One of my fellow A-to-Z bloggers, Jenny Writes, is using Joy as her theme for the whole month of April. For me, it’s a touchstone in my transformation. When I was at my lowest point, not knowing which way to turn, there was a compass needle inside me that always pointed in the direction of joy.
It was what allowed me to wonder about what came next. I could wonder without immediately shutting down out of exhaustion and grief. Due to some marvelous fluke, I received an advance copy of Jennifer Louden’s new book, Why Bother? It’s due to be released on April 21, 2020, and you can preorder it here.
In her book, Jen talks about the power of wonder, about its power to lift someone out of cynicism and depression, its power to lead someone back to energy and focus, to creativity and service. Although I’m no longer feeling cynical, depressed, or unfocused, it’s marvelous to read an explanation I resonate with.
So, this is how I managed to get out of those negative feelings all those years ago! Even with reading my journal entries from that time, I’m not sure how I did it. Now, I begin to remember. I paid attention to notices and catalogs that called me to conferences and workshops.
I began going to trainings that intrigued me, on topics I wanted to know more about: Integrative Medicine, Craniosacral Therapy, Homeopathy, Reiki, Hypnosis. I didn’t commit to practice what I was taught, but I opened myself to learning and experience.
At a workshop on Mind-Body Skills in Hilton Head, I went to an early-morning yoga class. When I got to breakfast, one of my colleagues exclaimed, “You’re glowing!” I knew I felt energized and relaxed, but I didn’t realize how obvious it was to others.
The programs I went to were healing on multiple levels, and they allowed me to begin dreaming and problem-solving. My wonder was linked to joy and desire. I found a graceful way to return to myself.
Joy is a wonderful post. As a writer, we do help heal in some many ways. Often mostly ourselves. Hope you are enjoying the A to Z Challenge.
Yes, this is my first year doing the challenge. It’s more fun than I anticipated.