My Joy

Hello Friends!  It has been a long while since I last posted.  It's Saturday night, I'm cozy in my jammies, and the cold weather is on the other side of the wall.  My life is, in a lot of ways, very much like it has been for the 15 years I have been living in Kirksville.  But my life is NOT like it has been the 14 years before this one.  Almost everything is different.  FOR THE BETTER!

My journey to find joy has been long and bumpy.  Certainly I have not attained all of my goals.  There is much I still want to do:  continue to lose weight, build a website for Just Julie, become more financially secure, walk a 5k.......there are many things on my list.  I'll get there, I am sure of that.  I am much more confident now that I can do almost anything I set my mind to.

I put on Facebook this week that I haven't enjoyed Valentine's Day for roughly 17 years, and that is true.  I also put on there that John has changed my life.  That statement is very true and I thank God for him each and everyday.  A friend commented, however, that John was wonderful and certainly a blessing, but that I had changed my life.  She is correct!  I did!  And once I started, it all seemed pretty easy!  Imagine that!

Much of my transformation happened out of public view.  Small, small steps that built my courage, confidence, and resolve.  The public-part was at the beginning of Just Julie.  It was a new piece of my identity and I enjoy it very much.  Each stepping stone led to the next, and I was encouraged.  One year ago this week, though, was a biggie!  I went on a date.  No, it was not with John.  It was with a very nice man and I was terrified.  It became my most-read blog post ever!  I was a mess - really, I was.  My friends and the poor people I work with had to deal with me.  For that I apologize!  LOL  Truth be told,   he was not a good fit for me, but it opened my eyes that maybe, just maybe, there would be someone out there for me.  There was not a long string of other first dates, there was only one - John.  If I am honest, I knew he was the right man for me very quickly, and I think the same thing happened for him. He brings me so much joy!  He loves me - the real me - and still comes back to Kirksville every week. (We have been together every weekend since April 7)

So, here I sit on a Saturday night, cozy in my jammies, sitting here watching the NBA AllStar Dunking Contest with my son on the couch and John in the chair next to me wearing his jammies and I can honestly say that my life has changed.  For the good!  My joy is overflowing and I intend to keep it there!  Happy Valentine's Day friends.  Go find your joy!  It is worth the work and worth every step of the journey.