Question/Note to Self

 Note to Self: 

Does it actually lighten someone else’s suffering when we sacrifice our own joy?

It can be a complicated question and the answer depends on the situation. Sacrificing our own joy to help someone in pain or despair can certainly have a positive impact on their well-being. For example, comforting a grieving friend or family member during a difficult time might require us to sacrifice some of our own happiness or energy to support them, but it can certainly make a positive contribution to their emotional health.

However, it is also important to recognize that sacrificing our own joy and well-being should not be a constant, long-term solution to another's suffering. Repeatedly ignoring our own needs in favor of helping others can lead to feelings of resentment, burnout, and bitterness. It is important to strike a balance between caring for ourselves and community support. 

Additionally, it might be helpful to identify when sacrificing our own joy would be appropriate and when taking self-care measures is the way to go, for the long-term benefits of our own welfare and mental health.

currently listening to Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2, by The Isley Brothers

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Thieves

Like in your home, if you let the wrong people in your life, things will come up missing. Like joy, peace, love, hope, happiness, and faith.

Note to self

 Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal.
                --author unknown

Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.
                 --Joseph Campbell

   I haven't found that place inside me yet, but I'm glad that I love to write, cook, and bake. I guess, since that's my joy, that is possibly my place inside. When I'm pissed off or feeling hurt, or if I'm  worried, or feeling lonely, I cook and bake, and while what I'm baking is in the oven, I write. Or I go to the gym. So far today I baked 4 cakes. No reason, and for no one. This afternoon I'll bring them to a homeless shelter on my way to the gym. It doesn't take the pain away, but someone gets to benefit from it.  My workouts are always better when I'm not in a good mood.

the best gift yet

So, for my fourty-eighth birthday I got myself something...but it took a whole year to give it. What I mean is, it couldn't fit in one day. Actually it took 365 days to give it.
On my fourty-eighth birthday I committed to my attitude: project joy, regardless of situation. And I wouldn't trade it for anything, ever. It's changed how I view and experience each day, God, friendships, everything. It's not perfect yet , but the before and after are pretty dramatic.

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