Dare to Be JOYFUL

Hey guys, so as many of you are well aware, the world has become drastically different in a matter of a few weeks. From spring breaks being extended and classes being moved to online formats, to complete sports seasons being postponed and cancelled, to literally not knowing what's coming in the next few months is enough to scare anyone. Needless to say, these are trying times for everyone around the world... and between worrying about family members getting this awful virus and having to practice social distancing and everything else, it's honestly enough to drive anyone crazy. BUT, despite all of this, we have decisions to make.. even if it seems like all of our decisions are kind of being made for us right now. We can decide to let the circumstances that have essentially been thrown into our lap cause us to feel fear, despair, pity, and basically every negative emotion in the book until the "lack of things to do" drives us insane.

OR.......

We can choose to find the silver lining in this situation, as hard as that can be sometimes (especially right now). Even though we may not be able to do everything that we want to do right now in order to preserve our health and the health of others, this time is unique in the fact that it gives us opportunities for different types of self-growth and improvement and find out who we truly are and what really gives us pure happiness and joy... even though everything around us is telling us to act otherwise.

And believe me, I have been going just as crazy as all of y'all probably have been. I have been home for almost a week and when I tell you, CABIN FEVER IS REAL. And during this time I have had A LOT to think about and work out. Between work, the university transferring online and how that affects my role as an RA, and just having to navigate my friendships and relationships at home, I have been stressed to say the least. Not only that, but there's a selfish sadness to this, too. My 22nd birthday- put on hold because literally everything is shutting down. My class and I may not even get to walk the stage to get our diplomas in May. My sister's volleyball tournaments and track meets have all been put on hold, and those are all things that I was looking forward to being there for. So yes, this all 100% sucks, and I will be the first person to admit that my individual problems are nothing in comparison to what some people are going through right now, but these are trying times to say the least.

However, in all of this, I have also done a lot of thinking and this time of "sheltering in place" as my mom says has just shown me that, a lot of times, we get so caught up in what's going on around us that we forget that there are still reasons to look for happiness and joy. For example, if you're reading this, you're still alive and breathing. You still have people who care about you and want what's best for you. And even though things are crazy and don't seem to have an end in sight right now, the night is always darkest before the dawn. Things are going to get better. We just have to believe that and believe that the One holding the blueprints is going to continue to take control.

And most importantly, we have to remember that we are all in this together (cue High School Musical).

We, as human beings, are all trying to navigate this unique time in the best way we know how. So whenever you start to think that things are bleak or things aren't going to get better, look around you. Find joy in your family. Find joy in the fact that you are alive and there's opportunity for growth there. Find joy in your friends and allow this time away from them help you find ways to show them how much they mean to you. Find joy in the world around you and enjoy the pretty days and even find beauty in the rainy ones. We are going to get through this together friends. And always remember, there is always a reason to praise the Man Upstairs. Because I promise you this- He's going to deliver us.

So my challenge to you this week: Find a reason for joy in this time of quarantine/sheltering in place. Find joy in taking care of yourself. Find joy in the fact that the Lord is not done with you yet and you still have room to grow. Find joy in the beauty of the world around you. Find joy by living in the moment that you're in. And just know, we are going to get through this TOGETHER.

And remember: Wash your hands and take care of yourselves out there. I love you all and if you need anything or just want to talk, there's ways to contact me either on Instagram or through email. I AM HERE FOR Y'ALL. You are all loved and STAY BLESSED!