Finding the Joy in June

I hope you’re all staying safe and finding your daily joy, even during these hard times. June is traditionally a month of so many happy milestones! It’s usually filled with proms, graduations, end of school celebrations, weddings, anniversaries and BBQs. It’s been fun to see people finding new and creative ways to enjoy these events… the pride, love, and joy is something that can’t be taken.

I myself have had two anniversaries this month! My husband and I have been married 36 years… yes, that is not a typo! And, it was also the ten year anniversary of The Suburban Monk.

The name The Suburban Monk came to me in meditation. I just loved it. I knew it was going to be a big part of my life… A business? What!? On June 21st, 2010 the paperwork came in the mail. My niece was living with us at the time and I said, “Jessie, look I have a business!!” She said, “Auntie Ellen (yes she called me Auntie)…what is it going to do?” And, I said, “I have no idea!?#%@!”

It didn’t matter that I had no idea because I was so filled with excitement and knew this joy would light the way for me. As Joseph Campbell says, “Follow your bliss,” and that is just what I did. The Corporate Ellen would have never started anything without a plan. But, she was old news … my transformation had begun.

I had to trust in what was. Not easy for a Type A Virgo! But, that uncertainty was exactly what was needed. I would soon learn that the void is where the magic happens. That place where the past is gone and you don’t know what the future holds.

In fact, during that time my tagline was written:

“Create a life that makes sense, feels good and is so much fun to live.”

Fast-forward to today, with so many unknowns in the world, I try to find the hope in the confusion. It’s something that comes naturally to me. It is my medicine. The words of the TSM tagline have taken on a new meaning and are more important now than ever.

“Create a life that makes sense”… Right now, a lot of work needs to be done to get to this place. Limitless possibilities exist when we create together. I have no doubt that we can create a life that makes sense. Yup. No doubt.

“…feels good”… It feels good to live aligned with purpose, taking the actions that truly help. Simple.

“… and is so much fun to live.” Even in the uncertainty, it’s important to find the joy, fun and a dash of magic… always.

Igniting that spark of joy is needed now more than ever. That is where the magic lives for me.

I hope that each of you has found happiness in the milestones that this month has brought. Maybe a graduation, wedding, or a Father’s day celebration didn’t look like what you had expected, but you found the dash of magic in the moment. Our son is getting his Doctorate this month. Of course his graduation was cancelled, but he came home and we will have it on Zoom. Sharing this important achievement with him fills my heart with so much love. Together, we are finding our new normal and celebrating life.

I love you. Syd loves you. We can do today.

Love always,

Ellen & Syd