Let Joy In

Something Warm: Last Week 6/30

Hello, Bienvenidos, & Welcome Back to Cuídate, a space devoted to the art of slow, intentional living where stories pave the way for joy, mindfulness, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

I’m Josefina, the writer behind this platform. My heartfelt wish is that my words become honey to your soul, bringing sweetness and healing to your bones (Proverbs 16:24).

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Trigger warning: Miscarriage and Loss

These babies are not going to make it.
When you start bleeding, call your obgyn and let her know.

I waddled my way out the front office, settled in the car,
dialed my husband's number, while tears streamed down my face.

I cannot lose them. I sobbed.
We’ve made it this far.

I was twenty weeks pregnant with my miracle twins at that time.

That high-risk doctor had no idea of the struggles I faced.
She didn't know that ever since those double lines appeared on my pregnancy test,
I couldn't keep anything down and shed over 25 pounds.
She wasn't aware that I had been on bed rest for the past few weeks.
She didn't know about the two babies I lost before conceiving my miracle twins.

When I called my husband that day, I poured out my fears through sobs.
But I also let go of the belief that joy was out of my reach.

After years of infertility and heartache, I had convinced myself that joy wasn't meant for me. I believed my life was a constant tragedy, destined for hardship.
Suffering had become my identity, a comfortable place to dwell.

After I felt the weight of my emotions, spoke with my husband, and shared an honest prayer with God I made a commitment to myself, to enjoy every part of my journey despite the outcome.

I decided to welcome joy on the toughest days—when my appointments brought bad news, when my cynicism overshadowed hope.

These days, as I witness my boys brimming with love, I ponder a question that has puzzled me since becoming a mother: Are you letting joy in?

It's tempting to let life's challenges, busyness, and sorrows cloud our joy. It's easier to seek solace in our pain and suffering. But what if, just for a moment, we chose differently?

Instead of letting life suck the life out of you, why don’t we infuse our hearts with joy? Why don’t we choose to believe that joy exists even in the darkest of days and hardest of times?

As I watch my children find joy in the simple things I am challenged to not only find joy but embrace it.

I am no longer allowing fear, guilt, shame, and limiting beliefs keep me from welcoming the joy that is before me.

I am believing that,
Joy is not limited.
Joy is not exclusive.
Joy is not restricted.

It’s available.
It’s unlimited.
And it is at our fingertips.

May we bask in the joy before us and embrace that it belongs to us.

mindful minute: a time to reflect and respond

Let’s take a moment to breathe deep and exhale together.
Inhale through the nose for five seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds
and exhale for eight seconds.

Listen: A song that has been on repeat lately.
Lizzie Berchie - I Hope

Reflect: Journal Prompts (Feel free to share in Comments)

- What is one thing that brought you joy as a child?
- How can you embrace joy this new month?

Remember:

Instead of letting life suck the life out of you, why don’t we infuse our hearts with joy? Why don’t we choose to believe that joy exists even in the darkest of days and hardest of times?

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or in case you’re looking for some more reads

Stop Being Mean To Yourself
You Can’t Pray Your Way Out Of It
A Season of Yes
When You’re Just Not Feeling It
Something Warm:: Last Week 4/14
Let Yourself Fall
I Quit