Joseph Campbell – Life after losing a mother

Looking for Joy?

July 6, 2020 by Mershon Niesner

Find the place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell, American Professor of Literature

Do you ever wake up and wonder where the joy went? If you’ve recently experienced a severe loss, perhaps you’re frequently asking yourself this question. Although I’m naturally a joyful person, lately, as I continue to live my life at home, I often wonder where the joy went. At these times, I pause, look inside and find where the joy is hiding. I trust that it’s still in there.

I believe that during challenging periods of our lives, it’s natural to experience dark days, literally and figuratively. Dark or not, I’m determined to remain grateful for everyday no matter what it brings knowing that eventually the joy will burn out the pain.

Affirmation: I am grateful for everyday.

Coaching question: What gives you joy? How do you handle days that are joy-less?

Where Does Your Joy Hide?

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 by Mershon Niesner

Find the place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell, American Professor of Literature

Do you ever wake up and wonder where the joy went? Once in a while I do. I’m naturally a joyful person but there are those days when I have to remember all the things for which I’m thankful and the abundant joys in my life. I’ve used Mr. Campbell’s quote before because I love it. We have to look inside and find where the joy is hiding. I trust it is there.

On the flip side, it’s just fine not to be joy-filled everyday. We all have dark days, literally and figuratively. Just thinking of my friends and family in the Arctic blast in the Chicago area makes me feel grateful that our temperature right now is literally eighty degrees warmer than their frigid reading. In addition to that bit of gratitude, I cheered myself up by looking at this scene I captured a few weeks ago. Memories bring joy also.

Affirmation: The joy is inside.

Coaching question: What gives you joy? How do you handle days that are joy-less?

Four Places to Look For Joy

January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 by Mershon Niesner

Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell, American Professor of Literature

When a person is grieving, it is hard for them to imagine finding joy again in their life. It may take a while to rediscover who you are and what makes you happy. Look beyond your fears and insecurities of the present. Hiding there is joy.

Check out who is in your corner. If you’re rediscovering joy, it’s important to have supportive people around you. Friends and family who will not get on the “ain’t it awful” train with you but help you move in a new direction.
Reach out and help others. Those times when we need emotional help the most are the times when helping others will mean the most to us. It sounds counterintuitive but it works.
Get rid of the “shoulds” in your life. Do what you want to do, be who you want to be. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop beating yourself up. Be kind and gentle to yourself and you’ll be rewarded.
Have an attitude of gratitude. You might feel less than grateful in the midst of sadness or grief. However, finding something for which you can be grateful everyday will help turn your life around.

Affirmation: I know where joy lives.

Coaching questions: If you’re looking for more joy in your life, what will you do today to help yourself move towards change? Is finding more joy worth the effort? I know one thing for sure—you’re worth it! You deserve joy in your life.