I Am in Control of My Joy

*I own the rights to all images in this post*

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The weight of the world on your shoulders can feel overwhelmingly unbearable at times, whether you’re an adult or a child, single or married, or a parental figure or not.

With all that’s going on in our society and in our personal lives, I realize the high value in taking the time to pause and look around at all the beauty that surrounds us on the daily. Not only do objects in nature make for nice aesthetics and scenery, but I believe they have deeper significances than what we see on the surface level.

Where I live in California, Palm Trees cover much of the land. Each time I gaze upon their tall trunks and crowns of green leaves, immense joy overcomes my physical and spiritual beings, as I am reminded of the 6 long years it took for my family to get here. Furthermore, I acknowledge that although others may be accustomed to these towering trees, they are a symbol of God fulfilling his promises for my family and the favor and mercy he’s blanketed over our lives. These trees and their branches, representing victory, serenity, and longevity, are mentioned throughout the Bible in verses, such as the following:

Psalm 92:12-15

12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,

they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13 planted in the house of the Lord,

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They will still bear fruit in old age,

they will stay fresh and green,

15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;

he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

John 12:13

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

I wanted to gently remind you that if you are not where you desire to be in life, in terms of success or any other merit you choose to measure your happiness, that means God has brighter days ahead. Look to your surroundings and reclaim your joy by reciting the poem, below, that I’ve written as a form of self-affirmation.

I Am in Control of My Joy

Nothing can steal my joy.

No one can steal my joy.

Nothing can steal my joy.

No one can steal my joy.

The sun is shining on my face.

I’m living in a beautiful place.

Nothing can steal my joy.

No one can steal my joy.

All the wonder I envision in my head

Comes into play in the days ahead.

Nothing can steal my joy.

No one can steal my joy.

I am in control of my joy.

Utilize this as a chant and repeat it again and again, as if it is already your reality, until it truly becomes your reality. This is exactly what I do and will continue to do throughout my journey here on this Earth.

Do you utilize any other forms of self-affirmation or faith-based tools to get you through each day? If so, please share them in the comments along with any of your favorite optimistic and inspirational writings, poems, and passages.