Every great love story is the same.
It has a beginning, a middle and an end. There is a main character, a struggle and finally the point where the heroine overcomes her obstacles and lives happily ever after with the person of her dreams.

Reflections of Joy is that story…

It’s the tale of a woman who feels ugly and disappointed, cheated almost, because the tricks of youth no longer work when she tries to lose weight. She puts on a show, working to hide her shame and goes out of her way to do things to make others love her despite her failures. She tries to “find herself”, wasting time and money in pursuit of purpose… and happiness.
The main character is me.
The struggle is often me as well... Pushing myself in ways I would never push another. Higher expectations for the coach, right? Starving… pushing… earning every bite. All of the tricks I asked you to quit.
Overcoming has evolved over time, watching many friends and family overcome unhealthy habits and fears as they move through life. Overcoming has meant realizing I am the person of my dreams. No one can fix me or push me to be all I was meant to be. No one else can make me happy.

The book originally presented itself to me as an idea that became Mirror, Mirror. Once I started writing the book the title became too closed and too alone for my heroine. She spiraled out of control as she gazed in the mirror every day… hating her image and discounting the good she would see. Mirror, Mirror would have let her continue to fixate on all that was wrong- slipping into a lonely place.
But, her journey began to turn around as she found a place for Love in her life. The giving and the receiving that accompany personal writing, long talks over coffee, the brief clasp of another’s hand during worship, or a private message from a long lost friend.
The manuscript became Reflections of Love for a short time, but that wasn’t right either. Self- love is important but real love is a manifestation of something more elusive- it’s not just what I feel when you give me a hug, or when I make a vow. It’s not found at a spa or on a well-deserved girls night out.
Real love comes with deep seated happiness and fulfillment… a place filled with great joy. It’s found in small victories and the accomplishments of others. It’s in surprise moments that take your breath away. It is the realization that you are wonderful… created perfect in every way and continually viewed as such every day in the eyes of the One and the ones who love you most.
I was, and continue to be, inspired by so many strong and beautiful women ~ Reflections of Joy may be my story but it wouldn’t be complete without many of their stories too. Several people are responsible for the final artists rendering of me… they aren’t responsible for who I have become, but I couldn’t have reached this place without them.
I’ll introduce you to many of them in my book, but until it’s released, I’d encourage you to start looking in the mirror and allowing the woman who looks back at you fill your heart with joy.
And on the days when nothing in your reflection shouts out to you, find joy in someone else or in nature.

I added a new page to my website today. It is simply titled Joy. I’ll do my best to share photos and videos of things (and myself) that bring me great happiness to inspire you to look a little deeper in your own life.

Be Happy
xoxo