At a workshop that I attended, everyone was asked to make a list of “five things that bring joy”.   At the top of my list was dancing, because dancing and smiling go hand in hand for me.  So it was no surprise to me, or any of my friends, that dancing was at the top of my list.  However, what was a surprise for many of us, was that almost every woman in the room included dancing on her list – women of all ages, sizes, backgrounds and professions. 

And yet, 90% of those women said that dancing was not currently part of their life.  One of the top five things that brought them joy was missing from their life!  This not only got my attention but had everyone really stop to reflect on how they were making important life choices.

And choosing joy is an important life choice!  Without joy we tend to lose our sense our sense of self and our own inspiration.  Without choosing joy we tend to let all the “joyless” activities bring us down. 

So, how about it!  Right now, write down five things that give you joy!  And then choose to do at least one of those five things every day to honor yourself and bring you joy! 

While you’re writing your list, I’m putting on the music and dancing.

It would also give me joy to hear about the joyful things that you are doing for yourself, so please consider taking a moment to leave a comment and inspire other women to live with joy! 

On Thursday I was flying from Houston to Charlotte to spend the weekend with my Mom celebrating our birthdays (Mom’s the 25th and mine the 29th). Once the plane landed and I was standing at my seat waiting to get off the plane, I noticed the woman standing in the row in front of me who looked to be about my Mom’s age.

What I noticed about her were her earrings.  She had beautiful dangle earrings, but what really caught my attention was that she also had two additional piercings in each ear – not unusual for the young generation, but NOT usual for women in their 80’s.

About that time everyone started filing off the plane and I didn’t have a chance to say anything.

But then as I was washing my hands in the restroom, there she was at the sink right next to me.

I said, “I like your earrings.”

She replied, “My daughter gave me these.”

I responded, “I really like your piercings.”

She then turned to me with a grin on her face like she was telling me a delightful secret.  “I did that when I turned 60!  I wanted to do something special.  My friend got a tattoo.  I got the piercings.”

Totally engaged and inspired, I said “I love it!” relishing in her pleasure.

I thought that was probably the end of the conversation and then in an instant she turned back to tell me more.  “My husband didn’t notice for 10 days!  I didn’t tell him I was doing it and he didn’t notice for 10 days.”  And then came the kicker, “so I just decided I would go out and buy diamond studs!”

We walked out of the restroom giggling like new friends.  She then walked over to where her husband was waiting for her and they proceeded on to their next gate.

Every time I think of her I get a smile on my face.  I so enjoyed her delightful spirit.  And I love the fact that she was enjoying in that moment something that she did approximately twenty years prior.  And what a treat that she was sharing her experience with me!

She also got me to thinking about my life and what I’m doing now that would be that much fun to recall twenty years from now.

What might I do when I turn 60?  What might I do today? It’s going to have to be something juicy!

Please help me with ideas!  What about you?  What will you do this year that will still bring a twinkle to your eyes 10 to 20 years from now.  I would love to hear your ideas!