Joy has become just another three letter word. Except for young children and heroes in Hollywood movies, joy is something we often find embarrassing. Joy escapes many of our lives as we struggle with our day-to-day work, obligations, worries, and loneliness. Many times we chase after false joys by overindulging in shopping, eating, sex, or alcohol. Other times we look to others to fill our emptiness. But the reality is that real joy—a feeling of creative spontaneity and elation, is not far away.
The Doorway to Joy is through our Stories
Born to Feel Joy
We were all born to be joyful. We lose joy when we lose touch with our true selves. The true self is the core person inside you that you were born to become in full splendor. Like a rose that buds and then slowly and fully opens, we too are meant to bloom into our full potential. But this is not an easy task! You are in touch with your Self when you sense all is right and safe and your energy is flowing. Most of us have been conditioned from birth to do exactly the opposite and ignore the inner wisdom that sometimes whispers, sometimes screams, telling us what is right and safe for us.
Learning to tap into that wisdom as an adult is a soul adventure. As Dante wrote, we may first have to enter “a dark wood” of sorrow and fear before we can find our way back to the Self. Such a journey starts with relearning how to listen to your body, feelings, and thoughts and bring awareness to what choices you make and why.
I hope to introduce some psychosynthesis techniques to help you think about your own personal journey and perhaps take some steps towards your true self and joy.
Love and Will 
really liking your website and blog, Catherine! So good to see your presence spreading out in the world 🙂 Helen, Southampton, UK
Catherine thank you for creating a space where you can share your thoughts and writing. I truly value you wonderful gifts and wisdom. Love grainne
Great to see this Catherine, lots of love and will that you are bringing into the world!
This is a beautiful thought that has manifested into a wonderful idea, thank You
I can so relate to the inner wisdom that sometimes whispers, scream’s, telling us what is right and safe with us. I have journaled since I was 6 years old. Now I am 62. You are better off listening. Thank you Catherine. Wonderful site!
Thank you Carolyn for your kind words and appreciation.
Just read your “Moving Towards Joy,” and I’m really impressed by your writing. Thank you for what you do to help others. Read your article in Unity for Sep./Oct. issue. 👏🙏
Thank you so much for your appreciation! I love writing for Unity Magazine!
Thank You Catherine, Thank You respondents, and Thank You God.
Thank you Catherine for sharing your vision and understanding.
I loved the article in Daily Word! I have a compost pile that blesses me with growing surprises! God’s volunteers! Thank you ! So pleased I found your website
Dear Linda, Thank you so much for your kind appreciation. Gardening is great for the soul! Many blessings to you.
What a wonderful tomato journey you took us on. I am inspired to read all of your articles. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Spears
Thank you Barbara!
I loved the story of your personal trip to Japan to teach English — knowing only three words in Japanese. Your description of the inner door opening as you went into the garden in Kyoto was inspiring and emotional for me. I read this in Unity Magazine, Sept/Oct 2023 edition. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind appreciation! You made my day! With gratitude, Catherine
Just read your article in The Daily Word about making bread! It was beautiful! My daughter lives in Florida and she just started making sourdough bread! She loves the process and how delicious it is! Joy is one of my favorite words!
Dear Jean,
I’m so glad you liked the article. Homemade bread is such a gift in so many ways. Enjoy! Catherine