2.28.2012

Choose Joy

One of the things that I haven't been writing about as much lately {other than this post about friends} is being an expatriate.  Since there are some newer readers visiting my blog these days, here are the bullet points:


Obviously I miss the people that we are far away from, especially with my son's 3rd birthday approaching.  And then I've also been missing the comforts of home, knowing people {babysitters!}, knowing the stores, not needing a GPS for every drive.  
 And the spaces that we had worked on to make our own just before we moved.

But then I come across inspirational stories, like Ashley's. See that "Choose Joy" button on the right hand side of my blog? That is a new addition that will be staying around for awhile. Click on it (or below) to read more about her story. In short, during the last year she has: lost her father to a sudden heart attack (he was only 64!), had a miscarriage, a traumatic emergency hysterectomy, and she is now facing cancer with chemotherapy.  

Crazy difficult, right?  But she has made "Choose Joy" her motto in life.  And thru it all, she is doing that. Amazing. Even with all that, she is spreading the joy by passing out bracelets with the "choose joy" motto on them to random strangers.  

And so, even if I might be feeling homesick, contemplating if I should put the effort into make new friends in Scotland and not exactly enjoying this continuous cloudy, rainy weather...my plan is to "Choose Joy".  
We went one of our first sightseeing trips on Saturday {very short, about 20 minutes away} to the Falkirk Wheel.
It was raining, windy and the Wheel was actually not working.  But I decided to enjoy it anyways.  And be happy because I know it is so close we can go again.
 Even if J#3 was a bit crabby about being there.  Or just about having his photo taken.
 Because its never long before he is smiling again.

*  *  * 


Sweet Shot Day










9 comments:

Nics Cahill said...

Choose Joy! I couldn't agree more, it is a choice, we have to make. In our pain, heartache and suffering to choose joy can be tremendously difficult, but finding something to be thankful for in the darkness, brings light to our pain. Great post Jen.

Molly said...

I agree.. choosing joy is the only way to be... the other option is to always find the down side, something I work really hard not to do. Life can be tough but there is always joy is your really look hard enough.

Mollyxxx

Susan said...

Beautiful pictures.

And this is just needed to read this morning.

How very true!! Thanks...

EMily said...

Glad you were able to see the bright side of things. I'm sure that has to be tough moving over and over, but ya gotta make the most of it, right?

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Choose joy... love it! What an adventure and quite a journey your family is on! So many amazing things you are seeing. Love the photos! :)

Christine said...

That's a great motto and reminder that it often is choice. My motto lately has been "make it count" - in all aspects of my life (family, fitness, work). What an amazing experience for your family

Camie said...

I completely understand the frustration of having to use a GPS to get anywhere and everywhere. The sheer fact that a single road often times changes names block-by-block is enough to drive a person mad.

Shell said...

Choosing joy is a great attitude!

Might as well enjoy the experiences.

momto8 said...

wow...what experiences you are having!! your pictures are great!!!
The only thing we really have control over is our reactions....so chose joy!!
i am your newer follower..pls follow back if you can.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...