I woke up yesterday and I just wanted to do my podcast. So, that’s what I focused on.

I’ve been doing this live-streaming show on Thursday nights at 6pm PST and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was fun, exciting, and hopeful…

Every day that passes I realize how easy it is to get sucked into other people’s dreams, wants and drama. This past week, I easily put up boundaries and cut people off (four people to be exact, just this week) and I just said, “NO”. 

I work my “regular” job, and then, I’m developing these spaces so I can be my creative self, and fuel my soul with stuff that actually matters to me and brings me JOY.  And here comes drama…unnecessary drama.

I’d forgotten that sometimes when you’re happy – when you’re busy creating –  when you’re in that space of joy, obstacles will come along and attempt to make you lose your focus. And it’s your choice to stop and take that call, stop and fight that fight or bulldoze ahead in what you’re supposed to be doing and ignore the noise.

I’m so proud of myself for ignoring the noise.

What’s amazing though, was yesterday, I got two calls from men I love. Both supportive and uplifting.  Just calling to say, “I love you, Carm.” Alden, my brother from another mother, back from skiing in Norway and one of my favorite people to talk to – our conversations are deep and thorough, and some times not. We can be super silly and just laugh about nothing…yesterday was a super funny silly call… he’s one of the dearest and most lovely people I know. 

And of course, then there’s Billy. The brother, the friend, the instructor, called soon after just to “check in”, to let me know how much he loved the name of my show, All About The Joy. And Billy is one of those people, who makes me laugh to my belly. He’s always supportive of me…my favorite thing about our relationship is he’s the truthteller in my life. He will be cruel if he needs to be, but there is NOT one lie ever told to me by that man.

I mean, that’s family. That’s real love. I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky to have such amazing souls in my life, but I’m so grateful!   

I think along with surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and support you, there’s gotta be as much attention placed on dismissing people who strip you of your purpose, of your joy. Walk away and stay away from toxic people with toxic tendencies. And be aware of this simple truth: when you’re shining, people and circumstances will come around to try and dim your light. Shine anyways…gurl, shine anyway…

Have a beautiful, sweet day everyone. Till next time.  

Carmen