Today is a special day for this Princess Smiling Sun! (Or maybe it was Princess Laughs A Lot) I’m not exactly sure, but whichever it was, it was a great representation of who she is. My sister Heather brings a bright light of joy wherever she goes. It doesn’t matter if we’re scrubbing toilets, loading a U-haul or throwing a bridal shower, Heather shows up and brings her laughter and optimism along with her.
She’s always lived up to her name: Heather Joy.
Of course, when we were younger, she was my “little sister” and a was a bossy mean big sister. I hate it to this day. I literally feel so much shame about all the missed opportunities I had to love on her and lead her as a big sister should. How I wish I could go back and be kind to her as a kid. But instead, as much as I love and admire her, I sometimes catch myself playing that role of bossy big sister still today! (It’s astounding to me how strong those family ties to our learned behavior can be.) Even this last week, I had to apologize for my bossy behavior while we were setting up for Ashlyn’s bridal shower. It just goes to prove that she obviously turned out just fine despite my meanness.
In fact, SHE shows up as the most beautiful, fierce advocate for others, just like a big sister should.
She sees the good in people. She sees beyond their current circumstances and believes in who they can become. I’ve watched this Smiling Sun become a beacon of light to her entire team of Plexus leaders. At Plexus, she is a Sapphire Ambassador, which is the second highest rank in the company! When she left the career she loved as a school teacher, to join this “little” company selling health and wellness products, I thought she was just dreaming. I remember the day she told me she wanted to go for it and I told her I didn’t think it was a good idea. For once, I really thought I was being a caring big sister.
Wow, am I ever glad she didn’t listen to me!
I’ve watched as she has taken this journey that has completely transformed her life, and the lives of those around her. She’s become such a confident leader who radiates light, wisdom, love, and hope to everyone she meets. She’s a strong mother, championing her three beautiful kids, all with distinctly different needs. She’s an engaged wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, leader, and friend. She shows up for her people when other people are looking away. I tend to think that as the fourth born daughter, some of it has to do with the fact that she knows what it feels like to be overlooked.
Heather has chosen to show up with joy, no matter what circumstances life sends her way.
That’s the message of this week for me, as we prepare for the True Colors Birthday Bingo Bash tomorrow night, and my beautiful niece Ashlyn’s wedding on Friday. But it’s the message of Heather’s life, always. She finds the good. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, she focuses her light on brightening all the colors!
So today, will you join me in celebrating her (39th!) birthday by choosing to show up with joy?
Look at your circumstances and find the color – it’s there if you insist on finding it, I promise. Look at the people in your life and find the good. Look at your to-do with and be thankful for the people you get a chance to serve.
Insist on gratitude and joy today.
Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done.
But it’s a choice you won’t regret.
Show up with Joy today.
to more love,
Crystal
p.s. It’s not too late to show up with joy tomorrow night! Tickets are still available for the True Colors Birthday Bingo Bash! Grab some friends who bring you joy and get your tickets today!
