Seek Joy!

These are uncertain times. There is a lot of fear and unease circulating through our communities right now. Life as we know it has been turned upside down. We don’t know how long this is going to last, whether it is going to get better, or whether it is going to get worse first. It can be very easy to get caught up in the hysteria with all of the news media, social media, and our conversations talking about the coronavirus. I have caught myself starting to get my anxiety amped up as I scroll on my phone or talk with others. With this gray cloud of fear hanging over us, I urge you to more than ever seek joy in your life.

Seek gratitude. Seek the things that bring a smile to your face. Seek out the things that ground you. Hold on these literal and figurative anchors. Focus on the little things, focus on the big things.

Today, I watched the sunrise come up over the mountains and light up our valley with golden light. It was a beautiful sight to see and I was filled with such gratitude for this life. The birds outside of our apartment have been singing their hearts out, signaling that spring has arrived. 
There have been news stories here Missoula sharing how small businesses, especially the restaurants, are able to stay open thanks to support from the community. Donations have been made to make sure that those experiencing food scarcity are able to get food.

This situation has brought out the best in humanity. Neighbors are taking care of each other, our world is becoming a cleaner place, heartwarming stories have been shared of families staying connected with their loved ones who are in quarantine, small businesses are being taken care of by their communities - there are so many good reasons to remain joyful during this time!

Life can be a dichotomy of good and bad, of dark and light, of joy and despair. We can’t have one without the other, so I urge you during this time of despair, intentionally find the joyful things in life.

Seek joy. BE joy.

Peace, Love, and Wellness
Dr. Morgan