Things don’t flow easily for me and joy doesn’t come naturally. And so I have to make choices and work at making them come true. I have never sung in the shower. It’s hard to bounce out of bed in the morning. I felt stuck to the mattress. I didn’t want to stay there all day so I had to choose to unstick and hoist myself out. I didn’t really want to go to the gym either. But I knew it was good for what’s ailing me. I chose not to dwell on my ‘feelings’ and went.
In the past, I have allowed my emotions to rule the roost. Now having lived through many ups, downs and sideways, I have more experience and better control. I am in the driver’s seat and can decide whither I shall go – most of the time. I don’t want to keep falling into Portia Nelson’s hole in the street. I walk down another street called joy.
“I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.
walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down another street.”
onethousandandtwo 
We all don’t sing in the shower or sit up in bed every morning with a smile on our faces. It’s a struggle. But, as you said, it’s a choice we have to make everyday. You’re on the right track.
Thank you, Eydie. It’s good to know about choices.
When I was young, I had a recurring dream that my street was filled with bottomless holes. I don’t know what it meant back then and I’m glad I don’t have it anymore. Joy is always the right choice. Get out of bed, one leg at a time. You can do it.
Thank you, Kandas! I’m glad you’re not dreaming of those streets any more.
Oh my.. that is a powerful poem… and love that you are working towards choosing joy..
Thank you!
Lily, how wonderful that you are on the same subject I was on yesterday. I love the poem, which I’ve heard about but never seen before. I love your painting with the JOY mug! And I am so glad you are now more oriented than ever, to walk down the street called “Joy”. It took me decades of trying.
Thank you, Kebba. I think you are so much ahead of me on that street. Will have to hop over and read your post.
I love your Joy mug and you walking down a street called Joy. I may have to follow your footsteps to get me out of the ruts in the roads. Love your poem.
Thank you, Martha. You are such a joyful soul and an inspiration.
Beautiful, Lily!
“I walk down another street”
Here’s to choosing joy 🤩
Thank you, Tamara!