No One Can Steal Your Joy

Ciao Amica Mia,

I must confess that I’m writing this Sacred Sunday on Friday as I needed to put some thoughts down on paper.

🤦🏻‍♀️ As I write, the votes for the US presidential election are still being tallied.

I’m doing my best to walk my talk and not over consume anything!

📺 News.

📱Social media.

🍔 Food.

☕️ Coffee.

🍷 Wine.

Nope, nada. I’m simply doing the things I know help me stay centered and grounded.

Though as I’m tempted to scroll every-once in a while, I’ve been seeing posts and comments that I don’t agree with.

This is just my opinion. So, take it with a grain of salt.

I find this whole idea, that in order to be a considered, compassionate and kind human, means that as individuals we aren’t entitled to speak out or disagree with one another, rather naïve.

We live in a crazy mixed up world. There’s no doubt that we do in fact need to learn how to be compassionate humans – who can also disagree with grace and civility.

Unfortunately, it seems those qualities are no longer a fabric of our nation.

When I find myself wanting to lash out, raise my middle finger, or slam someone on social, guess what?

I take a breath. Yes, simple and not always easy in the heat of the moment.

I try to remember that what I put out energetically will come back to me ten-fold.

So, all that garbage I might be tempted to spew, well I certainly don’t want more negativity drawn into my field.

It’s self-care actually.

My husband and I have agreed to use the term, Code Blue, when we observe the other starting to hit the wall.

I’ve begun to say it mentally as well. ‘Cause you know what can be said in the privacy of your own head.

That alone helps me to put the brakes on.

The truth is most people are good people. And most people want to be loved just like you. And me.

No matter who is sworn in as POTUS next January 2021 we have a shit-ton of work ahead of us. So, I suggest you roll up your sleeves and put your boots on.

And while you’re waiting for the grown-ups to show up in Washington, which may take a while, I want you to remember what my friend Karen said when we heard the news of the last election, “no one can steal my joy.”

The photo above of these lovely women was taken in Italy four years ago. Karen is wearing brown leather gloves and a sweet smile.

When my co-leader and friend Denise and I decided that November would be a great time of year to lead a retreat in our beloved Umbria Italy, we were thinking olive harvest! Not election.

We were teaching in the yoga room when we learned that Donald Trump won over Hillary Clinton. Denise and I looked at one another, “WTF just happened?”

💔 One of our Canadian attendees crumpled to the floor in despair.

💔 A young American now living in Switzerland holed up in her room for a day.

💔 While two sisters with opposing political views stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, arguing, crying and drinking a hell of a lot of Prosecco.

And here we are again today. I hope by the time you read this we’ll know the results of the elections and you’ll have come to find stability within yourself.

Please remember that no matter who sits in the Oval Office the next four years, no one, and I mean no one, can steal your joy.

Unless you let them.

Take heart my friend. You’ve got this.

With so much love, xoxo Paulette

PS If you’re curious what working with me would look like hop on my calendar for a call.