Joy In The Midst Of Struggles

Recently, I asked in my stories on Instagram for some help in coming up with ideas for my next blog post. I’m still recovering from Bell’s Palsy and have been having a hard time coming up with things to write about other than what’s currently happening. I don’t want to give this condition too much power over my life, and I felt like voicing my fears about it over and over would be doing just that.

Thank you to all who responded with ideas. Let’s get to it! The topic that I chose from the responses was “The Joy that you still find and share even during struggles.”

My middle name is Joy, so I thought this was a fitting topic. Currently I’m dealing with some various health issues, in addition to Bell’s Palsy and Bipolar Disorder, so it can be difficult to find joy during these times of my health struggles. There are still many things in my life that bring me joy and I love to share or attempt to share joy with others, even when I’m struggling. If I can still be happy, even when faced with adversity, I’m hoping my experiences will help someone else who is having difficulty finding joy.

Here are 3 things which bring me JOY:

1. Support System – My support system includes my immediate family, husband and friends. To be honest, I do not go to my family for everything, but they are always there for me when I need them and vice versa. They have known me the longest and will always be my biggest supporters. My whole family loves to laugh and has provided me with the foundation of what joy truly looks and feels like. They are genuine and kind souls and I’m grateful to have the family that I do.

My husband is my favorite person. He has the best sense of humor, and although it can be dark humor at times, I just get it! I always wanted a partner who could make me ugly laugh and he has checked that box thousands of times. HAHA!

My friends are invaluable. If I ever need someone to confide in, it’s not always best to go to my spouse or family, so this is when I call or see a friend. I get sound advice with no sugar coating from my friends. They’ll even call me on my BS, which is not always what I want to hear. They share with me honestly. I have had some of the best times of my life with my friends and many moments of Joy that I will always cherish.

2. My Fur Babies. Yes, my animals! I do not have children, which is a whole other topic. Many people would include their children in a conversation about Joy and my children are my animals. I have 3 dogs, Rocky, Creed and Dutch, who are named after movie characters. Rocky and Creed from the Rocky movies (which also bring me joy) and Dutch from Predator. Raja is our cat, also named after a movie – Aladdin. Animals seem to know when you need to be consoled. They even comfort you when you cry. Seeing how free they are to play and enjoy each other’s company makes me happy. They love unconditionally and that is the best kind of love. I highly suggest getting an animal if you are in a position to do so or are a pet friendly person.

3. I’m adding this last, but it’s really my #1 thing that brings me Joy. It’s myself, Kimberly Joy Barnett! I haven’t always been able to say that I bring myself Joy, so to me this is a huge deal and major accomplishment. I’ve always been a happy person, both inside and outwardly, however I have not always loved myself fully. Within the last couple of years, through a lot of self development, I can now fully say that I love all of me, especially the parts of me that aren’t perfect. I’m imperfectly perfect and that’s ok. The parts of me that still need development can be worked on. I love me as I am now and that brings me Joy.

I appreciate all of you who took the time to suggest a topic and/or read this. I hope this helps you to reflect on what brings you Joy.

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