Joy.

I have been receiving an email called "Amanda Gore's Monthly Endorphin Injection" for over a year now. Most of the time I move them to file without taking the time to read them. For once, I read her newsletter which topic was "JOY" and all I can say is Wow! Once in a while things do actually hit home and this one did. She talked about the difference between Happiness and Joy. Happiness is about wanting. Joy is about giving. Imagine an iceberg, the teeny bit at the top which is visible would be called Happiness. The huge part that is below the water would be called Joy. Joy is giving, connecting and serving. It consists of gratitude, compassion, hope, generosity, reverence, laughter, love, listening, cheerful enthusiasm, equanimity, energy and vitality and forgiveness. She went on to say that when we practice any or all of these qualities in everyday living, we will find that Joy emerges from within us. I am challenging each one of you to live each day in a state of "JOY".

Mind Over Matter!

Two words, Fibro Myalgia. I never knew two words could control a body and mind to such a degree. For the past few months I have been learning about and dealing with Fibro Myalgia. I have decided to call it my "Mind over Matter"situation. Time will definitely tell whether the mind or the matter wins! I have however, with the help of Shelby, managed to start scrapbooking again. For some reason unknown to myself, I have prolonged doing any of the girls' pictures for the past few years. With some "pushing" I mean encouragement, Shelby and I finished five pages. I am challenging myself to do at least 3 pages a week. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it would be a huge accomplishment for me. Izzy tries to be as much help as possible. No matter where I put things to work on, she manages to lay right on top of it all! It's fun seeing how much things have changed since those pictures were taken.