#SOL20 Looking for JOy

4/6/2020

I am a big fan of Rachel Hollis and have referenced her before in my posts. Today, I was listening to a free class she has published to help people shift their perspective with COVID-19. You can find information about her free class here.

When I listened today. Rachel was talking about finding joy in this time. Not like Pollyana ridiculousness, and not thinking that all of this is happening for a reason. The reality is, this is awful and hard for so many people. It is a time when many are sick and dying, people can't be with their loved ones in their last moments or even mourn them together. Jobs are lost. Finances are in disarray. There are real, horrible things going on right now.

Her point was, within the 4 walls of your heart, within the 4 walls of your house.....can you find joy ? I am lucky. No one I love is sick right now. I am healthy. I have a secure job and I am getting paid. We have technology to connect us with each other and enough food in our house. Rachel's point was this time can have meaning, if you let it. There can be lessons learned. And joy can still be found.

Today was an easier day to find joy. On Long Island, it was gorgeous. Sunny and warm with everything blooming. My daughter rode her bike and wondered out loud, "Is there a party in that Fed Ex truck?" The truck had loud music blasting. The driver got a good laugh. It was a light moment at a heavy time.

I will look for joy. Morning phone calls with my mom. Coffee with creamer. My son's cheery "Good Morning" as he comes down the stairs. Cuddles with my kids. Reading aloud a beautiful book on video to my class.

How are you finding joy?

7 Comments

Clare Landrigan link

4/7/2020 03:51:03 am

This line is powerful: Her point was, within the 4 walls of your heart, within the 4 walls of your house.....can you find joy ? I can find lots of joy - it is the guilt of the joy that overwhelms me. I cannot imagine going through this without security, community, and family. It almost feels bad to be grateful. I think the 4 walls of my heart and home might help. Thank you.

Fran Haley link

4/7/2020 04:15:27 am

Kathleen, your insights and Hollis' are invaluable at present. I can't look at this pandemic as "happening for a reason" other than from a biological perspective - a novel virus entered one human - one! - and it has the astonishing power to make us this sick and spread this far. In all the terribleness I have been looking for spots of good that are rising to the surface. When I see them, my faith is bolstered. For all the times I have despaired about people, I see so many now being brave and selfless and funny and trying to offer comfort in spite of their own fears ... it brings tears, seeing our better side come shining through. Yours always does, Kathleen. You're a joy to me.

Erika Victor

4/7/2020 05:24:06 am

"Rachel's point was this time can have meaning, if you let it. There can be lessons learned. And joy can still be found." This part really resonated with me- I keep trying to look out for and name the good parts, so the bad does not swallow me whole. Thanks for this reminder.

sally

4/7/2020 06:52:46 am

Thanks for posing this question. It is what I wrote about today. I find joy by taking a walk as I listen to a podcast. I don't have kids at home anymore so I can take off anytime to take a walk - yesterday I clocked 5 miles. I shares this tip as I also canceled noom to save on my finances but I am using what they taught me to not stress eat and to move more. Just sharing as I enjoyed sharing tips with you there before. Stay well and keep finding that joy!!

Stacey link

4/7/2020 09:59:22 am

Iz and I did Amy LV’s 11th notebook lesson on gratitude this morning. I think it was helpful to do that since it allowed me to focus on things I am taking for granted and it gave me a greater chance to be thankful for the little things (eg, fuzzy socks).

Here’s to finding moments of joy that we can be thankful for in the weeks to come!

Heidi Atlas link

4/7/2020 01:08:55 pm

Your post inspired me all day to think about where to find the joy. Then I wrote my post inspired by you. Thanks - for all your wisdom. Miss you.

Glenda Funk link

4/7/2020 05:39:37 pm

One of the things I’m doing to find joy is doing something for someone, which might only be a sincere offer, such as helping w/ a task, or in the case of a former student who contacted me last week delivering a bag of books to his doorstep. When I take the focus off myself, I’m more joyful. I also have a 98 day workout streak going, and I know that has made me more joyful.

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