Life Coach Pearl: Joy is by Design!
Have you ever been so excited and happy that you thought you might burst? That's how I'm feeling!
There are times in life and seasons when things go right. There are those other times, too, but that discussion is for another day. A couple of recent events in my journey have brought me joy.
You likely know I received certification as a health and life coach. Taking on a new profession at this point in my life was a pleasant learning experience in art and science and a period of personal growth. I feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment knowing that I have added these transformational skills to my life—transformational energy and techniques I can pass on to my clients and the world. Life is indeed a Dynamic Transformation Journey.
A few days ago, I spent two lively hours with about 50 young women between 12 and 19. My excitement fueled a meticulous preparation for my presentation. Speaking to this particular audience was a learning experience in itself as it has been decades that have uttered teen-speak. I laughed with them and encouraged them to correct my teen-speak as I delivered factual information about their bodies, puberty, reproduction, and self-care. I came away with this warm fuzzy feeling. I was confident that my renewed and higher calling filled us with positive feelings about ourselves and what it means to be a woman. Although I have a long history of public and motivational speaking, this was my first public speaking event since the founding of Smart-A Lady Doc, my life and health coaching journey. My heartfelt thanks go out to those young women, the diligent and spiritual organizers, your energetic chairwoman, and the first lady of Calvary Baptist Church in my hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Your fellowship brought me joy.
I will host a virtual open house in a few days to celebrate my life and health coach certification. Excitement and preparation are pulsing through my veins as I write these words. I look forward to sharing with clients, potential clients, and the world who I am and the character of a trustworthy accountability partner I offer in My Dynamic Transformation Journey Intensive Programs. In all the excitement, I came to think about the difference between excitement and joy. I have experienced an appreciable share of both in my life. In my journey toward wisdom, I have come to appreciate the difference.
Excitement is mental. It is a dynamic emotional response or reaction to an event around you that starts in the brain and causes physiological responses throughout the body: heart rate and breathing increase. You may experience butterflies in the stomach or a giddiness. Trembling and sweaty palms occur if fear is perceived. Excitement is a complex response to an emotional high. It makes us want to take action and make an instant decision, even if it may be wrong, like that extra piece of cake or buying that expensive bag on impulse. But excitement is temporary. The body naturally seeks a state of safety and stability. Excitement disrupts that homeosis, that equilibrium. So, depending on the level of excitement, its power will likely pass gradually. You can appreciate this moment of happiness emotion.
Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. It comes from a deeper place where purpose or a calling resides. It looks and feels different for each person and is present in everyday situations. For some, joy is caring for others, a religious or spiritual endeavor, or even a simple, profound stroll through nature. It comes from resisting the urge to control or change situations not in your control. The events of our lives can often push us too hard and too fast, even at times beyond our limits. We can't change the weather, our boss, or that nosy, bossy aunt. We shouldn't allow unpleasant or difficult situations to determine our attitude. Attitude is a choice.
Choose instead to exude gratitude. List three things for which you are grateful daily. This practice shifts your brain into contentment and joy. Acknowledging others sends positive thoughts and vibes to the people in your inner circle you love and those around you. You've heard the phrase, try to see the good in people. Things along the journey can be stressful, inconvenient, make you downright mad, depressed, or unfair. Most people are, as my family says, "doing the best with what they've got." Rather than in full attack mode, it is easier to take a deep breath, step back, and try to find common ground. This approach offers a much greater sense of fulfillment.
Joy isn't something you can’t keep to yourself. It shines through when you enter the room; Haters can't stand this. Ha. It bubbles over into your social connections with others. It makes us better friends, partners, co-workers, spouses. It makes us better and ultimately personable.
It has been my joy to practice medicine for so many years. Before training as a coach, I soothed myself by saying, "I have touched many lives." Then, I took a deep breath and allowed myself solace. It has since occurred to me that I have a legacy. That is an integral part of the big-picture perspective I hold for myself. Through life and health coaching, I hold the same transformation vision for the health and lives I shall continue to touch.
Joy is by Design.
I wish you health, love, peace, and smarts.