Where did July go? For me I had to keep my nose to the grindstone and focus on the new learning curve at my new job, as well as getting a good amount of both nursing shifts and new clients. Not much joy while living in that fashion. But as July fades out, I made a promise to chill more, enjoy the day more, focus on what causes me to feel good, instead of  what causes me to feel anxious or worried.

Then I remembered a movie called "Inside Out" was highly recommended by one of my coaching clients. I went to the Internet to watch the trailer. After watching it and laughing out loud, I knew I had to find joy. I made it clear with the hospital that I was no longer available. I was on a hunt for unbridled fun.

The movie is animated and truth be told, I have never watched an animated movie before. Sorry Shreck, I have an old program about watching cartoons. But I was ready to get over my cartoon movie aversion, so I pressured my best friend Robi and off we went to the theater. Best decision ever!!

The gist of the movie is about the characters in our brain that direct our reality. This is about emotions, memories and how they are stored and why some stay in the forefront, and why some fade...it's about why we feel the way we do and why we behave the way we behave. Right up my alley.

There are "characters" up there all vying for the joystick. And the character "Joy" wants only the best for each and every one of us. But as we progress through our lives, additional "characters" appear. The movie portrays them as real characters in our head. There is Anger (always ready to explode), Sadness (she is just plain sad), Disgust (always ready to judge) and Fear, (who is always worried).  We were howling one minute and crying the next. A movie probably meant for kids, but really for adults.

This helped me realize that finding your joy is everything!! "Joy" needs to be directing the joystick, so to speak. Everyone "up there" is on your side and wants you to succeed, but there are times when these other characters feel the need to take control. So find anything and everything that causes you to feel joy. Old joyful memories, joyful activities....whatever it takes. And don't squelch down anger, sadness, disgust or fear if they show up. Acknowledge and accept them and then tap them to release them, then move back to joy.

Enough said. Treat yourself to a great movie and go out and find the JOY!!!  Watch the trailer by clicking here