Creativity and Risk: The Joy Diet – Week Six
Posted by kaileenelise on October 23rd, 2009
Take that first step.
Bravely overcoming one small fear
gives you the courage to take on the next.
(Daisaku Ikeda)
It is hard to believe that we’re well into the middle of Martha Beck’s book, The Joy Diet. It seems to me that every week I fall behind—and then I remember this is not a race.
I am beginning to accept that I won’t be implementing this diet “by the book” but rather slowly folding it into my preexisting routines. Thinking about The Joy Diet as a practice instead of a requirement has softened me in a way that is hard to describe.
Thank you for showing me that we are all on this journey together. Reading so many blogs on the same topic has helped me realize there is no right or wrong way to practice Joy.
I am living between the sentences in Beck’s narrative and discovering simple moments that were always there, even though I never noticed them before.
Yesterday was rough, but by the end of the day, I was content and happy. With your help, I found my smile. I took myself to Starbucks after work, where I enjoyed the comfort of a purple armchair and the sweet warmth of a pink Raspberry Chai Soy Latte.
The past two weeks of Creativity and Risk have blended together, and all I can say is that I am learning…
to try something different when the patterns of my actions hold me back.
to embrace mental yoga poses that make me feel uncomfortable.
to examine why some goals scare me.
to be ok with being afraid.
to know I am ok.
I am excited to enjoy treats while I continue my practice of nothing, truth, desire, creativity and risk. Thank you again for sharing your journeys, you are all the best teachers in the world.
photo credit: me
I love your collage. It makes me happy just looking at it.
Great post. Yes, it’s not a race! Have a joyful week!
Blending is a fabulous way to look at it! We add elements each week.
Have a lovely week.
I like what you said about folding these principles and changes into your daily routine. For some reason I could see myself folding clothes. Such a mundane daily warm exercise, no sharp edges. Thanks. And i love your vision card!
I too came to this realisation – we don’t have to follow the book exactly to the letter. One size doesn’t fit all. I am learning a bit at a time and dropping the parts that I don’t quite match me. Sharing the journey – that is really something quite special though – you hit the nail on the head there!
Such a great collage! Great learning points!
Awesome post. I love how you summed it all up to bliss. You should have written a book.
Have a great week.
Your collage is beautiful. What great discoveries you have made on your journey. Here’s to you.
What a powerful collage! I love how you put that… living between the sentences… that’s what this week was for me as well… the risk of following my own path… beautiful!
<3 xoxoxo
I love this post because not only were you able to have some great discoveries over the past two weeks, you were also able to cultivate a way to make Joy Diet work for you and your life. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with creativity and risk. I also really love your collage.
I am glad your smile returned yesterday. Sending you some more supportive vibes.
So well said. You aren’t making this book something you are required to do step-by-step, day-by-day…you are blending it into your existing life. I’m doing that too — but I hadn’t put it into words as eloquently as you have!
Great post. Love your vision card.
Thanks for sharing your journey this week. I love the collage, especially the one where the woman getting her feet wet.
What a sweet, uplifting post. Doing anything “by the book” is truly overrated. I say do the diet at your own pace, in your own time. You seem to be stretching, learning, growing — that’s what it’s about. Who cares how long it takes.
I have definitely got to try one of those Pink Raspberry Chai Soy lattes. I’m intrigued!!
It’s true we can be so tough on ourselves, wanting to do things “by the book” — but when we honor ourselves by altering the recipes to suit our tastes we’re not missing out on the nutritional content. It’s all good. I’m inspired by each of our journeys and experiences with the process (never-ending) of coming into ourselves. More and more each day. Joy, joy, joy!
beautifully said. your vision card is beautiful!
delightful and inspiring post
Great vision card!! I love this – “Dare to be extrordinary”
Great reminder that this is a practice of joy not a requirement. I needed that!
Beautiful how you have folded this into your life and are living between the sentences of this book. Lovely idea & images.