Have you ever had a moment of pure joy that still stands out in your memory, one that wasn't tied to any particularly unusual external circumstances? I find it interesting to look back at the moments of pure joy that stand out in my memory and to reflect upon one of those specific moments, because it wasn't tied to having achieved anything in particular, wasn't tied to another person's actions or words, and wasn't tied to any unusual circumstances in my life at that given moment.
When was it, you ask? Well, it was a number of years ago when I was attending college in Northern California as an undergraduate. The college is located in a town called Angwin, up a winding mountain road above St. Helena, CA. The college is built on top of a long-dormant volcano and it is very beautiful there. One lovely afternoon, there at the school, I was walking down some of the many steps at the school, in front of the music building on campus, going past a lovely fountain, and enjoying the beautiful weather. It was sunny, warm, and a light breeze was blowing. Suddenly, I was filled with the most incredible joy at simply being alive! There was no other reason for the joy and it was such a wonderful few moments in time. That was when I first realized that a person can simply be happy - can simply choose to be happy - no matter any other circumstances in life. It was a profound, beautiful moment in time and one that I still treasure.
Live in joy today, even if you only find it for a moment, and know that you can choose to live in joy rather than fear. It is a much more beautiful place to live.
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