Some of the heaviest things we often carry in our lives are our stories of loss, regret, guilt, or being wronged. When we relive this pain over and over again, it frequently blocks us from seeing and receiving the joy that is waiting for us.

You see, joy is not just about doing things that make us happy. It's also about healing and releasing these stories of "unjoy" that hold us back from allowing the joy to shine through.

I remember a profound quote Oprah shared one time on forgiveness. She said that forgiveness is not saying something someone did is ok. Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different than it was. 🤯

Think about it. Letting go of these scenarios of how things "should have been" or "could have been", and accepting how it was. Yes, that can be difficult. However, what we can change is the meaning of what happened. Perhaps instead of keeping meaining failure, disappointment, or hurt, it could mean a gift or unexpected blessing.

This reminds me of the Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers". He reflects on how grateful he is now that because of unanswered prayers when he was hurting from a lost relationship that now he has an even better one.

This past week I stopped by Hot Springs, Arkansas on my way back to Texas. I got a chance to experience a historic bathing experience.

As I soaked in the healing hot mineral water, I was imagining washing away old stories that no longer serve me. These were stories that have been getting in the way of joy.

If you are in pain today, I hope you find some peace, forgiveness, and appreciation that can allow your joy to shine again and relieve you of the heaviness you may be carrying. ...

Sometimes all you have to do is follow the signs... ...

Give yourself a moment to just be with the beauty around you and appreciate the beauty within. ...

There are times in our lives we wonder, what if I could...?

Do you know how powerful that statement is?

Unfortunately, many of us grow up with limiting beliefs like...

Oh, that's too much.
That's too hard.
I'm not good enough.
I'm not pretty enough.
I'm not smart enough.
I don't know people.
I'm not strong enough.

Asking yourself, "What if I could?" opens up a whole new world of possibilities and hope that can transform our lives.

Imagine if you actually achieved what you weren't sure you could. What else is possible?

2 years ago, I was overweight, stressed, and full of doubt. I knew I had to do something, but exercises was not my thing. Half way into my 40s, my body just doesn't move like it use to.

One day, I saw that a 60 day fitness challenge, and it ignited a flicker of possibilities.

What if I could complete 30 class in 60 days?

Finishing this challenge opened up a new world that would change my relationship with my body and how I saw myself.

Sometimes, we need others to light the fuse for us to start wondering "What if I could?"

Just over a week ago, I was challenged to complete 20 fitness classes in 31 days hosted my local Pure Barre studio.

I knew I could complete this challenge, but what if I could do it half the time?

How would I feel about myself if I did this? What else is possible?

If you've ever taken a barre class you know it is no walk in the park.

So for the past 11 days I took classes twice a day, at 6am and 5pm. 

On day 10, I asked "What if I could do 3 classes in 1 day?"

Yup, I could and did!

With immense gratitude for all the instructors, team, and community at Pure Barre for their support, I finished 20 classes in 11 days this morning.

This is energizing me with excitement, confidence, hope and possibilities I have't felt recently.

Opportunities and joy in our lives often comes from the personal growth. I've discover that this happens when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. It happens when we accept challenges to explore "What If I could...?"

You don't have to take 11 classes in 20 days like me.

It may be as simple as saying "yes" to a challenge and allowing yourself to discover ""What if I could...?" ...