Finding Joy

I have a essay in Writes of Passage that is entitled “Best Advice Ever: Don’t Forget To Be Happy”. It is from a piece of advice that Hank Phillippi Ryan gave me when I first got my book contract, and wasn’t sure how I was going to make it all work–writing a book while running a non-profit while teaching a class while being a sister/aunt/friend/human being.

She told me she had faith in me that I’d figure it out. Then she told me to stop for a moment, and acknowledge the moment. Don’t automatically move the goal post down the field. Stop for a minute, and remember to be happy.

This week, I thought about that quote again. After a few back and forths on revisions over the past three months, my editor let me know my book was going to copyediting. One step closer to publication. (Next fall, trust me, you’ll hear lots more about it!)

Instead of being happy (which I am), my first impulse was to worry about Book #2. Right away. And then I thought about a conversation I had with a friend recently about finding joy, and how hard that truly is. Especially when we don’t take the time to look for it, or to stop and remember to be happy.

Lesson learned (for today). And my first resolution for 2015. Remember to be happy. And find the joy. Even when you buy it at Target, (see above), and it lights up.

Yes, it looks great in my apartment.

Happy Holidays, dear readers. Hope you can find some joy during this season.