Surround Yourself With Joy

Surround Yourself With Joy

I have an extra bedroom that I call my writing room. It’s where I spend hours every morning writing posts for this blog, working on the sequel to MYSTIC, reading, answering emails and checking out Facebook and Pinterest. There’s a bookshelf filled with children’s books, pictures of my family, and furniture that belonged to my grandparents. Because I spend so much time in this room I’m particular about what surrounds me. When I look out the window I see our canal and the sunlight bouncing off the water. When I look at the roll-top desk I think of my grandmother and when I look at the walls I see an encouraging message from the editor of MYSTIC Emma D. Dryden telling me to trust myself and keep going. My goal is to frame my favorite quotes and decorate the empty spaces of my room with their positive messages.

It occurs to me that I must always be careful of what I surround myself with in every day life outside of my writing room. For example, I’ve been going to LA Fitness for years. In the beginning I worked out alone often running on the treadmill, lifting weights, or trying to conquer the Stairmaster. There was just one problem–the TV’s that hung from the ceiling were unavoidable. Often the news was playing, or reality shows displayed with people screaming at each other, and here I was trying to improve my health but being inundated with negative images. It affected me. Then I joined a spin class. I was immediately welcomed with kindness. During our ride, besides having spirited music, the instructor would shout phrases like: “You can and you will! It’s not about what you’ve done. It’s about what you’re doing! Let’s go team! Work for your break!” Every time my mind would scream stop! her inspiring words made me pedal faster. In class sweat drips from everyone’s face, we’re all exhausted yet hoots and hollers echo through the room. Keep going! The atmosphere is electric. After class people congratulate each other on a job well done. I always leave feeling energized and grateful.

It’s really how every day should be. Each day is a blessing that holds opportunities I just have to be conscious of the beauty around me. If I allow too much negativity into my world it can cloud my attitude and definitely my creativity. Playing my favorite music, displaying my favorite quotes, going out with friends, joining a spin group, are all ways of making sure I’m staying healthy by surrounding myself with joy.

Your daily life is your temple and your religion. When you enter into it take with you your all. – Khalil Gibran

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey