We have all faced difficulties in our lives. It's a part of being human. We've experienced loss, sadness, grief, anger, frustration, happiness and everything in between. We have all felt defeated and alone at one point another, doubting if we are ever going to be okay again. But, we always have a decision in regards to how we react to what is happening to us. We can choose to let it define us, or we can choose joy.

I, like many others, have faced extreme challenges throughout my life, specifically these past three years. At the beginning of these hard times, I was an absolute wreck and let what I was going through dictate the life I was living. I didn't realize at the time that I can choose how to deal with it. I think it is important to note that by choosing joy, you are not denying yourself the pain that you are obviously experiencing, it just means that you are deciding to look at the situation from a different perspective. This perspective will help you grow and become stronger rather than weaken and scare you.

So, today I urge you to choose joy. No matter what you're going through or what may be suffocating your heart, choose joy. When you choose it, you speak life and healing over yourself rather than more sadness and more grief. Learn and grow from your situation. You will be better for it, I promise. And know that everything that is happening to you is happening for a reason. It hurt, I know, but it will get better and you will be happy again. Until then, keep choosing joy.