Where are you, Joy?

Today I received bad news about a project into which I've poured my heart and soul.  My mind began thinking of a million things we should have done differently, and feeling guilty for letting down so many people.  As I contemplated what to do next, I had to close my eyes and breathe deeply.  This calmed my mind, allowing me to think more clearly.  As I reflected on the many ideas ruminating in my mind, one stood out.  We had to abandon our current path, and allow for something completely different.  Why?  Because this path was not working.  It had to be put to rest, to be allowed to fail.  Only then would we be able to rebuild something new, something that would have a chance to succeed.  As I let go of the fear of failing, my mind grew peaceful and my heart was open again, and I could again feel the joy - the joy which had driven me to working so hard to help children get a good education in the first place.  While my mind thought the prior path was the right one, my heart knew the truth, and when I faced that truth, joy was present.  When joy feels elusive, seek truth.