I’ve been thinking about joy. When I created my “22 for 2022” list, nearly every item related to adding joy to my own life. I think there is only one item that talks about creating joy for other people. I think I need to flip that ratio – I feel that’s the only way through a 2022 that has been so brutal so far.
I am doing fine. That is, my individual life is OK. As far as I know I am healthy. I have no weird aches or pains that make me wonder if my cancer is back. I don’t have to see my oncologist for another year. My busy season at work is over and it is amazing how quickly an 8 hour work day goes by. My little chick will be flying the nest soon and I am so excited for him. He’s doing well in his first grown-up job and has lots of “work moms” to look after him there. Chris is doing well and has an exciting project coming up soon.
But god – Ukraine. My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine every single day that we see the evil and brutality that is being visited upon them. And it just gets worse and worse and worse. And I worry how far Russia will go. To see pure evil at work like that – I just can’t get my head around it. And I am so. very. sad.
How can I possibly focus on making my life more joyful when I already have so much and when others are in so much pain? I’m really having difficulty with this, friends.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” I’ve been thinking of that quote a lot these days.
So yes, I’ll be flipping the priorities of my “22 for 2022” a bit – creating more joy for other people rather than myself.
I’ll let you know what I come up with.
Michelle xoxo
P.S. We had a raccoon in our back yard this morning that was attempting to walk across the phone line. It was hilarious.
P.P.S. In addition to Wordle I am now doing Worldle every morning – and realizing my geography skills are crap. Hence the photo of the geography coloring book I bought myself from Amazon.
You are already succeeding at bringing me so much joy! Thank you.
I LOVE picturing that raccoon!
Awww, Lisa – thank you!
I think of you often Michelle, in fact I miss your Facebook presence. I’m so glad to hear you and your family are doing well.
I too have been struggling with keeping balance in my life and finding happiness when millions of people are suffering beyond my imagination. I cry every day for Ukrainians. In fact, I had a conversation with Kristle this morning on this very topic.
So, I’ve made an evacuation plan with Mike and my children in the event that there is a WWIII (yup, the fear is real), there’s not much more I can do. I will continue to follow the news daily but limit that exposure time to focus on my emotional stability/peace, family & friends, a recuperation of sorts. I’ve been feeling all the horror viscerally and in a sense I feel guilty for feeling blessed. I’m blessed and need to focus on that as long as I can.
You are not alone with your feelings.
You are blessed, if there’s anyone who can find strength & balance, it’s you.