With every breath you take, you are taking in a breath of life. You breathe in air, yet it is life you are really breathing in. We are speaking of life, this gift of life. Think of what you are participating in, beloveds. You are participating in the magnificence of life. This is a onetime offer in this lifetime. There is no other offer like it. Avail yourself of life in this lifetime.
 
I have suggested that you not take life so seriously. At the same time, life is not to be taken frivolously either. Life deserves more than a giggle. Life deserves more than a shrug as well. It deserves more than a heavy heart. It deserves more than pretense. It deserves joy.
 
Do not think of life as an undertaking. Think of it as though you are on a cruise ship. Everyone plays his part on a cruise. Even the passengers play their part. The passengers pay for the cruise in money. They present themselves to be entertained. And yet everyone on deck pays for the cruise through their presence and service. Everyone really shares the same role. That role is to enjoy. Whatever your particular responsibilities are, you are on the ship to enjoy. That goes for whether you are the captain, a steward, a stowaway, the one who swabs the deck, the cook, a pirate, the youngest or oldest passenger on the ship, a pickpocket in the brig, a photographer, a dancer or singer in the chorus. Regardless, your main purpose is to enjoy, and to give joy.
 
This is simple enough, isn’t it? Is it so hard? Remember this once in a while. Remember what you are here for.
 
When you find yourself taking life very very seriously, smile then. Let your smile be a signal to return to joy. When you see others not enjoying, give them a smile. Your smile might turn that person’s whole day around, and yours too. Certainly, you will be reflecting Me.
 
Would you not like to be someone who gives joy? This is not quite the same as being a reveler or merrymaker. There is no effort in what I am talking about. I do not ask for a semblance of cheer from you. I ask for the real thing. Let yourself enjoy.

Receive joy. Enjoy.
 
Maybe you want to dance. Maybe you want to look at the moon. Maybe you want to read a book. Maybe you want to talk one on one. Whatever gives you joy, avail yourself of it. You are not performing, beloveds. You are living. You are alive on the ocean of life. Hold a steady course.
 
No matter how high the waves, or what storm may come, hold a steady course. Your rudder is joy. The steady course you set is joy. Allow the joy. Let joy come along with you.
 
I am your mate, beloveds. If you are the captain, I am your mate. If you are the passenger, I am your mate. No matter what appearance you may have, I am your mate. I am your mate for life. I am with you through thick and thin. Be with yourself as well.
 
Be authentic. If you are unhappy, you are not authentic. You are off on a detour. You are trying out the role of tragedian. If you are laughing every minute, you are not authentic either. You may be trying out playing the role of someone who personifies happiness every moment. Play no roles, beloveds. Be joyful. Have joy and give it.