Inspired by the experience of a Winter Wellness Forum attendee.  Thanks to the people who contributed thoughts to this Wellness Moment.

"You can't do it!" they screamed. It didn't matter what "It" was - run track, play softball, finish a college class, succeed at anything - their message was always the same.  "You can't do it!"

Over time, she came to believe the screamers.  She believed that she was not capable of doing hard things.  At times, she even joined in their chorus and screamed at herself, "YOU CAN'T DO IT!" 

Eventually, all of her hope, confidence and courage became enveloped in fear. As a web of fear closed in around her, she no longer heard the inner voice that had at one time whispered joy to her heart.  All she could hear was the screamers.

She never thought to ask why they were screaming.  Perhaps the screamers were miserable and what they say is true - that misery really does love company!  Perhaps they were lazy and just wanted everyone to be lazy with them.  Perhaps they were afraid that if anyone succeeded, they would look bad.  Whatever the reason, they were screamers and they did nothing else but point, mock, and scream. 

One day, a rescuer came to save her from the screamers.  The rescuer gave her the gift of hope and invited her on a journey of joy.  The screamers hate hope because it cancels out the despair created by their screaming. 

The gift of hope was soon magnified by helpers who provided love and support.  When she became tired on her journey and needed support, the rescuer held her and the helpers sang a beautiful song that silenced the screamers. 

Accompanied by her rescuer and supported by her helpers, she kept moving up and up and up.  And then the moment came that she reached the summit of her journey. 

From the summit, she gained instant perspective.  And in an rush she knew so many things all at once!  She knew that the screamers had been wrong all along!  She knew that she COULD do hard things!  She knew she COULD do anything! 

As the despair fled out of her heart and joy rushed in, she was overcome.  She wept tears of joy.  Her helpers all wept with her because that is what helpers do.  And her rescuer thought to herself, "How many other gifts are out there waiting to be discovered?"

Join the journey of joy!