easy to recover from, I understand that sometime changes can hurt. Just try to find at least one gift that the change brought to you, then find one more. It will definitely give you the opportunity to alter your perspective and then think of the joys that you'll discover!
I remain...joyfully yours,
Robyn
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Joy of a Fresh Start
When I started writing this week I was hoping to post something about sunshine. It's very sunny here in Denver and I was feeling really joyful about the gift. But, when I started writing I realized that in reality it is really what happens to me every year on the Spring Equinox. Something about the official change of season signifies to my psyche that things are starting fresh and new.
Growing up I always loved it when the Easter season rolled around because it meant some pretty Spring clothes, usually a new dress, pretty coat and a shiny new pair of Mary Janes. You wear brighter colors in the spring, things just seem more chipper.
It got me to thinking...Spring signifies the end of the dark time. Winter, when things are hidden in the ground, trees are naked, darkness comes early...it is usually a time for introspection and hibernation. Then Spring arrives...and things begin to bloom. The sun seems to shine brighter. Even when it snows it feels different, less cold and endless.
Spring is the fresh start for the year. It's why I think our calendar would serve us better if it went from Vernal Equinox to Vernal Equinox. When we are feeling ready for a fresh start is when we get a new year. I would bet more "resolutions" would be kept if they were made at the beginning of Spring instead of the dark, cold months of Winter. When I worked at a gym, other than the month of January...the months of March & April were very popular. I think it's because people finally started coming out from under all of those big, bulky clothes and realized that that had become big & bulky too.
But, even certain days feel "fresher" the others, the best day for sales of new memberships was Monday. People always think of starting something new on Monday. "I'll start my diet on Monday. I'll quit smoking on Monday. Let's start walking together on Monday." Funnily, Sunday is really the beginning of the week, but people look at it more as the last day of the weekend instead of the beginning of the next week.
I went to a celebration of the Spring Equinox this weekend and it was all about beginnings. A fresh start, looking at things from a fresh perspective...looking at it with "child's eyes" so to speak. I liked it. It feels hopeful. I laughed a lot and I am sure it is because I was truly feeling the joy of letting go of old things and going forward with a new beginning.
That's the thing about Spring...it always feels fresh and new. It creates a feeling of hope. It reminds us that no matter what has happened in the dark, Winter...we can emerge bright and shiny, with a fresh new start.
In celebration of the new season...give yourself permission for a fresh start. It doesn't matter what you "haven't" done. It doesn't matter that you "failed" to do what you were "supposed" to do. Today is your do over...you get to call a Mulligan (golfing vernacular). You officially get to experience the joy of a fresh start!
Walkin on sunshine my friends...until nextime
Yours in Joy,
Robyn
Growing up I always loved it when the Easter season rolled around because it meant some pretty Spring clothes, usually a new dress, pretty coat and a shiny new pair of Mary Janes. You wear brighter colors in the spring, things just seem more chipper.
It got me to thinking...Spring signifies the end of the dark time. Winter, when things are hidden in the ground, trees are naked, darkness comes early...it is usually a time for introspection and hibernation. Then Spring arrives...and things begin to bloom. The sun seems to shine brighter. Even when it snows it feels different, less cold and endless.
Spring is the fresh start for the year. It's why I think our calendar would serve us better if it went from Vernal Equinox to Vernal Equinox. When we are feeling ready for a fresh start is when we get a new year. I would bet more "resolutions" would be kept if they were made at the beginning of Spring instead of the dark, cold months of Winter. When I worked at a gym, other than the month of January...the months of March & April were very popular. I think it's because people finally started coming out from under all of those big, bulky clothes and realized that that had become big & bulky too.
But, even certain days feel "fresher" the others, the best day for sales of new memberships was Monday. People always think of starting something new on Monday. "I'll start my diet on Monday. I'll quit smoking on Monday. Let's start walking together on Monday." Funnily, Sunday is really the beginning of the week, but people look at it more as the last day of the weekend instead of the beginning of the next week.
I went to a celebration of the Spring Equinox this weekend and it was all about beginnings. A fresh start, looking at things from a fresh perspective...looking at it with "child's eyes" so to speak. I liked it. It feels hopeful. I laughed a lot and I am sure it is because I was truly feeling the joy of letting go of old things and going forward with a new beginning.
That's the thing about Spring...it always feels fresh and new. It creates a feeling of hope. It reminds us that no matter what has happened in the dark, Winter...we can emerge bright and shiny, with a fresh new start.
In celebration of the new season...give yourself permission for a fresh start. It doesn't matter what you "haven't" done. It doesn't matter that you "failed" to do what you were "supposed" to do. Today is your do over...you get to call a Mulligan (golfing vernacular). You officially get to experience the joy of a fresh start!
Walkin on sunshine my friends...until nextime
Yours in Joy,
Robyn
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Healthy Body - Pot Full of Joy
I'm making soup today. I love soup. It's the easiest thing to make that can fill you up and keep you going without having to do a lot. You can put almost anything in a pot, give it some time (and maybe thyme) and it's something delicious in a few hours.
One of the other reasons I really like soup is I don't have to fuss and it keeps me full. I read somewhere that a study was done on people that ate soup and how it contributes to weight loss. I figure it was probably commissioned by a soup manufacturer. But, what came out of it was...eating soup fills you up and helps prevent overeating. I believe this. When I eat soup I either don't want anything else, or don't want a lot of anything else.
Soup also brings people together. I used to run a cafe. We made fresh soup everyday. It became a regular habit for people to start calling up early in the morning to see when the soup would be ready because we sold out everyday. People would come visit my kitchen on the premise of coming to see me, but I secretly thought it was so that they could get first crack at the soup! I loved it!
One of my favorite stories to read to my sister was a book called "Stone Soup". I've also heard it called "Button Soup". It is the story of two strangers that come to a new town. The townspeople are all hiding in their homes trying to stay away from the strangers. This town is full of people struggling to keep their heads above water, keeping what they have to themselves, living with the idea of the scarcity of life.
So, the strangers build a fire, right in the middle of town. They put on a pot to boil and drop in a stone. Now, everyone in town sees this and is very curious. Finally one brave soul comes out and asks what they're making. "Stone Soup" one replies. The townsperson laughs because that just sounds ridiculous. How can you make soup with a stone? The stranger proceeds to stir saying, "Yep, this is going to be good. Of course, it would be better if we just had some carrots and onions." Now, the townsperson, no longer fearful of the strangers, offers them a couple of carrots and onions. The story continues with each curious townsperson coming out to investigate and eventually offering a small something to add to the pot. Laughter and sharing ensues, bringing the townspeople together, sharing with one another and eating a delicious pot of ~ Stone Soup.
People talk about their grandmother's/mother's chicken soup. There is even a whole book series about it being "soul food". Soup is like a miracle in a pot. The soup I'm making today is vegan ~ so no chicken here. However, it's permeating the house with a wonderful smell. It just smells like a giant hug. If I weren't so far away from my friends, I would probably have at least 6 - 8 people at my house tonight for dinner. And the meat-eaters among them wouldn't even notice that it was vegan. The laughter and joy fills you up right along with the soup, and nothing seems to be missing.
I encourage you to put on a pot of soup. With just a few ingredients, nothing fancy needed and some time, you'll have a pot full of joy to share with your friends and family.
Let's eat!
Yours in joy, Robyn
One of the other reasons I really like soup is I don't have to fuss and it keeps me full. I read somewhere that a study was done on people that ate soup and how it contributes to weight loss. I figure it was probably commissioned by a soup manufacturer. But, what came out of it was...eating soup fills you up and helps prevent overeating. I believe this. When I eat soup I either don't want anything else, or don't want a lot of anything else.
Soup also brings people together. I used to run a cafe. We made fresh soup everyday. It became a regular habit for people to start calling up early in the morning to see when the soup would be ready because we sold out everyday. People would come visit my kitchen on the premise of coming to see me, but I secretly thought it was so that they could get first crack at the soup! I loved it!
One of my favorite stories to read to my sister was a book called "Stone Soup". I've also heard it called "Button Soup". It is the story of two strangers that come to a new town. The townspeople are all hiding in their homes trying to stay away from the strangers. This town is full of people struggling to keep their heads above water, keeping what they have to themselves, living with the idea of the scarcity of life.
So, the strangers build a fire, right in the middle of town. They put on a pot to boil and drop in a stone. Now, everyone in town sees this and is very curious. Finally one brave soul comes out and asks what they're making. "Stone Soup" one replies. The townsperson laughs because that just sounds ridiculous. How can you make soup with a stone? The stranger proceeds to stir saying, "Yep, this is going to be good. Of course, it would be better if we just had some carrots and onions." Now, the townsperson, no longer fearful of the strangers, offers them a couple of carrots and onions. The story continues with each curious townsperson coming out to investigate and eventually offering a small something to add to the pot. Laughter and sharing ensues, bringing the townspeople together, sharing with one another and eating a delicious pot of ~ Stone Soup.
People talk about their grandmother's/mother's chicken soup. There is even a whole book series about it being "soul food". Soup is like a miracle in a pot. The soup I'm making today is vegan ~ so no chicken here. However, it's permeating the house with a wonderful smell. It just smells like a giant hug. If I weren't so far away from my friends, I would probably have at least 6 - 8 people at my house tonight for dinner. And the meat-eaters among them wouldn't even notice that it was vegan. The laughter and joy fills you up right along with the soup, and nothing seems to be missing.
I encourage you to put on a pot of soup. With just a few ingredients, nothing fancy needed and some time, you'll have a pot full of joy to share with your friends and family.
Let's eat!
Yours in joy, Robyn
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Joy of a Healthy Body - Part One
I've been trying to write a post for several weeks about having a healthy body. However, I've been stuck on the idea that I don't want it to sound preachy. I have had, in my time, a well oiled machine of a body and a ready for the junk heap body. I am currently hovering in-between. I am a work in progress.
However, I was prompted to write Part One of this because of something that happened this weekend.
I need to digress for just a moment. I've been working on getting back up to optimum vitality for a minute now. Back in December, I became a pescatarian. For those of you that don't know, it means I am a vegetarian that also eats fish and seafood, but no chicken, turkey, pork or beef (that includes bacon - the hardest part). I did not do this for morality. I have never apologized for being carnivorous. I did it because it feels better. And being a writer, it's cheaper (okaay!)
Then as winter has been turning into spring I started feeling as though I was getting a little slow and my joints have really been complaining. So, I was working up to another cut to my diet. Then a friend of mine invited me to join a group on facebook dedicated to cleaning up our diets! Don't you love how the Universe just provides at the moment when you need it? And Bingo! The next step to getting more pep in my step without my knees complaining arrives.
Now, we're back to the story. Friday night, I was out with another friend. It was late and we needed to stop and get something to eat. We ended up at a pizza place, so I knew I was in trouble. I'm not supposed to be eating any animal products, low fat, no white flour, no refined anything. That left salad - they were out of salad...I ordered the penne with sun-dried tomatoes, no cheese...I had to eat something and although the pasta was a no-no, it was good under the circumstances.
While I was eating it, I knew something was up. I wasn't sure what was going to happen but, I knew my body was going to experience some unhappiness.
This was an understatement.
I will not regale you with all of the details. Suffice it to say my digestive system was under attack and I was at it's mercy for about 12 - 14 hours. Writhing in pain, is a very vivid description and completely accurate. I am proud to say that although I am currently at my parents home, I did not cry out for my mother. But, I really wanted to!
This is what started me thinking...we really take our bodies for granted. We expect them to do whatever we are requiring of them...without complaint...often without the proper fuel. We will often treat our cars considerably better than we treat our bodies. But, we feel affronted when our body is unable to rally.
I should let you know, I have been fighting the good fight against sickness for quite some time. The only time I really get sick is when I'm depressed, then everything goes downhill. Migraines take over my head. My asthma grabs a hold of my lungs. And my body seems to develop the ability to turn every calorie into fat. However, with joy, fully in my life, I have been quite successful in keeping sickness at bay. So, I was doubly affronted by my digestive tract taking such a serious turn (pun intended).
I am joyfully recovered and even more dedicated to the clean up of my diet. I can't say once I've completed the cleanse that I won't go back to eating eggs, cheese and the occasional piece of seafood. But, I can say that refined sugar and flour are definitely getting the boot. My diet is more colorful, and you know how I feel about color. Plus, I'm being forced to really THINK about what I'm eating. I can't just stick my hand out and shove whatever I come up with in my mouth.
These bodies are the only ones we get, barring any Hollywood tom-foolery. We need to find better ways to treat them. I am not going to tell you to give anything up. I'm going to ask you...what can you be doing differently that will make your body run better? Is there a time that you remember eating differently and feeling differently than you do now? And for extra credit...corn...is it really a vegetable?
Share your thoughts, your recipes, tell me I'm crazy for giving up bacon...whatever you feel called to do.
Until next time, I remain...Joyfully Robyn
However, I was prompted to write Part One of this because of something that happened this weekend.
I need to digress for just a moment. I've been working on getting back up to optimum vitality for a minute now. Back in December, I became a pescatarian. For those of you that don't know, it means I am a vegetarian that also eats fish and seafood, but no chicken, turkey, pork or beef (that includes bacon - the hardest part). I did not do this for morality. I have never apologized for being carnivorous. I did it because it feels better. And being a writer, it's cheaper (okaay!)
Then as winter has been turning into spring I started feeling as though I was getting a little slow and my joints have really been complaining. So, I was working up to another cut to my diet. Then a friend of mine invited me to join a group on facebook dedicated to cleaning up our diets! Don't you love how the Universe just provides at the moment when you need it? And Bingo! The next step to getting more pep in my step without my knees complaining arrives.
Now, we're back to the story. Friday night, I was out with another friend. It was late and we needed to stop and get something to eat. We ended up at a pizza place, so I knew I was in trouble. I'm not supposed to be eating any animal products, low fat, no white flour, no refined anything. That left salad - they were out of salad...I ordered the penne with sun-dried tomatoes, no cheese...I had to eat something and although the pasta was a no-no, it was good under the circumstances.
While I was eating it, I knew something was up. I wasn't sure what was going to happen but, I knew my body was going to experience some unhappiness.
This was an understatement.
I will not regale you with all of the details. Suffice it to say my digestive system was under attack and I was at it's mercy for about 12 - 14 hours. Writhing in pain, is a very vivid description and completely accurate. I am proud to say that although I am currently at my parents home, I did not cry out for my mother. But, I really wanted to!
This is what started me thinking...we really take our bodies for granted. We expect them to do whatever we are requiring of them...without complaint...often without the proper fuel. We will often treat our cars considerably better than we treat our bodies. But, we feel affronted when our body is unable to rally.
I should let you know, I have been fighting the good fight against sickness for quite some time. The only time I really get sick is when I'm depressed, then everything goes downhill. Migraines take over my head. My asthma grabs a hold of my lungs. And my body seems to develop the ability to turn every calorie into fat. However, with joy, fully in my life, I have been quite successful in keeping sickness at bay. So, I was doubly affronted by my digestive tract taking such a serious turn (pun intended).
I am joyfully recovered and even more dedicated to the clean up of my diet. I can't say once I've completed the cleanse that I won't go back to eating eggs, cheese and the occasional piece of seafood. But, I can say that refined sugar and flour are definitely getting the boot. My diet is more colorful, and you know how I feel about color. Plus, I'm being forced to really THINK about what I'm eating. I can't just stick my hand out and shove whatever I come up with in my mouth.
These bodies are the only ones we get, barring any Hollywood tom-foolery. We need to find better ways to treat them. I am not going to tell you to give anything up. I'm going to ask you...what can you be doing differently that will make your body run better? Is there a time that you remember eating differently and feeling differently than you do now? And for extra credit...corn...is it really a vegetable?
Share your thoughts, your recipes, tell me I'm crazy for giving up bacon...whatever you feel called to do.
Until next time, I remain...Joyfully Robyn
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Joy of Small Indulgences
Indulgence ~ a pleasure, habit, extravagance, gluttonous, lenience, something granted as a favor or privilege.
When I first started working on this week's topic I researched the word indulgence. I was completely surprised by what I found. The idea of an indulgence came from the Medieval Catholic Church. An "indulgence" was a slip of paper sold to someone to absolve them from the "good works" part of the forgiveness of sins. If you are not familiar with Catholic Church doctrine...when you have sinned, you must confess your sins. In order for these sins to be forgiven you must do good works, things like feed the poor. Well, the church leadership determined that the good works of the priests were kind of superfluous, so they sold their "extra" goodwill with God to the parishioners that could afford to pay. What a great deal! If you've got the money, you can just buy your way out of doing anything to pay back for your sins. Seems as though this may be where people first started getting the idea that they could buy their way out of bad behavior, it's been working for centuries!
After knowing what I now know about the history of it, the definition takes on a whole new meaning. I was really on the more pleasurable side of things when I asked the question of folks: When you need a pick-me-up, what kind of small indulgence do you allow yourself?
Several people expressed a use of their vices: I have a (fill in your favorite one). I heard massages, "chocolate definitely chocolate" from several people, a bath with yummy bath salts. I also heard "go for a drive", "ride my motorcycle", which considering the price of gas these days, are definitely indulgences.
For me, it's things like, get a pedicure, buy the flowers on special at the grocery, chocolate (really more of a daily necessity), an afternoon wandering in my favorite bookstore, a nap, a new anything from my favorite metaphysical shop. In my mind, a "small" indulgence that costs more than $20 is no longer "small". When I was young and broke and living in New York City, I used to get my shoes shined. It was like a mini foot massage. Plus, your shoes look great, all for around $3 with tip.
The point isn't really what you do, the point is that you do something. I subscribe to a blog that talked about this just today! It was about indulging yourself to show that you are worth the indulgence. I loved that we were thinking the same thing! It's true however. How often do you deny yourself something because you "shouldn't" have it? It's too expensive. It's extravagant. You're "supposed" to be saving money. You have bills to pay. This list goes on. This is why I came up with the $20 rule. If you treat yourself to something, but you never have to use more than a $20 you will feel less guilt about doing it.
However, it is important to do "something" good for yourself or you will feel deprived and short-changed. This is no way to live. This will definitely not make you feel joyful. The longer you deny yourself any pleasure, even small ones, the longer you will be denying your self-worth.
Don't postpone joy! Each day is a gift, so finding a way to celebrate the gift that is your life will give you a deeper appreciation for it.
So, I have a homework assignment for you dear friends...for the next two weeks, find small ways to indulge yourself. Nothing can cost more than $20, remember think small but wonderful. Then leave a comment about what you did. I want to hear back from you to know that you understand what a gift your life is, plus you're creative and I love to hear what you came up with.
Until the next time...
Yours in joy,
Robyn
When I first started working on this week's topic I researched the word indulgence. I was completely surprised by what I found. The idea of an indulgence came from the Medieval Catholic Church. An "indulgence" was a slip of paper sold to someone to absolve them from the "good works" part of the forgiveness of sins. If you are not familiar with Catholic Church doctrine...when you have sinned, you must confess your sins. In order for these sins to be forgiven you must do good works, things like feed the poor. Well, the church leadership determined that the good works of the priests were kind of superfluous, so they sold their "extra" goodwill with God to the parishioners that could afford to pay. What a great deal! If you've got the money, you can just buy your way out of doing anything to pay back for your sins. Seems as though this may be where people first started getting the idea that they could buy their way out of bad behavior, it's been working for centuries!
After knowing what I now know about the history of it, the definition takes on a whole new meaning. I was really on the more pleasurable side of things when I asked the question of folks: When you need a pick-me-up, what kind of small indulgence do you allow yourself?
Several people expressed a use of their vices: I have a (fill in your favorite one). I heard massages, "chocolate definitely chocolate" from several people, a bath with yummy bath salts. I also heard "go for a drive", "ride my motorcycle", which considering the price of gas these days, are definitely indulgences.
For me, it's things like, get a pedicure, buy the flowers on special at the grocery, chocolate (really more of a daily necessity), an afternoon wandering in my favorite bookstore, a nap, a new anything from my favorite metaphysical shop. In my mind, a "small" indulgence that costs more than $20 is no longer "small". When I was young and broke and living in New York City, I used to get my shoes shined. It was like a mini foot massage. Plus, your shoes look great, all for around $3 with tip.
The point isn't really what you do, the point is that you do something. I subscribe to a blog that talked about this just today! It was about indulging yourself to show that you are worth the indulgence. I loved that we were thinking the same thing! It's true however. How often do you deny yourself something because you "shouldn't" have it? It's too expensive. It's extravagant. You're "supposed" to be saving money. You have bills to pay. This list goes on. This is why I came up with the $20 rule. If you treat yourself to something, but you never have to use more than a $20 you will feel less guilt about doing it.
However, it is important to do "something" good for yourself or you will feel deprived and short-changed. This is no way to live. This will definitely not make you feel joyful. The longer you deny yourself any pleasure, even small ones, the longer you will be denying your self-worth.
Don't postpone joy! Each day is a gift, so finding a way to celebrate the gift that is your life will give you a deeper appreciation for it.
So, I have a homework assignment for you dear friends...for the next two weeks, find small ways to indulge yourself. Nothing can cost more than $20, remember think small but wonderful. Then leave a comment about what you did. I want to hear back from you to know that you understand what a gift your life is, plus you're creative and I love to hear what you came up with.
Until the next time...
Yours in joy,
Robyn
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