Joy is Unconditional

Many of us wait for the perfect life we’ve dreamt up in our head to come true so we can finally feel happy.

How many times have you said, “If this was different then I would be happier. My life would be better.” The truth is you can spend a lifetime thinking if things magically changed according to the image in your head then everything in your internal world would feel better. I’m here to bust that myth. I spent a good chunk of my 28 years on this earth hoping when I woke up I would have parents who understood me, a bigger house, more money, and racism would disappear. I set all these conditions on my life no wonder why I felt so weighed down and honestly a little crazy. Here’s what I learned:

1. Joy is accessible to you now. It is not elusive and hidden away in some fantasy mansion in your mind where everyone does your bidding and there is no conflict. Joy is a choice you make everyday to have a deep appreciation for life itself and waking up everyday. Joy is hidden in your morning cup of coffee and being present for it completely and wholly. Joy is in your morning chat with someone you love. Joy is energy that feeds your body, mind, and soul the medicine it needs to nourish itself.
2. Joy is a state of being that roots you in appreciation for the present moment. Gratitude is a lubricant for joy. Some of the hardest moments in my life were where I lost sight…