Choose Joy

If you know my art, you know that I only paint when I’m in a good mood. My form of abstract expressionism should always leave you with a sense of calm, happiness, and whimsy. My works of vibrant Judaica and charming animals should evoke light and fun.

But sometimes, it’s exceptionally challenging to find that source of calm, happiness, whimsy, light, and fun. Encountering sources of harm, pain, spite, humiliation, strife, and hate make it seem close to impossible to find positivity. When this happens, my internal joy meter is so low that it’s perilously close to being expired. And then my paintbrushes are too quiet and my blank canvases stare at me with a sad longing.

So how do I make my paintbrushes speak to me again and my canvases hum with good cheer? I purposefully choose joy.

I choose joy by looking for the little things that give me hope and cheer like a wildflower blooming in a sidewalk crack. A sparkly new nail polish. A compliment on my top from a stranger. My dog smiling after a romp in a park. My mom’s chicken soup and brisket. My dad’s latest stained glass creation. A really good hug. A trip to my happy place where I am pleasantly surprised that the sun turned pink in the photo that I took.

A timely message from a loved one reminding me that the world is better because I’m in it and that my art brings them joy.

And slowly, I start to feel creative again. My paintbrushes get louder and my blank canvases quickly fill with bold celebration. My art has lightness and vibrancy.

My internal joy meter is full and sparkling. I refuse to let it crack or become expired. I will always repair and replenish by choosing joy.