Joy. It is the antidote for fear, shame and everything that holds us back. It keeps us buoyant through dark and difficult times. How often do we think about what brings us joy and then dive in? All in. Joy is our birthright! I am a two-time cancer survivor and thriver. At the age of 21, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma while living in the UK. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 49, here in Colorado. I am overjoyed with experiencing good health today and rolling into my fifth decade focused on creating joy. I am a survivor and thriver on many levels and have travelled through some dark places. Sometimes, the only thing that pulls us through the darkness is the faint memory of joy.
What brings you joy? What would you write on your “joy list?” Mine includes being with the man of my dreams, my husband Grant, our good health, my yoga and meditation practice, hiking in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, being a voracious reader, being a voice for the voiceless as a writer, empowering girls and women, innovative education models, exploring the world, singing, dancing, cooking, poetry, discovering bliss in the ordinary, the art of conversation, the ease in a stranger becoming a friend and creating community…all bring me joy.
You may be asking, “Why is she waffling on about joy, and her blog is called The T Tales?” Good question. Guess what? Yes! Good questions also bring me joy. “The T Tales,” written by Tina Lehman are inspired by “The Canterbury Tales,” written by Geoffrey Chaucer. In The Canterbury Tales, everyone had to create two tales on the way to Canterbury Cathedral and then two tales on the way back to London. The most meaningful story was awarded a pretty amazing supper. The idea was to enhance the journey.
Joy enhances this journey called life. Do what lights you up from the inside out. The world needs more people who have come alive. Choose joy. The T Tales are my conscious observations of what is happening around us connected with, you guessed it, whatever brings me joy. The T Tales have been dormant. I needed to focus all my energy on overcoming breast cancer and then plant both feet firmly on the path of healing. With the re-launch of The T Tales, I’m making an announcement about the book I’m writing. I am thanking everyone who has been part of this journey so far. The book is connected with being a voice for the voiceless as a writer, empowering girls and women and innovative education models. Let me tell you, there is fear along this particular journey.
Joy is always the antidote. It would bring me joy if you read, “Overpowering the Boogeyman” with your favorite beverage, posted a comment and shared with your community. Let’s open the dialogue, start a difficult conversation that needs to be held…bringing light to the darkness.
Joy and Gratitude to you,
T