I believe that we are here for the joy of the journey. I am so passionate and committed to creating a delicious life from joy that I call myself the “Joyous Renegade.” My calling is teaching people how to create lives they really love by choosing JOY FIRST. If we’re not enjoying our lives, we’re missing the whole point.

Here are my own rules for creating a magnificent life with ease and joy.

Joy is the Measure of My Success

I measure my success not by the money in my bank accounts or the stuff that I have (although I like my stuff!) I measure my success by the joy that I feel. I set goals for the joy of having a direction to move towards. I enjoy the journey to my goals, whether I choose to lie on the beach or surf the biggest waves.

Open to Receive

Being open to receiving means that I accept what is, even learning to love it if I can. It means that I look for the opportunities in the challenges life presents me and I stay optimistic about the future.  I understand that I don’t need to figure out all the details, in this moment, I just need to hold the vision of what I want, to be content with what is and to be eager for more.  One of my favorite affirmations is “I am open and receptive to all good.”

Yes to a Positive Outlook

I understand that having a positive outlook is an essential ingredient to having a joyous life. To change the way I feel, to elevate my mood, to lift my spirits, I actively look for ways to feel good. I purposefully look for things to appreciate in my world. I fill myself with grateful thoughts until the emotion of appreciation overflows. I consciously appreciate all the beauty and love and wonder in my life. I say YES to a joyous life and life says YES to me.

The most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.”
– Hunter Patch Adams

Follow My Bliss

Following my bliss means that I follow my joyful impulses as much as I can. I try to keep my activities as flexible as possible so that I can follow my inspiration, rather than being ruled by a sense of obligation or fear.  I realize that my joyful impulses are inspired from within.

As Joseph Campbell said,

When you follow your bliss… doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn’t be a door for anyone else.”

Imagine What I Want and Why I Want it

I take the time to imagine what I want – outcomes, material possessions, vibrant health – with joyous anticipation. Why? Because focusing on what I want and why I want it makes me feel good and draws it towards me.

100% Responsibility

I accept 100% responsibility for creating my own life. Accepting responsibility for my life  means that everything that’s in my face is a reflection of what I’m thinking and feeling: every interaction with others, every event, every pain in my body is a reflection of something I believe about myself. I know that if I accept that I create what happens in my life then I have the power to create my life differently and until I do, I remain a victim of other people’s whims and circumstances or my own limiting beliefs.

Spiritual Practice

One who is connected to Source is more powerful than millions who are not.”
- Abraham-Hicks

My spiritual practice is simply paying attention, moment by moment, to how I feel and reaching for relief from unhappiness, anxiety, or fear by choosing thoughts that feel better. When I am worried or anxious I find a way to sooth myself into a better feeling place. I may find inspiration in books, nature or music; I may dedicate time to meditation. I pay attention to how I feel because I understand that my feelings are the indicator of how aligned I am with Pure Positive Energy, or Source. I know that the more aligned I am with Source the more access I have to the wisdom of my inner being.  The better I feel, the more confident I am, the clearer I am and the more my life works.

Feeling Good = Feeling God” – Wayne Dyer

Things happen

Things happen that I don’t want and I have a choice; I can view the situation in a way that empowers me or in a way that drains my energy. Pushing against what I don’t like or wish wasn’t happening only suffocates my spirit and stifles my life force. I understand that whatever is occurring, whatever situation I find myself in – no matter how pleasant or unpleasant, is what it is. The moment I make peace with what’s happening and accept the situation as it is, my level of anxiety goes down and I am able to access a broader array of options and ideas, and possible solutions become accessible.

If you want to live a vibrant life creating whatever you want with ease and joy, then choose Joy First and practice the rules of the Joyous Renegade. The more joy you feel, the more joy you spread. Indeed, one of the greatest gifts you can give to others is your joy.

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