Joy in the Chaos

Could you have ever imagined that we would be living in a world that closely resembles a scientific movie set? Masks, face shields, goggles, 6-foot stickies on the floors, Plexiglas, testing centers, hand sanitizers at every turn, not to mention the attire that those on the front line wear every day, from head to toe. Who would of thought? Viewing this picture from the outside looking in, seems quite daunting…but there is no outside, nor inside, because this entire sphere that we live on, is one world, one neighborhood of 6 billion people going through the same thing, at the same time, with no exemptions.

Times have definitely changed, and as we navigate this “different world” – a world with non-stop virtual communication (I knew I should have bought Zoom shares), and very little physical touch outside of your bubble, it’s still hard to believe that we are where we are! However, sporting events have returned with their fans in the stands – masked or unmasked (I don’t quite get it, but I understand……some people have had enough). But there are those who still take all of the necessary precautions to stem off the effects of this pandemic…..there are those who live their lives content, protecting themselves and their families while finding joy in the chaos.

You see, it is possible to live in harmony and in joy, while the world is spinning….no, turned upside down….you just have to find it. One thing that this pandemic has taught me, is to get quiet. Our world is just too busy and too loud with so many things vying for our attention. As I am writing this post, it is just past 6:00am. It’s quiet and nothing is moving except my fingers on the keypad. It is lovely. I do hear the whistling frogs, but the birds are still in a slumber. My husband hasn’t stirred yet, to ultimately rise and make his morning joe while watching Morning Joe! It’s his morning ritual. It used to be mine, but after 4 years of craziness, I had enough. Don’t get me wrong, I still watch me some Joy Reid! Cute hairstyles Joy!

Back to getting quiet…..put the phone, iPad, computer aside, turn off the tv and just sit for a few minutes. Turn off all of the noise. Detach from the devices. Close your eyes and enjoy the serenity of the moment. Just take a moment for yourself to breathe and relax….the world will not end. Do it for yourself, and for as many times that you need to throughout the day, and you’ll eventually look forward to these moments of incubation.

The second thing in finding joy in the chaos, is to discover or rediscover, what makes your heart sing. What put’s that smile on your face? My husband makes time for his passion of photography and running just about every day. This is something that he “has to do” to remain in joy amidst the chaos. It keeps him centered and prepared for the rest of the day. I love to sew, read and watch movies….I don’t sew every day, but I sure do read or watch a movie. This brings me joy. So what makes you smile? Gardening, swimming, painting, eating ice cream (on a cone), star-gazing, hoola-hooping, blowing bubbles, jumping rope? You name it – there is some thing or some things that we all have that brings us joy. So carve out a little of each day doing what makes your heart sing, doing what you love, doing what brings you joy.

Finally, while finding joy in the chaos, think about what you can do to help someone else. What can you do to bring a smile to someone else’s face? It is said that, “helping others helps yourself”. I believe it. A phone call, a card in the mail, even your smile can help someone who is having a hard day. If your only conversation with someone on social media is a forward, take it a step further. Be intentional and genuine about doing these acts of joy. Do it from your heart. I’ve learned that there is always someone whose life is worse than yours…while at the same time, there is someone whose life is better than yours. But this is all about perspective, right?

So be that joy go-getter by initially getting quiet, doing what brings you joy and then doing something to bring joy to someone else! It’s all worth it!