Ka Puana–The Refrain: Joy
Excerpt used with permission of the Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region.
By Jacqueline McBride Koscil
There are many wonderful ideas that I believe in, but choosing joy in all circumstances tops the list. Some people may think of joy as a superficial and short-lived state of euphoria. My idea of joy is a state of being content that comes from deep within the essence of who I am, no matter what the prevailing circumstances are in my life.
“Choose joy.” I’ve used this phrase often to advise myself and others in difficult situations. I have found that to decide on responding in a joy-filled manner will bring positive energy to an otherwise ugly environment. To help me remember my own advice, I have written the word joy in large bold letters on a magnetic board, and have placed it on the door of the refrigerator in my kitchen. It is a daily encouragement and reminder of my belief.
Joy can be a sustainable state of being when individuals repeatedly are mindful to let go of criticisms or complaints and instead adopt a more optimistic outlook in every challenge. By reacting with uplifting thoughts and actions to a problem, joy becomes the inevitable result.
Joy is multifaceted, as a rock crystal
Joy is a soothing word, an act of kindness
Joy is a loving smile, and laughing eyes
Joy is contentment, exuding confidence
Joy is a peaceful soul, resting in gratitude
Joy is a bubbling spirit, sparkling with life
Joy is friendship, shared abundantly
Joy is listening, filled with patience
Joy is understanding, present in the now
Joy is lighthearted, detached from grief
Joy is taking time, to be true to self
Jacqueline McBride Koscil, now in her 60s, grew up in an Irish Catholic family in southern Connecticut. Throughout her life she has pursued art and design as a hobby. Married after graduation from nursing school and working in her chosen field, she and her husband raised three children. Jacqueline is now retired and enjoying the endless summer environment as a resident of Waikoloa.
This We Believe can be found at Ackerman Galleries in Kapa‘au, Basically Books in Hilo, Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, Harbor Gallery in Kawaihae, Hawai‘i’s Gift Baskets at the King’s Shops, Kona Bay Books, Kona Stories in Keauhou, Makana O Hawai‘i at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, The Gallery at Bamboo in Hawi, Waikoloa Golf Pro Shop, Waikoloa Mailbox, and the Waikoloa Village Association office.
Contact Friends of the Library–Waikoloa Region: library.waikoloacommunity.org
