Never Too Busy for Joy!
Sometimes, joy shows up at inconvenient times. Or so it seems. Just last week, as I was buried in my to-do list and preparing for a work trip, I got a message from a longtime friend from my days at Disney World. She and her family were thinking of making a spontaneous trip to Florida—would I have time to see them?
Cue the internal tug-of-war.
Between appointments, packing, and logistics, I didn’t think I could make it work. But beneath the stress, I also felt a tug at my heart. We hadn’t had quality time in ages—just a quick meal last fall when I evacuated to Atlanta before Hurricane Milton.
No matter how much time passes with this friend, we always pick up right where we left off. We still laugh at each other’s ridiculousness just as we did when we met in the summer of 1993 while performing in the SpectroMagic Parade.
And, one of her sons is my godson. I’d made a promise to myself the last time I saw him not to let so much time pass again. Suddenly, this “impossible” ask felt more like a divine invitation.
Whenever I hit a crossroads like this, I turn to Spirit and ask: What is the highest choice? What would love do in this situation?
The answer came quickly: Make space for joy and connection.
So, I shuffled a few things around, blocked off the afternoon and evening on my work calendar, and said, “C’mon down!” And I’m so glad I did.
On Wednesday, they arrived around 3:30 after my last appointment. I gave them the grand tour (aka the 30-second tour) of my little apartment before we sat and caught up on each other’s lives. Like most teenagers, her kids are not very talkative. With a little coaxing, I was happy to hear each one share a little bit about what they are into these days.
When my interrogation— I mean our conversation finished, we kicked off a quick tour of Sarasota at the marina near Bayfront Park. We strolled along Sarasota Bay’s sparkling waters, looking at luxurious yachts and the different sea birds and aquatic life along the coast. I found out the youngest teenager loves crabs, and she was thrilled to see a whole army of them in the shallow water. I also showed them the trees planted in the park for each of Sarasota’s “sister cities” around the globe. I love these living symbols of unity.
No trip to Bayfront Park is complete without the obligatory photo in front of the giant statue of the sailor kissing the nurse. Given our history of posing for silly photos in front of movie posters at the Downtown Disney multiplex, I knew she and her husband would be up for imitating this classic kissing pose for the sake of comedy. I was correct.
The ensuing shenanigans did not amuse their children, but they must be used to their parents acting silly by now. They were even less amused when we walked by the statue a little later and started chanting “Do the Pose! Do the Pose!” to a couple who were just standing there side by side. What a boring photo that would be!
By then, we were getting hungry and the heat was getting to them. I proposed we go to one of my favorite local restaurants—big menu, something for everyone, and sweet potato fries that deserve their own fan club. Added bonus…air conditioning, 80s music, and friendly servers!
After cooling down, refueling, and many more laughs, I took them to the beach to experience one of my absolute favorite things about living on the Gulf Coast…the sunset. We made it just in time to see Mother Nature put on a spectacular show. The sky lit up in colors you’d swear were only possible using CGI.
Once the sun disappeared below the horizon, father and daughter set off looking for more crabs while the brothers stood talking a few yards away. As the colors in the sky morphed into darker hues, my friend and I stood in the gentle, warm water sharing heartfelt conversation and gratitude for this time together. With each wave, our toes sank deeper into the sand as the silvery water lapped at our ankles. In that peaceful moment, I thought: I can’t believe I almost said no to this!
We wrapped up the evening with yummy gelato from Settimi’s Gelato on St. Armand’s Circle. When the youngest declared her dessert “a dream come true,” my heart melted like a scoop of gelato on a warm summer evening. I was so grateful for this entire experience!
Seven hours. That’s all. But those seven hours were bursting with love, connection, and soul-refreshing joy. Yes, a few things on my list didn’t get done—but I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.
On Friday afternoon, I left for a retreat called A Weekend of Joy. The Universe sure has a sense of humor. Turns out, my weekend of joy started a few days early—in my living room, at a local restaurant, and on the beach, with this fun family. It was a great reminder that when I pause, ask for guidance, and say yes to joy—even when it’s inconvenient—something magical always unfolds.
So I’ll leave you with this: Is there something or someone in your life that brings you joy that you’ve been putting off because you don’t have time? Consider this your nudge from the Universe. You’re never too busy for Joy.
If you’re feeling disconnected from joy, or if you’ve been saying “not now” to things that light you up, I’d love to support you with a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions or a private Family Constellations Session. Let’s work together to clear what’s blocking the door to joy—so next time it knocks, you’ll fling it wide open.
Look around my website for more details or click here to book a session. Joy is closer than you think.
Until next time, I encourage you to say “yes” to joy as often as you can.
The world you see but shows you how much joy you have allowed yourself to see in you, and to accept as yours. And, if this is its meaning, then the power to give it joy must lie within you.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-21.in.2:7-8