Thoughts on Desire: The Joy Diet – Week Four

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
(Anatole France)

It's Week Four of The Next Chapter: The Joy Diet book club and this week we are discovering Desire.

If you have read my previous Joy Diet posts, you know where I am—Nothing was a flop and I failed at Truth. I was unsure about this week's topic because the word desire makes me think of passionate love and illicit affairs—not personal growth.

Thankfully, last night I gave myself the opportunity to relax. I took a book bath, practiced yoga and found Nothing. Here is an excerpt from my journal entry about Truth:

1. What hurts? My ego

2. What is the painful story I'm telling? I want to do so much, but I don't have the dedication to complete anything.

3. Can I be sure my painful story is true? Not really

4. Is my painful story working? Definitely not

5. Can I think of another story that might work better? I don't have to do so much, but I want the dedication to complete anything.

These thoughts are heavy, but I am sharing them because they play into this week's chapter. Maybe I bite off more than I can chew and jump into many different things to avoid exploring what I really want.

Martha Beck's recommendation to sit with our desires struck a chord. I often get caught up in my next great idea—the next achievement that will make me whole. The practice of letting my desires simmer while asking the question, "and then what?" appeals to me.

I truly appreciate those of you who have taken the time to comment on my thoughts. Your kind words and support have helped me realize this journey is not one I will complete in a series of neatly composed blog posts—instead, it will develop and grow as I take tiny steps forward.

Creativity is our next adventure and I could not be more excited!

photo credit: jurek d