“Choosing joy isn’t about faking it till you make it. It’s about making it so you don’t have to fake it.”
— Megan Pollard
I wrote this letter to my subscribers in my newsletter last Sunday. After an overwhelming response and encouragement from them, I decided to make it a blog post. I hope this finds you in the right space at the right time.
This morning I woke up and felt compelled to share what was on my heart. Like many, I have been processing and absorbing the state of our country. As someone who has always worked to ensure I stayed a “learner” instead of a “knower,” my head and heart have been swirling. I personally am grateful for the opportunity to gain deeper insight and understanding. Human beings are the keepers of all of life’s greatest gifts, people first. The very nature of my work is dependent on guiding teams to structure with individuals that will contribute their different strengths. I believe deeply that when we work to solve problems and we surround ourselves with only one type of thinking we will receive only one type of result. We need to see things from all angles and all viewpoints, we have to balance data and intuition in order to determine the best possible path.
I was recently interviewed on a podcast and the following question was posed. ” What do you say to people that hate optimism?” While I am not certain I even know anyone that hates optimism, it actually spurred a more important thought. Is choosing joy seen simply as positive thinking? Is it seen as only looking on the bright side of things? Here is the truth, We Choose Joy was born in the dark. It was born in a state of total desperation and despair. A decision was made, and steps were created. I called our shot, I claimed joy, and I want to explain how each word strung together has provided a beacon for me and the ones I love.
We Choose Joy is a powerful mantra that has led my family and I to higher ground in more ways than I can count. There are three components to this phrase that I feel is important to break down. Each stand with their own purpose and meaning.
We
This is collective, it wasn’t about me. It was about the individuals that mean the world to me. My daughters, my family, my tribe. My actions affect others. My success is supported and celebrated by others. I am accountable and serve others with an open and grateful heart.
Choose
This is my action. This is the word that gave me the power to take steps to change my circumstances. This is the word that allowed me to try new things. This is the word that allows me to make margin for what matters. The word choose is living and acting in the present and the future, not in the past.
Joy
This was my destination. This was the shot I called. This was the high ground I was determined to get to. Joy represents physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health for me and my family.
We Choose Joy is a statement that for me provides complete clarity. It’s not about just thinking positive thoughts, it’s about facing it head-on and creating a plan. It’s about recognizing what is important and ensuring it has a place to live and breathe in your everyday life. Life gets hectic and moves so fast. Take the time to take a deep breath and get clear. Block out the noise, and identify what you need. Once you are clear as day on what you need and want, build your path, and make those choices every single day. You will get there! I hope that this Sunday provides the restoration and replenishment that you need for the week ahead. Rest is a crucial component to getting stronger and protecting your health. Take the time you need to recover, and when you are ready, choose joy!
– Megan
