A Journey Into Joy
Step 6 — Week 2: Uncharted Territory
Step 6 is about facing new-to-us experiences as we move forward (step 5) on our journey (step 2). This is the time where we face the trials and tribulations of our quest…it’s truly a time for experimentation and growth…discovery what works, what doesn’t…and making changes as needed.
For me I plan to continue with the areas covered in the weeks of Step 1 (health, home, The Mandala Lady, and my purpose).
Here’s my journal entry for step 6–week 2: Home
Here’s what has worked, not worked, and needs tweaking.
Since the last step I made a spreadsheet that takes all the areas of our home and yard and assigns them a day of the week. Some areas are grouped together because there are more areas than there are days of the week. Using this system worked for about the first week. Then we had company coming to visit and I let that take me away from the system…a system I named “OITH” — Order in the House. It’s my quest to create some form of order in our house.
On each day’s task list is an OITH entry. In theory it’s a solid system. In practice, especially since I’m new to implementing it, it needs tweaking. Actually, “IT” doesn’t need tweaking…I need tweaking in that I have to and want to stay true to the system. This early in the game, I’m too easily swayed away from it…and find it challenging to get back on board with it.
Overall I like the idea of the OITH system. It’s simple, clear, and essentially easy to follow. My biggest issue seems to be that because I see how much work needs to get done, that it’s difficult for me to feel good about only tackling a small area at a time. Changing my mindset to one of “be happy with baby steps” would help greatly.
The other issue I have is being easily taken off track by changes to my routine (visitors, preparing for events, travel days, etc). Somehow, I have to find a way to be okay with days where only one small thing gets done…of which I’m reminded of the mantra: one day at a time — and, when you fall off down, get back up.
That’s it for now,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
inspiring and encouraging creativity, curiosity, and play through the art of mandalas
ABOUT “A JOURNEY INTO JOY”
With all the anxiety and stress in the world right now, focusing on joy may seem a bit counterintuitive. Mais contraire mes amis. We actually need more joy in our lives…now more than ever. And it starts within each of us. It’s been my experience that when in that higher vibrational state of joy, it helps raise the vibration of those around us as well.
Brené Brown defines joy as “an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation”. Of late, I mostly experience only moments of happiness and on a rare occasion, joy…thus my desire to journey into joy.
My quest throughout this year is to explore, experience, and express this state in a variety of ways, including following a variation of the hero’s journey, as professed by Jospeh Campbell.
Care to join me? Here’s how…
MandalaoftheMonth.com: On the first of the month, I’ll create and post a mandala for coloring. Each month we’ll take another step along the “journey into joy” by following a modified version Joseph Campbell’s a hero’s journey. Included in each step will be a description of the step and prompts for coloring and/or journaling for the month. You’re welcome to color them as well…they’re free to download.
MandalaoftheWeek.com: Each Monday I’ll be posting my coloring of that month’s Mandala of the Month, which will produce 4-5 colorings of that design. With each one, I intend to dig deeper into the message of that month’s mandala. You’re welcome to color along as well.
Mandala of the Week 