Friday, September 18, 2009

The Joy diet...week one

Years ago, I purchased The Joy Diet and it's been sitting on my shelf ever since. I've read parts of it from time to time. But recently, I listened to Martha Beck's Finding Your Own North Star and I was really impressed with so much of her approach. When I saw that The Joy Diet was up next for book blogging, I knew immediately that I wanted in!

In March of this year, I married my North Star. Every day feels joyful with my husband. Life wasn't always this kind to me though. As I continue on this journey of joy and self-discovery, I think it's well worth while to participate in this group. My experience in my blogging community has been so amazingly supportive and uplifting. As a group, we can get through this book together with so much love and support!

Joy is a choice; so is anger and self-defeat. It's obvious which is the better choice and yet, we spend so much time bashing ourselves. We owe it to ourselves to live life fully. I'm learning to "take the high road" and walk away from situations that have traditionally zapped me of my joy. You know what? It feels so damn good to let nasty things go and shift my focus back to the joy and beauty around me.

I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you.

14 comments:

  1. You said something here that really hits home with me. You mention taking the "high road" and walking "away from situations that...zapped me of...joy."

    This just hits the nail right on the head for me. I recently came to a decision to close my bustling business. It was a huge personal decision for me, but I am leaving behind something that sucks away every ounce of energy I have, is no longer fun, and is so draining.

    It DOES feel good to walk away when you know in your heart that it's the right move to make.

    I look forward to reading your posts as we take this journey!

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  2. I think we sometimes take joy for granted. It's a process and a choice indeed. I read the book years ago and it hit me right where I needed it to hit me. Now 2-3 years later I'm ready for it again. Looking forward to completing this journey with you.

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  3. A Joy Diet sounds delightful!!! Can't have too much joy now can we? I really loved your post today and I am keeping you in my prayers!

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  4. "Joy is a choice." Wow, that really hit me. You are so right. Sometimes, I forget and think it's just supposed to happen to me, like I have no decision in the matter. Thanks, Jane!

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  5. Looking forward to sharing the journey of the Joy Diet with all the "dieters"!

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  6. Hello there from a fellow joy dieter.... I can relate to your words about taking the high road... I'm looking forward to getting to know you on this adventure!

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  7. Looking forward to sharing this JOYful journey!

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  8. Jane, I'm so glad we're on this journey together. Here's to choosing joy!

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  9. I choose Joy! I'm on the Joy Diet, too.

    Stopping by to greet a fellow pilgrim.

    Happy Dieting -

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  10. Just stopped by to say Hi! I look forward to our new adventure into Joy. Have a great week.

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  11. I love your collage? above - and I like the perspective that we can choose joy for ourselves.

    Look forward to journeying with you.

    Congratulations on your recent marriage - it is so wonderful when you find a true partner.

    Blessings.

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  12. It is so great to read about your joy and north star. I look forward to this journey together. Enjoy your silence this week.

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  13. i am brand new to book blogging and just started my blog a few weeks ago. it is encouraging to hear your words of community and support. i am looking forward to reading your insights on nothing and the rest of the joy diet menu. my favorite part of this post... 'we owe it to ourselves to live life fully.' amazing!

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