I want to let you in on a secret. My name wasn’t always Joy (it was Judy). Nor did I feel joyful. When I was in my 20s, I was in a long and terrible relationship with a woman named Janet who had my head all turned around. I was miserable and couldn’t see a way out. When I DID find a way out, I changed almost instantly. Somehow, in letting go of Janet, I also let go of the way she saw me. And that made all the difference. I spent the next few years healing and recreating my life going to law school and starting my career. Helping others made me feel useful and alive.
My friends couldn’t believe the change in me. They said, “You’re so happy now, we should call you Joy!” And they did. And I changed my name. And every time someone called me Joy, it became an affirmation. Being happy felt like an act of defiance. They say success is the best revenge. I never looked back. My life hasn’t always been easy since then, but I remind myself to return to joy as soon as I can.
So when I saw someone with this bag on the subway a few weeks ago, I asked her if I could take a picture of it. (She said she got it from Rayo and Honey.)
So, no matter what you are going through now, I invite you to look for joy in your life. Resist! It’s there in giving. And in the simple things – in the silly stupid moments. Mel Robbins says to give yourself a high-five in the mirror. Oprah says to connect with others. Tony Robbins says to find gratitude. There are a million suggestions. I know life is hard. I’m just saying you can be joyful and life can be hard all at the same time.
Have a great holiday – I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.