Fight for the Joy

I would like for you to meet Sunshine. She's the one on the left, in the stripes. Sunshine is her real name.  And she's every bit like you would expect her to be.  Bubbly, warm, bright, positive, cheerful and full of joy. I met her a couple years ago through Rachael, the one in the middle.  Rach was in a book club and knows how much I love to read.  So she suggested that I start coming with her.  The other women in the group are connected through all sorts of life experiences.  My first meeting of the book club was a little intense.  Sunshine is a well-read, literary wonder.  She was leading the discussion and we had read "The Physiks Book of Deliverance Dane." (such a disappointment, by the way).   She came in wearing the best witch's hat I'd ever seen, these amazing red lips and was gorgeous.  I was immediately intimidated. HA!  But meeting her that night has created one of my favorite friends and relationships I could have asked for.

Several months later, Sun invited some of us over to her home for treats and chatter.  She has this fantastic, quiet backyard and a huge dog that I love to cuddle with named Boo Radley.  It was a warm summer night and we had covered every topic possible, I think.  Since the inital book club, I had been around her a little more and most of the intimidation had gone away, but I was still in awe of her attitude and ability to befriend people.  In the course of the conversation that night, Sun said something that I have repeated over and over in my head on so many occasions.  In relating a story, she said that she learned you have to get up and "Fight for the joy" every day.  And that's what she does.

I know alot of people will tell you to try and find the positive.  Look for the best.  Do what makes you happy.  But I'd never heard anyone acknowledge that some days it literally is a FIGHT to find the joy in the day.  I've told Sun several times since then what a difference those four words make in a day and being the spitfire she is, she'll tell you its the truth and to keep fighting. Love her for that.

So- now that I've probably embarassed her and professed my admiration of her, I just have to say get out there and "Fight for the Joy!"