True Joy and Happiness

My friend Janet told me to enjoy the snow days and write. I've had writer's block for sometime now and finding inspiration has been challenging. I decided to look at my horoscope from a couple of weeks ago and this is what it said: "If you feel like you've been sacrificing too much in your life, then stop doing it. You may be selfish every now and then -- in fact, it's healthy! So let the pendulum swing back to 'selfish,' where your happiness is the highest priority. Reclaim some of your free time. Use it however you see fit -- take a nap, read a book, go for a walk, or even just watch TV. All that matters is that you are doing what you want to do, when you want to do it."

We spend so much of our time being everything to everybody. When we do pause to take a moment for ourselves, we often feel guilty. Trust me, I've felt that guilt too often, but I made a decision that 2014 was going to be my transformation year. I decided that all of the dead weight I carried from work, relationships that brought me no joy, financial burdens and all of the struggles of simply living life was going to take a back seat so I could find True Joy.

Like many other women, I carry the "Strong Black Woman" banner with pride. I know that I can handle a lot and keep it moving but there are days when I simply don't want to. I couldn't admit that before but I can now. When I need a break, I know how to take one. I like to call them "mental health days." Am I still strong, courageous, passionate, ambitious, fabulous, and fearless? Yes, but it simply means that I know how to take care of my mental, spiritual, and physical body. I give myself permission to be human which means I cry, I laugh (hard), I grieve, I work hard, and I rest/ relax.....without feeling guilty. I'm back to reading, writing, traveling, spending quality time with my friends and family, and I'm even considering yoga classes.

While it's snowing on the East Coast and cabin fever is about to set in, this is a great time to reflect, relax, and renew. Discover what lifts your spirit and makes you the happiest. It's key to find something to look forward to everyday; to do something kind for someone else; to find something to be grateful for; to laugh and play as often as you can; to get your body moving by walking, dancing, etc.; and to give yourself permission to relax, take a break or mental health day so that you remain in your happy place.

It's ok to be strong but happiness trumps everything. I encourage you to find your True Joy.

One Love,

Robin
(From my kitchen table watching the snow)