Anything about Everything

Google defines joy as: joy /joi/ Learn to pronounce noun a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. "tears of joy" Joy to me is very similar to the definition above, but with my own twist. For example, it’s common to feel happiness when things are going right in our lives. When everything aligns and makes sense for us.  Feeling joy in these situations is an added layer. Your heart is full, you’re smiling, and you are elated.  The Christian duo For King & Country released a song in 2018 called joy.  I feel like this song encapsulates what JOY is, how to find it, and how to CHOOSE it. Just like happiness, we have to CHOOSE to feel joy.  We are all aware that the world is still on fire. The news is a mess, everyone is experiencing some level of depression and anxiety. And while things seem dark and hard to navigate, we have to choose how we respond. Not every day is going to feel great. That’s normal human nature. But if we choose to have a good day, if we choose to...

  I used to hate looking back on the year before moving to the next one. I think a part of that stemmed from unhealed hurt that I kept avoiding. Getting back into this blog, sharing MY truth, and connecting with so many has been one hell of a ride but it has also helped heal a lot of hurt.  First up, as it happened on the second day of the year.. Mike and I made things official. It may not sound like much to anyone but me, and that’s okay. I spent 8 years in a loop of bad dating stories and was about to give up. Then I met Mike and the rest is history.  Getting back to concerts this year made my music loving heart so happy. Sure, the majority of them happened while I was homeless, but at least I made the best of my situation! Live music does something to my soul that just fills me with joy. Dan and Shay was a top 3 moment this year and I will never forget it.  Traveling to Houston this summer was awesome. I got to know the people I see every week on a deeper level, l...

  It's hard to pick just one favorite for me, because this year has been incredible. With the exception of a tree deciding it no longer wanted to be apart from the house I lived in... this year has been wonderful.  As corny as it sounds, my favorite experience from the last 365 days would have to be, it would have to be moving into this apartment. The crew we had helping out that day, my parents surprising me (thank GOD they did!!!). The new chapter for Mike and I. The office/guest room we now have. All great things.  I hate packing. This summer especially. But I LOVE unpacking and throwing things away. I love to organize and decorate new spaces. Being able to do this with Mike has been one hell of a blessing. Seeing him every single day has somehow made me love him more (and some days it's hard... any living situation is tough!).  Getting to go to events TOGETHER in the same car, dinner together (almost) every night.. the little things I never knew I would crave. Th...

  In terms of emotions - I have a WIDE variety that I cycle through on the daily. In terms of my favorite emotion to feel? Silly is where it's at.  I love to laugh and be silly, I love to make people laugh. I don't take life too seriously - it's not worth it. Living life laughing makes things way more fun! I have been told that I am funny (it's the dark humor brought on by life/trauma) and when I tell you I don't try - I really don't. My boss will be the first person to tell you that I make her choke because of my timing. I can't help it if what I say tickles people as funny!  Is there anything better than laughing so hard no sound comes out? Tears running down your cheeks? Wheezing? I mean really - is there anything better? No, there is NOT. I love to watch other people laugh too. Their laughter is so contagious and infectious - it just makes me feel great. Seeing others happy makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I love seeing joy on others face. This ma...