A couple months ago, one of the kids’ teachers said to me, “You’re always so happy.”  I laughed, because I certainly don’t always feel that way.  But on the days when I’m not feeling especially happy about something, I choose joy.  I like that she said that about me, and that that’s one of the outward perceptions I might project.

There was a stunning sunset one night last week and as I uploaded the picture, a friend mentioned that she saw the sunset and thought of me.  She wanted to know if that was weird.  Heck no!  I love that she saw something happy, and that she knew I’d be all over it, and thought of me.

I frequently get e-mails with photos of rainbows that readers have spotted somewhere, or accidental heart-shaped things that they’ve come across during their day.  And I love that those things remind people of me.

As I wore a second shirt with sequins on it to work this week, one of my co-workers said she’s going to call me “Sparkles.”  Hey, I can whine with the best of them, so I’ll take it!

Sometimes, being happy comes easy.  It requires no effort.  It just is.

Some days, it means making a conscious decision.

And then?  Then, I choose joy.

The above picture was taken one morning this week, on the way to take Nick to school.  I love the bright sunshine peeking through the raindrops on the car window.  It seemed like the perfect spot to put one of my favorite mantras.

Choose joy.

(And lucky for you, the print is available in my Etsy shop!  Go get one of your very own while they last, and spread the word.)

Have a wonderful, joy-filled weekend, my loves. xoxo