Steadfast joy

From time to time, I am told by well-meaning friends and family that I could be doing so much more with my life than I already do.

I could be making more money. I could be applying myself in different capacities. I could be working a job that is more intellectual than I already do. (I’ve heard it all).

And yes, it’s true. I could be.

But my ambitions, my hopes, my dreams, my expectations on where I want my life to go are obviously different than those of the well-meaning friends and family. They don’t lie where others think they should because they are mine.

I don’t want riches and fame. I don’t want to be doing “more” with my life with the same capacity and drive that has been expressed. I want to live the life I have, this magical life full of stories of my own creation and adventures that take me to places I enjoy. I want a life that marches to the beat of my own drum and stays in tune with the melodies that I make. I want a life that has unimaginable and steadfast joy.

Steadfast.

Have you ever looked up that word before? I have. Several times since my mind often forgets things. The dictionary defines steadfast as “firm, fixed, unwavering, dependable, reliable.” And that’s a good term to define joy as well.

But joy isn’t happiness. Happiness comes in a moment. But joy, especially steadfast joy… that’s a contentment that stays no matter what.

It’s something I have found over the years. And I have found places to go to find that joy as well.

If you follow me on YouTube or via Instagram or even read some of my other blog posts, you know that I am an avid hiker and often plan hikes around geocaches I need to find. I often hike alone too, since there is a quiet contentment out on the trails that I can only find when I am solo. That’s not to say I don’t mind sharing my hikes with friends…. I do. But there are times I like the company of my own thoughts and the moments that are my own.

When I stand and watch a river or lake for a minute, I find joy. when I hear the geese honking as they fly overhead in formation or watch a hawk soar on the wind in the middle of a hunt, I find joy. When I hear the trees creaking in the wind or listen to the birds sing in melodious harmony or even hear the bullfrogs call to one another in a reconstructed wetlands, I find joy. And when I find that elusive container for a geocache finally after several visits, there is joy.

I also find the inspiration in these moments to write the stories I write.

But that’s just me. It’s how I find joy. It’s part of my story. But I am aware that hiking in nature, with all that activity entails, is not for everyone. But finding your own steadfast joy should be a part of the story you are writing and the magic you are making. So whether it’s taking a walk in your neighborhood, creating something of beauty, finding a hobby you love, listening to the music that makes your heart sing, indulging in your favorite treat, pursuing your own ambitions…. whatever…. find your own steadfast joy and the places that make your own heart happy.

Stay magical, friends.

Write your own story.

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