Reclaiming JOY

A curious thing happens when we create safety from the inside out.

We suddenly have space to expand.

The energy and desire to connect (with ourselves and then others) and thrive bubbles up.

And with that... when we feel safe and expansive - we can reclaim our joy.

Now joy may feel weird and even uncomfortable at first. 

I've had plenty of experiences with foreboding joy... which means you're waiting for the good stuff to end and something bad to happen. This occurs because we feel like "this is too good to be true... it can't last"... and that's the fear still talking. Thank it quietly and let it leave out the back door. 

SAFETY first. Then practice finding and reclaiming your joy. 

It looks different for everyone and for me, it feels like an expansive lightness in my chest, and an open feeling, like love is streaming through me and I might actually burst open and reign confetti joy on everyone near me. 

This past week, I've kept track of moments of joy, and I'm keeping a list so I can practice feeling joy regularly. 

My Joy List:

- Being outside in the sun

- Running and feeling free

- Driving my 6 speed with the windows down and singing out loud

- Dancing to reggae cover hits while unpacking my new home

- Listening to the song "Walking on Sunshine" 

- Engaging in deep conversation and active listening with friends

- Helping people feel better and reclaim their life and joy

- Sitting still by myself and appreciating my life and feeling the Love

What we focus on expands.

Which is why I'm keeping a list (cuz I tend to forget If I don't write it down). 

So, are you focused on joy and safety or on fear and scarcity and lack? AND, what do you want more of in your life? 

Consider practicing safety (my favorite practice is putting my hand(s) on my heart and repeating "I am safe right now" while breathing in for 5 and then out for 10 (both the hand on the heart and the 2x exhalation upregulates your rest-and-digest nervous system to signal safety to both your body and your mind). 

I'd love to hear where you notice joy - please share below! 

Photo credit: Photo by wJ on Unsplash