Whether you are recovering from heartbreak, grief or coming to terms with a recent disappointment, resolve to preserve your joy in spite of it all. Don't succumb to innate urge to fold up into a ball and withdraw from world. As a single mom, I know this is not an option for me, nor is it for you. Our children, loved ones and friends need us to be strong, resilient and at peace. So, choose to embrace your faith and rely on God to comfort you and bring peace while He restores your emotional equilibrium. Discover fresh interests by trying new things, meeting new people, reading some new books or even trying a new hobby.

Again, choose to be happy, joyful and content at this very moment in your life. Take solace in knowing that your current position doesn’t predict your potential. You’re on your way someplace wonderful! Make your plans, map your goals and continue on your happy, fun- filled course! Choose to be happy, today!

The JJ Jailers are actually thieves. They rob us of wonderful gifts that will never see light of day. They shoplift from souls not brave enough to step out with brilliance. They pilfer talent. They rip off glory.

JJ Jailers put us in drab prison garb. Take away our soul food. Shut us in a tiny cell. Lock us in. And throw away key.

Time for a breakout.

AND TODAY . . .

What have you thought of creating that you have not because you knew JJ Jailer would show up to stop you, to arrest your efforts? Today do not be detained. Begin this thing, whatever it is.

As you take first steps in this creation (and baby steps are just fine), you may be surprised at how today you have a new degree of freedom. That freedom will grow with each step.

Look what happened because Tama, in opening quote above, took step after step after step out of store with her purchase. She has written an amazing book we all can read. She left practice of law, a profession she did not enjoy. More than that, she is now a writer, that of which she dreamed. Of what do you dream?

These kinds of steps bring exhilaration. Will JJ Jailer go away? Probably not completely. But it will not have control. You have control now. Walk, run, then soar in your release!

©Copyright 2002 Stephanie West Allen