I started this blog as a collection of my thoughts, happy, sad, deep, meaningful, shallow or trivial and a form of self expression during a difficult time in my life. I hoped to use the blog as a springboard toward happiness, to find out what joy is for me and escape the sense of boredom that has always plagued me.
Mission Accomplished!!! Well, sort of. I like to think that difficult time is behind me. I still have my down moments but they are fewer and further between. I think this is due mostly to just the passage of time and not necessarily my pursuit of Joy. However, Chasing Joy has really helped me to escape boredom, so much so that I kind of wish I named the blog simply Chasing Joy instead of Chasing Joy or Maybe Just Running from Boredom. Any time I am feeling bored I simply write a blog post or post something to the fan page on Facebook or post a Tweet on Twitter. I’ve not completely conquered boredom and put that Devil’s Workshop out of business but we are definitely moving into FINAL SALE territory.
This blog has helped explore new activities and ideas in pursuit of Joy. So far I have:
-Taken Ballet
-Visited Bermuda
-Dyed my hair red (post coming soon)
–Reading
–Music
-Learned the importance of making my alone time special
–Danced in the Mirror Naked
Projects in process include:
-Being able to jog 3 miles nonstop
-Doing men’s pushups
-Fit into a single digit size
The blog has helped me to strengthen my commitment to my health and improving my self esteem and self image. Since January I have been treating my body more like a temple. As a result I have lost about 8lbs and entered into the Miss Curve contest.An unexpected result of me writing the blog has been a change in the way I view friendship. I have really given more thought to how friends have affect my Joy and how I affect their’s. Am I putting in the time, especially face to face, needed to maintain strong friendships? Am I holding on to certain relationships because of what they once were as opposed to how they are currently? I have honestly been shocked by some who have been extremely supportive of my writing and others who have been either indifferent or unsupportive. This has lead me to recognize that I want to be the kind of person who supports friends and definitely supports those who support me. Overall the greatest result of writing this blog has been a new perspective. Joy is always in my sights. I am always looking for things that make me happy or for the bright side of negative situations for my next blog topic or Feel Good Friday post. I look for positive quotes each day to list on the Joyful Quotes page and share on both the Facebook fan page and twitter. I am much less negative, more hopeful, and more confident. So, I will continue my pursuit and Chase Joy with more and more vigor. I’m beginning to think my friend Marcia hit the nail on the head when she said, “Keep Chasing Joy. I think the fun may be in the hunt!”
Wow, here is to celebrating your first year + . I am glad to have your blog to remind me of the joy that it exists all around me.
BAM and Shanita. You both are also in that group supporters. Thanks for all of your interesting comments. BAM you will definately be part of many of my journeys. 🙂
I love this post. I hope you pat yourself on the back every time you finish one of these!!!! Keep 'em coming 🙂
Love Marcia's comment that the fun is in the hunt – reminds me of that one about the journey being more important than the destination – reminds me of The Alchmist (lead him right back to where he started)!
Knowing you the way I do, I think you have come a long way in 6 months (has it really been that long? has it really been that short? time seems to fly sometimes and go slow at others). I think you have been brave at trying new things and adventures, you've been honest and truthful both on this blog and with yourself and you've had lots of laughs throughout the process – what more can you ask for???
If you stop chasing JOY, does it mean you think you can't be happier, does it mean you have found all the joy you can – NO, you need to chase joy every day of your life….so i look forward to hearing more from you on how you are chasing or running or whatever, for a very long time!!!!
And i look forward to being a part of some of those jouneys!!!!
~bam~
Thanks Ms. Pillowz. I do include you in that group of friends that have been supportive. You are appreciated.
This post was excellent. It was so moving and inspirational. Every time I read a new post, it just totally solidifies how proud I am of you. This is just awesome. You know I'm chatty, but I can't think of anything else to say except that I am really proud of you and you are the best. I wish you much deserved and continued blessings on your pursuit.
Ms. Pillowz
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