S PA R K I N G J O Y I don’t mean I own it or anything, but I decided a long time ago that it was who I wanted to be. Before my lupus diagnosis, before I married or had children, before I settled in my current city - I decided to make joy my choice each day. I remember hearing the phrase “choose joy” in a Beth Moore Bible study 10+ years ago and writing it on a post it note in my office the next day. Is it easy? No. Does it come naturally every day? Of course not! It has however become a habit. When negativity creeps in, when pain overwhelms my senses, when brain fog distracts me from my schedule... I turn to joy. I surround myself with things that make me joyful. Colors I love, photographs of people and adventures, music playlists for every mood, nice candles, favorite hobbies, singing every chance I get, stationary for writing a note, healthy snacks, videos of a favorite comedian, and soft clothes. One small thing I do is carry a beauti-
By Allison Fedon
ful coffee mug with me - home, church, meetings, everywhere. It makes me happy and gives me the opportunity to share with others how they can bring more joy into their lives when they ask why I’m carrying a real mug. It’s a win win! My husband and I have two young daughters and sometimes we all need a shift in the tone of our day, and nothing changes that faster than a dance party! We turn on a favorite playlist and boogie until our grumps fade away. Costumes often make an appearance, too. Pure joy! I also keep opportunities readily available for helping others. Writing encouraging notes and texts, funny memes, a craft that would help or brighten someone’s day, doubling a recipe to share with someone who could use it, or a phone call to check in on a friend. When I’m feeling down, a great way to turn it around is to help someone else find joy. Ask someone else what brings them joy. It
might surprise you! Not only will you learn more about them, but I bet you’ll get some great ideas of how to support them in the future and take care of yourself. Serving in your community through non-profit agencies or simply in your neighborhood is a wonderful way to find joy outside of yourself. Making a plan for activities that bring joy is also helpful when I might just need to get away from my day’s stress. Low/no cost adventures are the best! Visiting the library, taking a walk, sitting on a bench in nature, or people watching, taking a scenic drive, getting a coffee, trying a new recipe, joining a Bible study, or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. As a family we enjoy theme nights. We work with a theme around a favorite movie or topic, and plan away. We’ve had Family Prom, Frozen Night, Grinch Feast, Indoor Campout and so many more. Doing puzzles, legos, and playing board games are other great ways to have low-key LIVING WITH LUPUS MAGAZINE
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