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Life is a trip. Whether it’s a good trip, a bad trip, or one you never expected, there are ways to enjoy the time we have here on Earth.

Against the odds.

Despite life’s changes.

In the midst of the challenges.

There is a three-legged stool I want to share with you that may help you stay steady. It’s simple yet sturdy…and sitting on it can help you overcome. The legs symbolize joy, happiness, and the oil of gladness, and in very miraculous ways… can combat darkness, depression, and discouragement.

The first leg, joy, is cultivated. Unlike happiness, it is not based on your circumstance. It’s something you work on overtime and is in your emotional and spiritual reserve that comes up when you need it. You can also reach for it. Cheerful intentionality around how you choose to respond to life is one of the manifestations of joy. What brings a smile to your face? What warms your heart? What are you hoping for that excites you? That feeling that you get in those moments is joy.

The next leg is happiness. Happiness is a state of being. Unlike joy, it is based on your circumstance. You got the job. You landed the role. You won the deal. You got engaged. Those are moments and states of being that cause an emotional, physical, and some may say a chemical response that brings a smile to your face…and it does other things. It can be created through cultivation as well. Creating a life you don’t need a vacation from and fostering healthy, mutually beneficial relationships can contribute to your happiness. So the question is how’s your happy? Check frequently and see what adjustments you need to make.

The final leg is the oil of gladness. Just like any oil, the oil of gladness is a state of mind and a heart posture that you can put that is pleasant. It smells good and makes you stand out. When you’re glad, you are pleased and thrilled about something and that starts on the inside. It’s sometimes provoked by things on the outside. Exercise intentionality about what you allow to come into your headspace and your heart space. Take time to process how you feel, what you see, and how you make sense of the world around you. Eventually, what is in is what is going to come out.

Just a reminder…

Darkness is all around us…but you can still be the light.

Circumstances can lead to depression…but you don’t have to stay there.

Discouragement could try to creep up on you….but you don’t have to embrace it.

When you need to, sit on this stool and use it to enjoy your time here on Earth. You get one shot.