Good Medicine - A Joyful Heart
I choose joy
I'll never let the problems keep me down
Cause the Lord is working all things out
For my good
I choose joy
To tell the truth, this world is full of trouble
And if we live long enough it's sure to come our way
We've a choice to walk in fear and trembling
Or claim the victory that's already ours this very day
So when I find myself under a load
Of circumstance and care
God wants to know
What I'm doing under there
These are some of the words of a song by gospel singer Larnelle Harris. They resonate deeply with me. I have the same resolve. It does not come naturally, I can tell you, but it makes sense.
Why?
Medicine? Hmmmmmm. Could it be? I did a little research so here goes. On a scientific level, joy affects our brain, circulatory system, and our autonomic nervous system.
We feel joy in our neurotransmitters, which are tiny chemical “messenger” cells that transmit signals between neurons (nerves) and other bodily cells. Those neurotransmitters are responsible for processes and feelings in almost every aspect of the body, from blood flow to digestion.
We feel joy in our bodies because of the release of dopamine and serotonin, two types of neurotransmitters in the brain. Both of these chemicals are heavily associated with happiness. So, when something we perceive as happy happens, our brain receives the signal to release these chemicals into our central nervous system (which consists of our brain and spinal cord). This then causes reactions in other bodily systems.
Our circulatory system consists of our heart, veins, blood vessels, blood, and lymph. When we feel especially happy, our faces may become flush or our hearts race for example.
Our autonomic nervous system is the bodily system responsible for all the things our body does without conscious effort from us — like breathing, digestion, and dilation of the pupil. It is also affected by feelings of joy and elation. For example, our breathing can pick up when we are doing something particularly fun, like riding a roller coaster, or slow down during more relaxing pleasurable activity, like walking on the beach.
“Smiling can trick our brain by elevating our mood, lowering our heart rate, and reducing our stress. The smile doesn’t have to be based on real emotion because faking it works as well.” This, according to Diana Samuel, MD, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center.
“Exercise can help ease depression and anxiety by releasing feel good endorphins and other natural brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that enhance our sense of well-being. It can also take our minds off worries and negative thoughts that may feed depression and anxiety.” — Dr. Samuel
Any type of emotional arousal can also affect our involuntary muscles located in the walls of our organs (like our stomach, intestines, and bladder) which are responsible for things like blood flow and the movement of food through our digestive tract — so that could be a reason why our appetite revs up or slows down when we are feeling positive emotions.
If one is feeling down, simple activities like going for a walk in nature, petting a dog or cat, kissing a loved one, and yes, even forcing yourself to smile, can help the neurotransmitters do their job and lift the mood.
I hear so many of us framing our reality by the constraints and losses imposed on the world by the coronavirus (among other external factors outside our control). It exists. It results in sickness, misery, death, and pain. It is real.
Neither the coronavirus nor cancer nor any other malady, however, determines your joy. Nothing and no one but YOU, has that power.
When at 14 my daughter became afflicted by a mysterious and debilitating illness, we were devastated. When for months, then years later there were countless recurrences, and when despite a myriad of medications and treatment, there was no permanent solution, we were disappointed and heartbroken. Today, now that we are freed from recurring bouts of that illness, we are relieved, fully surrendered to God’s will, and full of joy.
What kept me and bore me up through these and the countless other trials that are 'part and parcel' of life? My faith in the God who gave her life and the truth found in His Word, the bible.
Just a few of the verses that comforted and still comfort me today include David's reminder in Psalm 30:5 that "weeping may enjoy for a night, but JOY comes in the morning." Furthermore, the words of JESUS when he told his disciples, in John 16:33 that "in this world you WILL have trouble, but be encouraged because I have overcome the world". Finally, Psalm 46:1 - "God is our safe place and strength, a very present help in trouble".
Because of God's truth, I could choose to be grateful and joyful, and like Paul and Silas in the darkest of midnights, deep in the Roman prison, I could worship God in spite of the current reality. I was grateful for the times she was NOT sick, and my many, many, many blessings, and I chose to keep my joy.
When her friends and their parents would reach out to us to enquire after her and give us words of encouragement, I was touched and so grateful, and full of joy.
When her friends would ensure she got her notes and homework assignments, I was grateful and full of joy.
When her teachers made special arrangements for her to catch up after missing weeks of school, and for exams, I was grateful and full of joy.
When she graduated from high school with all her subjects including distinctions and my father was able to visit from Trinidad to attend her graduation, I was ever so grateful and overjoyed!!!
When she graduated from university I was grateful and overjoyed.
When she got a lucrative job with a reputable company, once again, I was grateful and full of joy.
Finally (for now), when I look at the poised, graceful, confident, and independent woman that she is today, I am truly grateful and overflowing with joy.
The journey continues. Life continues to happen, as it does, but the ‘joy-givers’ are too many to ever be able to tell them all. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in God and He has been faithful. Although it may not FEEL that way when we are going through our pain, as Larnelle sang in His song, as I have experienced first hand, and as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 - “... we know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the GOOD of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Not all stories will have the same ‘happy’ ending (or rather middle - because we are far from the end of our story). There is, however, always something to be joyful for. Consider the story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie who were imprisoned in a German prison camp. They, along with their barrack-mates were able to hold bible studies, worship, and encourage each other unhindered because the soldiers avoided their barrack. Why? Their barrack was flea-infested. While this meant terrible and incessant itching for the prisoners in those barracks, it also meant that they had freedom from harassment from the soldiers which was of immensely greater value to them.
As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”
So this weekend, as your reset, choose joy. It is good medicine.
Your weekend Reset tip:
Do something that makes you smile this weekend and every day, or even better, something that makes you laugh. What is it for you? Taking in a sunrise or sunset? Eating a nice ripe fruit - like a mango? A comedy show or movie? Lyming and playing games with your family or friends? Getting a massage? The options are limitless. Write a list of all the things that make you smile, pick at least 1 each day and just do it!!!
My sisters, if you want to recharge and reset your life, become the best you, and live your best life from here on, check out my 90-Day Recharge and Reset Online course which starts January 29. Not only will you get a clear vision for your future, set goals, and make plans, but you will also be provided with tools and resources to help you take the necessary action to achieve them and more!!!
Learn here how the Recharge and Reset course could be just right for you. The time for you is now! Smile all the way into the rest of your life with this life-changing course. Register here .
Sharon Carruthers, the author of the ‘Weekend Reset’ blog is a child of God, wife, mother of 3, a Human Resource Management and Development Consultant, and owner of the firm, ‘Bold Consulting’. She is sharing from her own experiences for women who are holding back, or living on autopilot; who believe their identities are in others and, or in what they do; or who neglect themselves while sacrificially taking care of others. She hopes that together Christian women can embrace the future with the beautiful hope of transformation one step at a time.