Hope
DeVall: Choose Joy
Hope radiates love, beauty and acceptance. She and her husband John
create a space with their massage school where all are welcomed. Students come
from far and wide to attend their school. I met one student who came from a
small mountain town, which I could understand, since her town was too small to
have its own massage school.
More recently, though, I met a student from a much larger city who
moved to Asheville specifically to attend the school. Surely, she had options
closer to home. “Why did you choose the WNC School of Massage?” I asked. She
replied, “I knew when I visited that it was the right place for me.” Like Hope,
this student had an intuitive touch. Intuitive means using what one feels to be
true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive. Touch is to
come into contact with and perceive (something).
When the student evaluation form asked, “Did the student do what was
asked with her massage?” I answered, “No, better.” She felt her way around my
body, reminding me of tender spots I had forgotten to tell her about. A tender
spot, by the way, refers to one’s vulnerability.
I used to believe the difference between tragedy and comedy was the
benefit of time. Hope changed my mind about that. For example, I ran into her
at our local food co-op. She was laughing. She told me she had run out of gas. It
was funny to Hope, so it became funny to me. Funnier still, I learned it wasn’t
the first time she’d done it.
Thanks to Hope, I understand that the real difference between tragedy
and comedy is your mindset. Hope chooses joy. Always.
I recently cut my finger while washing a knife. I immediately told
myself how stupid I was. After I realized the cut wasn’t severe, I calmed down
and asked myself, “WWHD? What would Hope do?” I want to be like Hope. I want to
be able to love myself, warts and all. I too can choose joy. Thank you, Hope.
Behind this good writer is a great editor; Mark Bloom. Learn more about Mark's talents at
Choose Joy- Buskin and Batteau
CHOOSE JOY
WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING
YOU ALWAYS GET A CHOICE
TO GET UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE OR THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED
YOU GET TO PICK YOUR MOVIE
TO REGRET OR TO REJOICE
YOUR SELECTION'S A PROJECTION OF THE STORY IN YOUR HEAD
LIKE MY UNCLE USED TO SAY
CHOOSE JOY
HE LIVED HIS LIFE THAT WAY
CHOOSE JOY
PUT YOUR HEART IN EVERYTHING
AND NEVER MISS A CHANCE TO SING
YO CANTO POR LO TANTO SOY (I sing, therefore I am)
CHOOSE JOY CHOOSE JOY CHOOSE JOY CHOOSE JOY
No comments:
Post a Comment