12 Mar Joy in the Dark

Last week, I spent Monday morning at the Oncologist’s office.

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I expected it to be a crappy day filled with angst and uncertainty.

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In moments that seem shrouded in shadows and covered in clouds, I often find they turn out to be some of the best days of my life. Filled with Joy Spots.

Always Unexpected.

There is something about these moments that feels invigorating and enlightening.

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Holding my Love’s hand-joy

Time to talk-joy

The surgeon, appearing in a pair of jeans and a scrub shirt-joy,

He introduced himself simply as Jonathan, and there was joy.

Time to ask all the questions-joy

A surgical oncologist with a sense of humour -joy

Unexpected peace-there was joy.

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I am always surprised when it shows up, like light slipping through a crack in the dark.

Later, over dinner, we had the space to exhale and process all that had happened.

I told my husband, “One of the best things about these hard times is that they remind us of what matters, where joy truly lies.”

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On days like this, I feel like life is a boat, and I want to toss everything over the side that doesn’t feel aligned—wholeheartedly—with the life I want to create.

We talked about what we want to hold onto, what we need to let go of, what no longer serves us, what’s weighing us down, and what we need to toss from our boats so we can move forward in all of this the best way possible. That feels like joy to me: a deep connection to my truth.

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On the weekend, in a workshop, the

facilitator said, talking about laughter, that I must laugh a lot because of my connection to joy (not her exact words). I said, “No, not really. I am the joy in the dark, girl”.

It’s like seeing stars on a cloudy night—just a few, but enough to make you feel more alive. Enough to remind you that something beyond what we can see is holding us in that moment. And knowing that if I don’t honour my truth, there is no joy.

These moments—these quiet, unassuming miracles—when joy arrives to light the way in the dark- fascinate me most. Like a divine whisper that says, I’ve got you, Leona. Keep going. These are the moments I relish. The ones I long for.

My hope is that wherever you find yourself today, this week, in this season of your life, if there’s darkness or cloud cover, you experience a joy spot—a small, radiant reminder that you are held, loved, and cared for in ways far more profound and more potent than anything we can see with the naked eye.

May that joy bring you grace, a touch of mercy, and the hope you need to take the next step forward.

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Lots of Love,

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Leona

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P.S. Could you use some joy this Spring?

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Cocoa Ceremony to create space for self-compassion and new beginnings (with delicious gourmet chocolate)
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Great food, Fun and Laughter
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