Then something magical happened. I got a dog. Not just any dog, but the happiest, most loving dog on the planet. Suddenly my view on my walks and my view of the world around us changed. Most days we would walk the half mile to a local park where we let Meri off her leash so she could get a little extra exercise. Each time, on cue, she would instantly sprint in circles all around the field with the most gigantic smile (tongue hanging out and all). It was as if for the whole walk she was holding back this joy that was inside of her all this time. Suddenly, with the click of the leash she simply lets it all flow out of her with this massive burst of joy. As I watch on each time I can't help but smile and feel this contagious joy.
It's time I start allowing myself to have this joy unleashed from inside of me as well. Take off the leash of adulthood and making sure I do everything right and simply let the joy just flow out of me. Everyone deserves to be happy of course, but somehow many of us hold it all back. Moving forward I am making a goal to write about what brought be joy each week. The little things and the big things that suddenly give you this love burst, this unimaginable joy.
Life is hard. Not everything that I write will be filled with joy, but one thing I know is true - without deep sorrow and pain you aren't able to feel the true highs of life and the unimaginable joy that can come out of them.
So for now let's jump, run, and dance as we let joy take over our bodies and souls each day.
