Last week I decided to pick up a new hobby - tap dancing. Random, I know.
But between being a wife, a mom, running a business, writing a book, and trying to manage all that God has tasked me with, my plate was getting fuller by the minute, and I needed something that was FUN - no strings (or responsibilities) attached.
And with the recent loss of my close cousin, I decided that I wasn't going to sit around and wait for joy to find me, but I was going to go find it.
So here we are, learning the basics and I'm starting to realize that this isn't as "easy" as it looks.
I glanced over at one of the other ladies and I say "this is hard!" and with a smile, she says "it's new, not hard". [jaw drops to the floor]
I thought about her comment for the rest of the session and all the way home.
Because how unfair was it (to myself) that I had labeled something as "hard" that I had zero experience in?!
If you're anything like me, you've probably done that before too.
Whether it's with a new hobby, a new job, or even an opportunity you said yes to, your first reaction when you experience challenges is that it's "hard".
But this is your reminder to give yourself grace to try new things without holding yourself to the pressure of perfection. Because new and hard are two very different things. Mmkay?!
✅ It takes time to learn a new skill.
✅ It takes time to build confidence in it.
✅ It takes time to see the fruit of your labor.
Relax.
Lastly, I want you to give yourself permission to CREATE joy where you are.
Maybe you're not experiencing grief like I am, but you've put yourself on the back burner, and you've become so consumed with your 'to-do list' that you've lost your joy.
Instead of waiting for your circumstances to change, be intentional about creating moments of joy right here, right now.
Stop rescheduling it.
Stop putting it off until you get where you want to be.
Stop going through the motions.
I'm not saying you need to pick up tap dancing (although I highly recommend it!), but find something to do outside of your daily responsibilities.
Joy isn’t accidental - it’s something you choose daily. And today, is a good day to start 🩷
xoxo, Taneshia
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." - James 1:2
4 comments
Thank you, this took a load of me, great timing been doing everything about my business and life BUT taking care of me, then I heard the spirit say, what if this is a time to rest. Phewww I needed that, doing so much the enemy is just keeping me busy with little effects. Thank you💞
I just want to say the Joy of the Lord is my strength!!! Thank God😊
New, not hard. I love that. I needed that!
I love this message! Isn’t it like God to use other people to give us a different perspective right when we need it? Thanks for reminding me to find joy wherever I can. Praying your heart continues to heal as you process the loss of your family. Happy tapping!