I am seeing an acupuncturist. That anyone would willingly ask someone to stick sharp needles in their body is amazing, and yet many people do. That sharp needles stuck into my body would actually relax me is unfathomable, and yet it seems to be true. It is a fascinating experience.
But that’s not what this post is about. This post is about the little sign that sits on the sink in the bathroom at the acupuncturist’s office which says, “Choose joy. You are loved.”
Every time I see that sign I smile. Well, actually, the first time I saw that sign I was filled with righteous indignation. “I would choose joy,” I thought. “I like to choose joy, only I have this thing going on that’s not letting me. That’s how I usually am, and if only this were different I could choose joy.”
Well, I still, at least sometimes, have that thing going on (or else I probably wouldn’t ask someone to stick sharp needles in my body), but now I look at the sign and smile. I still have this thing that I might think prevents me from choosing joy, but I’m choosing it anyway.
And the rest of the sign – “You are loved.” – how cool is that? How comforting and invigorating to acknowledge the love that surrounds me. The love that can lift me up, if only I can recognize that it’s there.
And the first word of the sign – “Choose” – how cool is that too? How cool is it to remember that it is a choice. That I have a choice. How empowering and invigorating to acknowledge that whether or not I feel joy can have less to do with what’s happening around me and to me, and more to do with what’s going on inside of me.
Choose joy. You are loved. May I remember this today and may I live it. May you remember and live it too, if it would bring you joy.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!
Great article, Lisa and I thank you for showing your perspective of that sign in your acupuncturist’s office: Choose joy. You are loved. As it is repeatedly shared in recovery, it is sometimes easier to stay in the problem (and the misery), than to look for or be in solution. The joy comes when we can look to a HP and accept that we have no control over certain things and we don’t have to be in charge! I look forward to more of your writing and perspective on life.
Thank you Karen! I love your thoughts. The joy comes when we accept we don’t have to be in charge – well said. I look forward to more of your comments!