…and by that I mean…

It’s in there and it wants out! A lifetime ago when I was doing personal branding work with people, I asked this lovely client, “So what are you holding back on?” And she answered, “My joy. It’s really in there, I just don’t always bring it out.” I could relate. There were times when I wanted to sing loud in my car, to hug someone I didn’t know that well really TIGHT; or tell them how incredibly grateful I was; or to just say, “I really think you’re an amazing person.” But I didn’t, too scared of scaring someone away with my enthusiasm, or looking too, I don’t know, clingy; or too…lacking discernment. Except I’m not clingy. And I don’t lack discernment. (Except for the one time.)

Holding your joy in is actually painful. It’s what makes your solar plexus tighten (which affects your creativity). And I’m pretty sure that joy restraint creates wrinkles. LET IT UP AND LET IT OUT. It’s real. Look, if someone can’t handle your enthusiasm, or thinks you’re clingy…well, they just probably won’t — most people drink it up. And if they get all weirded out or guarded, don’t worry about it. Just because someone can’t handle extra love doesn’t mean that your love doesn’t get into them.

Your joy will find a way into other people — even if it’s only through the subconscious.

Sometimes, I still I hem my joy in a bit. But I catch myself more quickly. Just this week someone was leaving my house and right as I was closing the door, I caught my joy and lifted it up and ran back on to the porch. “Hey!” I yelled. “You’re awesome!”

Let your joy rise to the surface.