A joyful choice

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” -Henri Nouwen

Not every day is a joy. Yesterday was one of those days -- you know, one of those days where you wish you could push the "restart" button on the day and get it off to a better start. It usually doesn't happen, and when I don't laugh at my daughter's jokes, then I know I am just being plain crabby and I need to turn things around.

I remember thinking to myself later on in the morning that I was actually choosing not to have a good day, and not to have a positive attitude. I know that everyone has a bad day once in a while, but I should know better because I spend an awful lot of time thinking about how simple choices can make a huge difference.

It was time, I decided, to start listening to my own advice! I turned around my attitude, and chose to make it a better day. By the time I met my daughter for our weekly lunch date, my attitude was back where I wanted it and I was able to laugh at her jokes and silliness once again.

Sometimes we feel that happiness and joy comes down upon us like rays of sunshine. We're lucky and fortunate if that happens. The reality is that there are times when we are subject to negativity, either internally or externally induced, and it's up to us to decide whether we are going to let some silly negativity ruin our day, or whether we are going to take control of our emotions and our day.

I hope that you find joy on this day, and if it doesn't come looking for you, don't hesitate to go looking for it!

Have a great and joyful day!

-Victor