Always on the Sunny Side ?

One of the many blessings of being born in the 1970's to older parents is my love of music spans from polka to metal and everything in between. I can say I've seen Johnny Cash live and received a personal note from Bob Hope after meeting him following one of his shows. There's a particular "oldie but goodie" that's been swirling around in my gray matter for the last few weeks and if you aren't familiar with Keep on the Sunny Side by the Carter Family or you don't have time to listen to the Youtube video embedded in this video, I'll share with you some of the encouraging lyrics:

Well there's a dark and a troubled side of life

There's a bright and a sunny side too

But if you meet with the darkness and strife,

The sunny side we also may view

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,

If we keep on the sunny side of life

Oh, the storm and its fury broke today,

Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear

Clouds and storms will in time pass away

The sun again will shine bright and clear

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,

If we'll keep on the sunny side of life

Let us greet with a song of hope each day

Though the moments be cloudy or fair

Let us trust in our Savior always,

To keep us, every one, in His care

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,

If we'll keep on the sunny side of life

If we'll keep on the sunny side of life

Songwriters: Ada Blenkhorn / Howard Entwisle
Keep on the Sunny Side lyrics © Public Domain

The title of this post is misleading because even the most optimistic of individuals is not able to stay on the "Sunny Side" all the time. As we read about people dying, devastating weather, staggering statistics about joblessness, etc... it's only natural to feel further away from the sun and a bit closer to the darkness. Please note the question mark in today's title. Do you ever feel pressured to be the fixer? Do friends and family expect you to arrive with a smile, a plate of cookies, and a solution for all the world's problems?

If you find yourself in the role described above, in addition to a fabulous chocolate chip cookie recipe which you can find on my blog coincidentally, you'll also need a way to deal with the dark feelings you are undoubtedly hiding from the world. I wish I had the answer for everyone, but this is more of a sharing of ideas and less of a how to/self help post. I stress clean and then once everything is clean, I bake - which is great because then I have the cookies....but sometimes even the baking isn't enough. Something that's really helped me has been journaling. I don't feel comfortable burdening others with my worries, but somehow if I get them down on paper I feel unburdened and ready to toss on a smile while I deliver some cookies.

When is comes to journaling, there is no one who seems to know the ins and outs better than Mari McCarthy at CreateWriteNow and I am blessed to call her a friend. For over 20 years Mari has used the healing power of transformative journaling to improve her health, generate business success, and create the happy and healthy life she wanted to live. Mari is a world-renowned mentor and Int’l award-winning bestselling author.

Her mission in life is to help others achieve her success and reap the same rewards she did as quickly as possible. Mari accomplishes this through one on one journaling sessions, her online self-help courses and her best-selling book, Journaling Power. I've read this amazing book and had Mari on my blog - and I'm excited to announce she has a new book called: Heal Your Self: How Journaling Power Gets and Keeps You Healthy coming in the next few months! I won't get into that right now - but be sure to join our mailing list so you are one of the first to hear about her book blog tour with WOW! (and if you're interested in reading her newest book and reviewing it as part of the tour, email Nicole or myself: nicole@wow-womenonwriting.com or crystal@wow-womenonwriting.com ). Here's the questions I want us to consider for today's discussion:

How has journaling helped you find the "sun"?

What tools do you find helpful in staying upbeat?

If you don't journal - what's holding you back?

We love hearing from readers - so thank you in advance for your comments, 

suggestions, ideas, and participation!

Hugs,

~Crystal

(PS - today instead of telling you about myself - let me share with you who Mari is! - see below)

In 1998, I lost the feeling and function in the right side of my body. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) took them from me. The doctors weren’t really helping, so I began a journey to take control of my health. After doing research, I tried a writing therapy which I call ‘Journaling for the Health of It.’

It wasn’t easy for me. I had to learn to write with my left hand. But I dedicated myself to daily ACTION and began a journaling practice known as Morning Pages. I never could have anticipated how powerful and effective this process would become.


As I continued my writing practice, my MS symptoms improved. But, more important, I discovered, uncovered, and recovered my True Self and even tapped into talents I never knew I had.

Best of all, I have developed a compassionate relationship with myself and an inner serenity. I started CreateWriteNow to share my methods, expertise and passion for Therapeutic Journaling to people across the globe who want to address their challenges in life and thrive.