Finding Joy
One of the most beautiful memories I have of my mom is her singing. And I can see it right now. I can see her staring out a window, looking off into the distance. And she would sing.
Dear Beautiful You
One of the most beautiful memories I have of my mom is her singing. And I can see it right now. I can see her staring out a window, looking off into the distance. And she would sing.
Sometimes, they were happy songs. Sometimes, they were songs mixed with sorrow. But even to this day, those songs would find their way through space and time, and they would always be there when I needed them most.
And I've been thinking about this because it's been a long time since I last sang. And I mean really, really sing. Maybe, over 5 years? That's way before my daughter was born, so she's never seen that side of me.
Sometimes, I would show her pictures from a time long, long ago, doing what I loved. And I could see in her eyes that, in that moment, I was a stranger.
I haven't said this to her, and maybe one day, I will. But singing for a long time was this thing that took me somewhere I didn't want to be.
And for anyone who has gone through any sort of trauma, you know what I am talking about, right? You stop being passionate about things that can potentially bring you harm...
But
As I've worked on this over the last few years, I've wondered! Maybe the thing I've avoided for so long is actually the antidote I really need. And so I've just been learning that one of the best ways to keep your mind and heart from wandering into the dark side is to keep them well-stocked with the things that bring you joy.
Whether it's music. Or art. Or precious friendships. Or words filled with love and joy and everything in between. It could be a beautiful thing.
So, If you're reading this, and there is something you love doing. It's the one thing you can count on to find a way through space and time and bring you joy when you need it the most. If it's safe for you to do so,
Find a way back to it…
Because maybe
Just maybe
It's the antidote you really, really need.
You don't know what this means Joel! It just inspired a long stream of conciousness that might turn into a post :) Thank you!