This is my first blog…I know “Welcome to the 21st Century Candy!” I just used to email all my friends and clients to communicate but I think I’m going to like this way better…so comment back! My blogs will be one of three categories:

** I might throw in a combo!

For this blog I want to start out with a combo of caramel and cotton.

What brought you JOY at 5 years old and what brings you JOY now?

If you ask my friends and family what my goal, intent or resolution is this year they would tell you, “She is all about JOY.” I decided I wanted to seek more joy by surrounding myself with joyful pictures and decor in my house. I have placed pictures of my husband and me laughing in my front entry way so when folks come in the front door they see laughter.

I am also analyzing who I am hanging out with…who brings me joy and who does NOT. Just some food for thought, I have (as my brother and I call it) “released” some folks from my life. Was this hard? You bet it was hard. But honestly, my life is less stressful and full of more joy.

I try my hardest to have joyful thoughts and strategically place joyful activities throughout my week. For example I schedule a date to have my two grandbabies at least once a week and I make sure we have our weekly race around Grammy’s kitchen table every time they come over. Oh this isn’t just any race, this is serious stuff! If you are familiar with the movie Cars…I am Tow Mator, my 2 year old grandson is Lighting McQueen and little one year old Paxton is Guido! We race until one of us get’s a flat tire or until Guido and Lighting McQueen need fruit flavored marshmallows…for POWER! This brings me JOY on steroids! (Note: This is why I exercise five days a week!)

When I was 5 years old something very similar brought me this joy or I even call it a “tickle in my heart.” Running around the neighborhood with all my friends, which were all boys, and I had to keep up so I learned to run faster. Funny how both my grandbabies are boys…I still have to keep up!

So think about what brought you joy when you were 5 and what brings you joy now. Is there something or someone who needs to be “released?” What can you do to strategically add JOY to your daily life? Remember this can be done at work or home.

Book recommendations for Joy:

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin http://www.gretchenrubin.com/

The Answer is Simple…Love Yourself Live Your Spirit! By Sonia Choquette http://www.soniachoquette.com/