Shonda Rhimes had her "Year of Yes". I think that I might need the opposite. Today, I'm #ChasingJoy by starting my season of no. No to all the shoulds of life, and yes to more of what truly brings me joy. 

Being an empath during these uncertain times is no joke. Today, I'm #ChasingJoy by channeling Rumi and meeting each emotion at the door smiling - even when they bring in a crowd of sorrows. 

When my job announced that we were working from home for the next year, my first reaction was relief. Goodbye, endless commute! Hello, on-going work in pajama bottoms and a nice work top. And then, the sadness crept in. Can I keep doing this for another year? I have to find a way to infuse some variety, some spice - some joy back into my life if this is going to be our normal for the foreseeable future. 

How do you find joy when every day feels like a Wednesday? 

We lost two giants of the Civil Rights Movement this week - Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis. These men fought for us to live rich, full lives - lives of our choosing. I will honor their sacrifice and their legacy by living a life of joy....and using my right to vote. 

I've been thinking a lot about love lately. Not just because it's Pride month and Love is Love - full stop. But because it's more important than ever to lead with love in this moment. Not in a turn the other cheek type of love (although there is a time and place for that), but in terms of loving ourselves enough to speak up, to refuse to be gaslit, and to walk away when love is no longer being served. 

The movement for racial justice is a marathon - not a sprint. So in addition to making time for self-care, we have to deliberately celebrate our victories - both big and small.

In times of sustained trauma and collective anxiety, it is more important than ever to guard your heart - both physically and energetically. Danielle LaPorte has been a guide for me on my journey to heart-centered living. You can check her out at DanielleLaPorte.com and all the social media spots. She's the truth. 

This week, I'm #ChasingJoy by reclaiming joy as my birthright. Yes, we are built for fight; and we are equal parts joy.