I welcome joy as my spiritual companion

From Blessings:

I invite joy to bless my life. I welcome joy to my heart. Asceticism, hardship, grandiosity—these are enemies, not the handmaidens of spiritual growth. Gentleness, opening attention—these are the gardening tools which best encourage growth. In every moment, I can choose between will and willingness, between determination and fructification. As I allow myself to be rendered gently fruitful, I become fluid from moment to moment. The harshness of my experience slips away. Spirituality requires vulnerability and openness. As I still myself rather than “steel” myself, I have ever more clearly the quiet promptings of inner growth. As I follow the lead which joy sets in my life, I am gently, safely, and surely led.