This was a phrase that came to me today. You might say it’s been a slow process getting here. Four years ago, I received a wonderful birthday card that said, “May this be the benchmark birthday that brings you the certainty of the loving power of your own Presence – you are a light that brings joyful life to all who open to you – you are a true gift. I feel honored to be your friend.” (Thank you Dawn).

That was 50. It would have been so tidy to have that be the launch. But I’ve managed to dawdle and delay. For the past several months I have been working on re-branding. I’ve spent too much money a few times on marketing that didn’t produce much. When I met my current ‘marketing guy’ and he said, “I want to hear what’s in your heart,” I felt this would be a different process. It has been and my soon to be new website will lead with “Adventures in Joy with Dr. Billy Strean.” (Thank you David)

As I have been working to chart my course forward, I have had some angels. Today I gained clarity and validation. (Thank you Karen and Linda). With or without certainty, it is time to move forward and toward a big game that will eventually be some version of Billy’s North American Dance Party of Joy tour.  It is all about sharing my gifts and stepping fully into service and contribution. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures” (Thank you Thorton Wilder). I feel the challenge is to stay open to that awareness and continually be reminded that my playing small does not serve the world; that there’s nothing enlightened about shrinking; we are all meant to shine; and as I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same; and as I am liberated from you my own fear, my presence automatically liberates others (Thank you Marianne Williamson).

On the path working up to the full expression I have a book to launch (“Pillars of Joy” is soon to be released), some morning videos to start sharing (laughter, energizers, inspiration, mindfulness and more), and bringing more of myself to everything I do.

Last night I watched a piece about Pope Francis. I was so taken with how he concluded with the importance of smiling and sense of humour. This reminded me of these words, “The way to God is grace-full. Grace has humor too, making things lighter, so we don’t take them so seriously. You’re aware of the spiritual meaning and perspective on your life, but it’s a light touch; it’s not heavy. Grace makes it lighthearted, the heart full of light” (Thank you Ram Dass).

I was told this is my Work (with a capital W) and I declare I’m embracing it.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. You can do that only if you have curiosity, an unquenchable spirit of adventure… As I look back, I think probably the factor which influenced me most in my early years was an avid desire, even before I was aware of what I was doing, to experience all I could as deeply as I could…” (Thank you Eleanor Roosevelt, sounds like being a healer who assists others to step into this journey fully is a plan)