Joy Guards

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.” – Marcus Aurelius

Pessimism is easy, passive and spreads quickly. Optimism requires daily intention, attention and aggressive pursuit. Guard your joy. You own it and are responsible for it. No one else, it’s yours.

The girls always guard me, their toys and their joy. Each day, they remind me that joy really does come in sips, not gulps.

They were watching me get ready for work and their eyes were telling me to put on a bit more make up and do one more brush through the hair before leaving.

Joy guards reporting and on duty.

“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” – Sharon Draper