Leave the Party

Good Morning and Happy August 1st!

Looks like we’ve been experiencing summer for some time, so we’re conditioned to the extreme temperatures. (Of course, I’m talking about the summer folks who love the heat, not those of us who are trying not to wilt!) I hope you’re acclimating and spent some time choosing self-care this weekend.

I learned a new word this week. The term is jocundity, and, no, it’s not something whimsical. Instead, jocundity is a word that means cheerfulness. The Webster translation states the following:

…a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter; cheeriness, festivity, glee, hilarity, joy, merriment…

Why you may ask, is it important to recognize words like jocundity. Allow me to share with you that these words are the opposite of sadness, dejection, depression, gloom, melancholy, misery, and pity.  Consider pity this morning, or more specifically, self-pity.

For some of us, it’s time to leave the party! But, of course, I’m talking about the self-pity party. The kind of event that can quickly overwhelm us if we’re not careful. It’s a dangerous place to be, particularly when things are not going the way we’d planned.

I read an article recently that warned against the perils of allowing the negativity caused by self-pity to take hold because it brings additional worries that can be paralyzing. The more we try to break out, the more difficult it is to surface with our positivity and hope intact. Sometimes we surround ourselves, unwittingly, with people who don’t see the brighter side of life. Often, as we begin to slip down that slope, we begin to feel familiar disconnects, and unhealthy patterns start to emerge or reemerge.

When we begin to notice the downward trend, we’re encouraged to consider a quick exit from the familiar patterns, harness our self-pity, and leave the party. When we begin to focus on the things going well, we start to see the light again. It’s the most effective way to battle our way back to a more balanced, peaceful existence. It’s a matter of choosing the way we’d like to represent ourselves. Take this quote from Martha Washington for example:

We see representations of this sentiment in Scripture:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

“A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Proverbs 15:13 (MSG)

And from others, we read:

“And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper – the more it is spent, the more of it remains.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Maya Angelou

“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama

Our challenge this week is to courageously consider where we’ve been stuck in a spiral of self-pity, determine what action we’d like to take to change our disposition, then take measures to improve our current mental and emotional state. Some may find this more difficult than others. If that’s the case, reach out to a trusted friend, clergy, or counselor. I believe you’ll find it’s worth the effort to begin to leave the party for a more balanced and peaceful outlook filled with jocundity!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda