I walked into Trader Joe’s feeling a bit down. As I approached a checkout counter with my cart full of groceries, I asked the checker how her day was going. She smiled and answered, “Every day’s a gift.” Then she asked how I was doing. I said I was “hanging in there.” She responded with, “Are you in some kind of a funk?” I said, “Yes, I think so.” She then looked up at me and said, “Do something joyful.” I decide to try to follow her advice. After I returned home and put the groceries away, I worked out at the YMCA. The experience was pleasant, but not joyful. I then cleaned part of the garage. I experienced a sense of accomplishment, but still no joy. I then cooked dinner for a friend who was experiencing a number of health issues which left him weak and very tired. I took the dinner to his home and we visited for an hour and a half. This experience was not only pleasant; it was truly joyful! It snapped me out of my funk, and I felt great for the rest of the day. So, the next time you find yourself in a funk or feeling sorry for yourself, do something joyful for someone else. I guarantee it will make the rest of your day a whole lot better.
My mission that gives me daily JOY is to find/make time to phone a friend, usually three at least, who are on my mind. Voices are “our touchstone,” you notice, that one thing that never changes! I recognize them right away, despite years and wrinkles and TIME…so the minute I hear them I feel near, almost in the same room with them. And that creates the connection we are all so longing for these days of “quarantine”…and a true personal loss on some level.That phone call dissipates the miles…and eliminates any overwhelming sense of ALONE. And It only takes a moment to pick up a phone.