The biggest “dream killers” in my life are: 1. Valuing other people’s opinions and feelings over mine. 2. Fear and doubt.

I didn’t come into the world with a user manual for my parents and I am learning to let go of thinking I need one. Life doesn’t obey my rules.

Fear signals that I am at the edge of what is and what could be: How I respond will decide how much I am willing to change.

Purpose doesn’t sound like static in the mind. I think static is normal, but fear will have us focus on the static and miss seeing the bigger picture we are standing in. We can allow the static to serve our purpose. I wonder if purpose is in some way like a trajectory, although there are many turns we can take, we keep moving in a certain direction.

I really like to try to figure things out and it can easily lead me to overthinking, mistrust, and inaction when I’m feeling overwhelmed by the unknown. When taken to extremes, this overthinking leads to hiding and fear. I know if I choose to get “comfortable” in this terribly uncomfortable mindset, I feel like I am slowly and painfully dying.

I find it interesting that I can learn to be patient and wait for direction from God, yet when inspiration comes it still doesn’t come with a manual to ease my desire for perfection. God gives just enough for me to trust and take the next step.

Joy. Joy is real. Joy is in the only moment we have. Joy is in the only place that exists. Joy is when and where we are aware. Joy is what I hope and long for.

I hope you make ways to enjoy your day, friend. You are absolutely a divine gift. Laugh. Have fun. Realize when your face is tight and you’re taking things way too seriously. Cry when you need to. Gods got you..no matter what.

-Josh