Scheduling Joy

Have you ever intentionally scheduled joy?

I distinctly remember when I decided to do it. I was at the Momference 2019 and after spending a day with women that I didn't even know (one who I now talk to every day), I realized that I felt a joy that I hadn't felt in a long time.

It's like I had forgotten how much I loved being around people or dancing or staying out with friends. I just couldn't remember the last time I had done it. And while it was just one day that I spent with these women, I remember feeling joyful all week.

Yesterday, my hubby said something to me that was not just surprising, but also very true.

He said "I feel like you aren't the same person that you were 3 years ago."

Now, he didn't say this is a negative way. He said it like he was coming to the same realization that I have also come to. I'm not the same person.

One of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, says "..the skills that take you through the first half of your life are entirely unhelpful for the second half." This makes complete sense.

College

Grad school

Marriage

Becoming a mom x 2

Moving 8 times

Losing a loved one

These are all the things that happened during the last 20 years of my life. Looking back, I was probably really focused on being a good everything. A good wife, a good mom, a good employee, a good friend...you know the rest.

But me now? I realize that if I don't intentionally make time for the things that I really enjoy, things not attached to packing lunches, and laundry, and registering for middle school, and spending quality time with my husband... If I don't make time for the things that bring me joy, I can't be a good anything.

Today, my dear friends and I are having a girls weekend. It's my favorite thing because for one weekend, I let go of everything that I'm supposed to be doing, and I just focus on me.

There will be laughs. There will be good food. There will be sharing of stories. But most of all, there will be JOY.

With love,

Toula