Finding Joy

Joy, from Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out (2015)

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis for me to find Joy; both figuratively and literally.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis for me to appreciate the little things, and the really big things.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to learn not to sweat the small stuff, stop people pleasing, and let things go.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to reevaluate friendships, relationships, acquaintanceships and hardships.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to enjoy others, but even bigger than that… enjoy myself. I can relax in my own mind and enjoy the thoughts I have.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to find joy while cultivating patience and reconnecting with my spiritual beliefs.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to truly love others, more than myself; and learning that loving my new self is much easier than loving my old self.

It’s taken thirty-two years and a cancer diagnosis to get me to Disney World, the Happiest Place on Earth, which led me to…

JOY!