The pathways through our life…there are many.
Choices.
What will it be? Today. What are you choosing? Do you feel that joy in your heart?
“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” ~ Mother Teresa
I’d like to introduce a very special friend today. Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord!
I’ve known Megan for about a year, and in that time I’ve witnessed her open her heart up to what is right and good in her life. Through all of this, what Megan has given me is a deeper appreciation for life and love and heart-connections.
What does all of this really mean, though?
Please join me, as Megan and I sit down for a conversation on life…
1. When I think of you, I am drawn to the “JoyGirl!” moniker. Explain that to us, how it came about, and what it really means to you.
First of all, “moniker” is such an awesome word. (smile)
The nickname “JoyGirl!” came about through my friend, Steve. He started calling me that from the first day we met. I rather liked it and decided to make it stick. To me, it’s aspirational, descriptive of who I am at my core, and better yet, it’s memorable! I mean, who walks around calling themselves JoyGirl?!! It’s FUN!
As for what it means, in my mind joygirls:
- Laugh a lot.
- Draw chalk messages on their friends’ driveways as birthday surprises.
- Fly across the country to spend a long weekend with soul sisters they met online.
- Smile easily; compliment people; encourage others; live from their heart; want the best for the world; feel at peace most of the time… The list goes on.
- Ultimately joygirls just want to have fun (thank you, Cyndi Lauper!).
Lance’s Commentary: Aspirational! Now, there’s an awesome word!! And those sidewalk chalk creations…Megan…YOU are a chalk Picasso!
2. There’s a saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Would you share one of those steps you would like to take, yet maybe hold back from doing?
I love this question, but I’m going to answer it backwards. (smile)
I just recently became involved in helping to build what will become Upstate New York’s largest spiritual healing and retreat center. I’m working with two other incredible women on it, and we’re feeling our way through each step since none of us have done anything like this before. The amazing thing is, resources are showing up exactly as we need them to!
A year ago, though, I never could have imagined myself in this role – I would have pushed it off on someone more qualified and motivated. That one step idea would have been lost on me, but now I know I can do this!
And my philosophy, in general, is “If it feels good, do it. If it doesn’t, then don’t.” So I measure the steps taken by how good they feel in my heart. My journey, as you can imagine, has NOT been a straight lines!
Lance’s Commentary: The Universe provides! And I also just think Robert Frost as I read this…“I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Megan, I think this is such a wonderful project for you — building a spiritual healing and retreat center. It really just feels so fitting for what I feel is the essence of who you are. You connect at such a deep level, and in that your heart shines!
3. I draw a whole lot of joy from your presence…so the “Joygirl” name is very fitting. How about those moments, though, when you are not feeling all that joyful?
Another great question; thank you, Lance. I come from a legacy of “not always joyful.” I was a sullen girl for a significant part of my life, and I’m no stranger to dark moods. I still have days when I fall flat. There are times when all I want to do is stay in bed! The difference now, though, is that those not-so-joyful moments don’t last very long, and they’re not nearly as sticky. I don’t get sucked into them the way I used to.
Now I can let myself have a down day, feel however I’m feeling, and then rebound the next day wiser from whatever it taught me.
What’s more, I’ve learned to embrace the idea that everything in life ebbs & flows, and it’s all so very good!
Lance’s Commentary: Megan, I love how you both acknowledge these moments AND see them as such a part of you. Such is life…for all of us. That you so openly articulate that here…what a true blessing.
4. Tell us one unexpected thing that has happened to you, from going down this path of starting It’s All About Joy?
(note: All About Joy is Megan’s former blog, which she has currently set aside as she works on other projects)
Honestly, I never expected to meet such incredible people, many of whom have become friends. It’s like a beautiful extended family, with tremendous support, encouragement and love flowing to and from one another constantly.
I feel closeness with people who live all over the world; that’s nothing I expected when I started writing my little 500-word posts a few times a week!
Lance’s Commentary: That closeness with people from all over, from all walks of life…such an amazing and wonderful thing! And that all leads me to thoughts I have about our world — and how, when we come from a place of deep connection with self, we also find people that lift us up, help us, guide us, walk with us…all in such amazing and caring ways. Megan, know that you have been all of this and more, to me.
5. Deep-down, Megan, what makes you, “you”? And what does a typical day for you involve?
Deep down I have a love for, and curiosity about, life. I also believe everything is possible, and that our beliefs are the only things keeping us from all that we desire. I’m also a pleasure-seeking individual. 
Even my addictive tendencies hang off of that (avoid pain, seek comfort). All of those things make me “me.”
As for what a typical day involves, I start each day giving thanks. I bow down to the Universe for all the gloriousness in my life, and then I internalize the notion that “I Am God.” Once I can feel that in my cells, I fire up the laptop and get cracking: emailing, writing, reading, creating, connecting, loving…
I run three to six miles just about every day, too, which is made easier by a dream job I recently manifested as a personal assistant to a great guy who’s done well for himself. So throughout the day, I field requests from him, his clients, etc. and help him manage his business and personal lives, all from the comforts of my home — sometimes in my workout clothes, sometimes in my pajamas. Such joy and flexibility!
Lance’s Commentary: Life is glorious! Starting your day that way…and I have an even better understanding why that “JoyGirl!” moniker is so fitting!
6. What are you “letting go” of today, to move toward the deeper voice in your heart?
For starters, I let go of my blog. I kept getting the prompt that it was time to take a break, so I did. Doing so meant facing the fearful “what ifs?”, especially since my blog shaped how people came to know me in our community. When the fear – those “what ifs” – arose, I had clarity: I wasn’t blogging because it soothed my heart anymore as much as I blogged to feed some part of my identity. That’s when I knew it had to go.
I also started letting go of other personal goals that were centered around strengthening “Megan Bord,” the brand. Things like publishing a book, being “well known” for something (anything!), accomplishments, validation, etc. It’s less about me these days – or at least, the “me” that I’ve always known. There’s a bigger sense of community – of oneness – that I’m aligning myself with. I don’t quite know what that means yet, but it’s okay!
In this letting go, I feel clearer and free. And that, along with being here today, feels good.
Thank you for sharing your space with me, Lance, and for demonstrating love in everything you do.
Lance’s Commentary: Megan, this is all beautifully okay…as you align more deeply with what your heart speaks. As I read what you’ve written here, I KNOW that you are traveling on your own path…and a path that is such a right place for you to be.
7. What does LOVE mean to you?
In my eyes, love is the ultimate wisdom, and it’s an energy that can be felt in the body: as warmth, as pulsation, as healing, as assuredness, as the original source of joy. Love is all-knowing, and it connects everyone and everything on this planet.
Love is the universal currency:
Without it, we are poor.
But if we have love and nothing else, we have everything we need.
Lance’s Commentary: This is truly YOU. And I really believe this, just by the way you “care”. I’ve felt that in every conversation we’ve had. I always believe that what I’m saying to you…it matters. And in that, I feel deep love. You ARE currency for the world!
Closing Thoughts: Megan, you embody what is right in our world…embracing all of life…and wrapping it in love. And in doing that, I feel this deeper connection with you, and even more — a deeper sense of how amazing and beautiful our world is when we embrace that oneness…the collective heart…the whole of humanity.
Megan, it is such an honor to call you friend, to have you here in this space, and to know that your beauty goes deep and wide.
Lance, you’ve started my day (to quote a friend of mine from Maine) in a Super Fantastic way! I was honored and privileged to be interviewed by you, and reading your commentary warmed my heart. You’re an incredible friend, and a tremendous human being. You help bring more and more love to the surface of the world, and for that and so much more, I am grateful. ( * bow * ) Wishing you eternal love, joy and an abundance of all that’s good!
Way cool! Thanks, Lance, for featuring Megan here today. The Internet just hasn’t been the same without her blog.
Hi Megan! It’s good to see you. Thanks for sharing your insights and love with us. I especially love your line: “love is the ultimate wisdom.” That is soooo true, my friend!
Blessings to you both!
Jay Schryer´s Last Fabulous Post ..Purple Rain
Megan and Lance — two joyful and loving people. It is a wonderful thing to live ones life wearing a cloak of joy and gladness.
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Family guard– the fun side and storms
Hey sweet Megan! It was such a treat to start my day with you AND Lance this morning. What a fabulous Tuesday surprise.
Megan, it’s awesome to hear about what you are working on these days. How exciting! I pray for all love, light, and other goodness to continue coming your way in this process.
XXOO!
Hey wonderful peeps!!
Fun to see all the pix of you, sweet Megan — not sure if you were cuter as a child or cuter now!
This phrase really resonated with me… “resources are showing up exactly as we need them to!” Ahh, that happens to me too. Think of what we can accomplish — any dream or goal we set our hearts and minds to, if we nly trust we’ll have exactly what we need when we need it. Thank you SO much for that reminder today.
Stay blessed, you beautiful people!!
xoxo
Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..10 Amazing Things I’ve Done Lately
Hi, Jay!
You’re so sweet, thank you! And you’re right — the internet just hasn’t been the same without my blog… It’s a lot cleaner now, and with better writing! (wink)
Wishing you love & happiness, today & always.
Hi, Lynn!
Good morning! What a great way to put that: cloak of joy & gladness. Amen! Thanks for reading & sharing your good energy.
Hi, Joy!
Thank you so much for your wonderful energy, and putting a big smile on my face this morning. You’re a jewel that shines brightly everywhere you go! Lots of love & all good things to you, today and always.
Hi, Jannie!
Thanks for the “cute” compliment — my mom would be thrilled! (Who doesn’t want a cute kid?!) You know, that “always provided for” reminder has served me well, too. It’s funny because when I remember that — and put it to work intentionally in my life — miracles happen. We can all live our dream lives starting right now; no need to wait!
I am always happy to see messages from you and experience your energy directly, so thanks, wonderful Jannie!
Hi Lance, thanks for showcasing the joy that is Joygirl. She’s pretty cool.
Hey, bond girl, aren’t you full of surprises. The largest spiritual healing centre! When it’s up and running invite me over. I’ll see you soon.
Lance,
Great interview! Very insightful.
I always love reading your sweet comments that really shine from the heart.
Megan,
I love your bullet points for being a joygirl. The laughter, love, and living life in those moments that are unforgettable. Your joy is infecting! What great things you are doing. And your chalk art is fabulous too!
May your path to the center stay clear and peaceful. I have no doubt it will be a great success.
Thank you for making me smile today.
Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..How do you get a pre-school girl to sit still
Megan, you are the real deal! Your genuine joy shows in your pictures, as does the love in your heart. I believe much of your goodness lies in your experiencing contrasts (when you said there are times you can fall flat)…you are perfect for the spiritual healing retreat! People know you understand and care. Lance and Megan, thanks for the richness you both shared this morning. I love testimonies of all the good in this world. : )
Holly
Hi Lance and Megan!
Lance, oh you know how to pick these incredible souls to feature, and allow the world to get to know them better!
And I have to say, when I first read “moniker”, I thought it said “JoyGirl monkier” — I thought now that is cute
Megan, I love hearing from you and about you. I love what you are doing with the spirituality center, and your dream job and the joy and laughter you spread. And I totally understand the letting go. When I resigned from my job, thinking I’d jump right into writing a book, I think it would have been too much about me as well. This space of a year’s time has allowed me to grow, and know that whether I write a book or not, I am still me, the same person within, no better, no worse, and definitely no more or less worthier. We do not need to proved anything to the world, or ever ourselves. When we embody love the way you describe, the peace and happiness within is really all we need. And it is there in every part of our life, making this journey so beautiful!
This was so inspiring to read Megan. Now I am wrapped up in your loving energy, and it fills my heart and soul abundantly!
And I LOVE the photos
It was good seeing the beautiful woman you are even more close up!
Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Elusive 3 Weeks– A Lesson on Choosing Internal Peace
Megan, Good to learn more about you here today and to know everything is going so well in your life! Wishing you continued success, and can’t wait to hear about the retreat center…sounds lovely!
Stacey Shipman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Have You Stretched Yourself Lately
Megan and Lance
The photos are so awesome and so fun! I love the chalk birthday message…can I be a “joygirl” and play with you? I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Your life is an example of getting the “little me” out of the way and experiencing the “I AM That!” Thanks so much for sharing your love, joy, juice and gusto with us! Love ya more. xo
Thanks for introducing Megan to me.
Very nice interview, and very nice photos. Love Megan’s smile. We pray our kids will marry kids that are always smiling. It’s hard to hide anything behind a continuous smile.
Colleen´s Last Fabulous Post ..22nd Annual Mid-Columbia Duck Race 2010
Hi, Lance
You pick such wonderful people to interview, and I love the way you interject.
Megan! It’s such a treat to learn more about you. I think your friend, Steve, picked exactly the right nickname. You DO exude such joy, joy for living. And it’s catching! You brighten our world immensely. The turn your life has taken is wonderful, remarkable, and it thrills me to the bone whenever I hear others living out such beautiful dreams. I wish you all success! …however you define it.
I love this, from you: “…if we have love and nothing else, we have everything we need.” I don’t think this can be heard too often. We could meditate on this for a week and not think of the same application twice. There are so many nuances to it, so many ways we can apply it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful brightness, from beautiful bright you!
Julie´s Last Fabulous Post ..In Others Words– 3
Lance and Megan, it is so good to be here today.
I loved this interview and what beauty was shared…thanks for this heart-warming visit! hugs to both of you… xx Jenn p.s. Megan, I really enjoyed the chalk photo also! what a neat idea!
Jenn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Whats Your Secret Wish– Just Waiting to Come True
Hey, Simon!
Well, you know I am a Scorpio, and supposedly we can be very mysterious and/or surprising. Ha! And yes, as the saying goes, “Go big or go home!” That’s the way we feel about this healing & retreat center. We’ll do it up right, and of course you’ll be invited for the ribbon cutting (so get that on your calendar for, let’s say, three years out!). Thanks for your good energy, and indeed, see you soon. (smile)
Hi, Angelia!
Isn’t Lance great? I love his comments, too. Oh my, and thank you for appreciating my chalk art. I’m an amateur, to be sure, but it was FUN!
I am grateful for your beautiful wish, and likewise, you made ME smile today.
Hi, Holly!
Gracious, you are a beautiful woman! And I thank you for your lovely comment, which served as another testimony of all the good in this world. (*bow*) Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Hi, Evita!
Monkeys – I love it! Life should include more monkeying around… that might become part of my “fun!”
What a sweet comment you shared; thank you, my beautiful friend. Knowing I’m in such good company, with those who also understand that who and what we are is eternal and not circumstantial, brings me such peace. I learn constantly from this great community of ours – through the people I’ve manifested in my inner circle to teach me more about how to love, how to laugh, and how to be the best “me” I can be. It’s a very good life, and one I’m grateful for.
I always love your energy, Evita – thank you!
Hi, Stacey!
Thank you so much; it’s nice to be here, and to share space with wonderful souls like yourself. (smile)
Hi, Tess!
Of COURSE you can be a joygirl and play with me! That’s what it’s all about – let’s do it, friend! I feel equally blessed to have you in my life, Tess. You’re teaching me how to say “YES” to things I wouldn’t previously have considered. Plus, you class me up in the style department. I am SUPER grateful for that! (wink)
We are THAT we are. Amen! Amen! Amen! Here’s to infinite possibilities, and a life filled with all good people, things & experiences!
Oh, and Lance, thank you thank you thank you — it WAS you who introduced Tess & me. Such a gift!
Hi, Colleen!
Thank you so much… you warmed my heart and made me smile as I read your awesome comment. I love the notion that it’s hard to hide anything behind a continuous smile. There’s something to that – a genuine, easy smile really does emit a loving, welcoming energy, doesn’t it?
Wishing you goodness, love & light!
Hi, Julie!
Lance has great interjections that are like receiving hugs between questions. He’s wonderful like that!
I’m so glad you were here today, and thank you for wanting to read about me. (smile) You know, I have become more joyful in the past year because of the beautiful connections I’ve made with you, Tess, Lance, Evita, Joy, Peggy, SuZen, Jay, Lisis, Jannie, Zeenat, Joy T, Robin, Wilma, Stacey, and now Simon… oh the list is long, blessed, and full of LIGHT! There are many others. We have a great thing going here, and it makes living the life of my dreams easier and more worthwhile.
You, gorgeous girl, forever have a safe space in my heart. You’re just so, so good, and have helped me tremendously – by offering your wisdom & guidance, and by simply being you.
Lots of love & eternal joy to you!
Hi, Jenn!
Thank you so much! It’s wonderful being here, especially with such awesome comments & love that have been shared continuously throughout the day. (smile)
Hi Megan,
I’ve seen you around the “interwebs” for so long now, and am finally talking to you “almost” in person.
So happy!
I loved this interview with Lance. It’s great you run almost everyday, too. Joy!
Thanks for sharing your life with us. You’re beautiful.
~xo
Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..Front Porch– Dreams– Laughter– and Comic Inspiration
Hi, Lori!
It’s nice to make your acquaintance via Lance’s blog. I’ve read and enjoyed many of the comments you’ve left on other posts, and it feels like we “should” know each other by now, doesn’t it?!! I love this community! Thank you for your kind words, which made me smile. And yes, running is pure joy!
Hi Lance and Helloooo Megan.
Absolutely wonderful to hear what you are up to. I have been thinking about that and now I know!
It is so good to hear all is well and about your plans, it sounds awesome and so you!!!!!
Yes, there is really no other reason than to do things that gives us joy, why do them otherwise although I as a well trained donkey who not always worked from joy though.
Megan great to hear what you are doing and Lance as always, thank you. xox Wilma
Hi, Wilma!
What a lovely way to start my day — seeing your smiling face. Yes, it’s been a very good life lately, and one I give thanks for daily. It was only a few years ago, though, that I embraced the motto “If it’s fun and feels good, then do it. If not, then don’t.” Before that, I used to believe that life had to hurt in order to matter. Gracious… That’s my German lineage creeping up on me. (smile)
I appreciate you, Wilma — each and every beautiful thought that passes through your head. What an honor to be included in them!
~From my heart to yours~
Megan, what a wonderful, joyful, person you are! May you continue to follow your heart… I believe you are on the right path. And you are never too old for chalk art! Lance, thank you for always sharing your heart and connecting us with such inspirational friends! Heart to Heart~ Julie
Hi, Julie!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, and I agree — chalk art is an ageless pursuit! Have a blessed rest of your week!
Oh what a “joy”!! to find Megan here today! I totally get why you’ve taken time away from your blog Megan, I’ve had very little time to spend online myself these past few months. But when I have been online I’ve missed you! Always loved your posts. And I always love your too Lance!!
Thanks for this great interview.
Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Heart centered
Hi, Hilda!
So good to connect with you again! Not blogging turned out to be the exact right move for me at this time, although I do miss the regular interactions with great souls like yours. Thank you for spreading your light throughout the world — it’s beautiful, as are you!
Hello Megan (and Lance!)
This is a really good interview and it’s so cool to learn more about what makes you “tick”! The pictures are very nice also! Loving that sidewalk art Megan!!
As I was reading this, a certain “concept” kept coming forward in my mind, and that concept is that one should live life with a child like curiosity, and an unconditional love toward all things/people. Add to that a spirit of “allowing” the Universe to guide you and supply you.
I think, by reading this interview today, that I just passed through another “gate” on my journey. Megan, I am grateful for all you do and who you are. And that goes for you too Lance!!!!!!!
Hi, Keith!
Thanks for your awesome comment and for complimenting my sidewalk art. (smile) Now THAT was a fun day!
What you shared here really touched me. I love how you summarized those concepts, and I felt my heart perk up in my chest so I think what you uncovered is an ancient truth. Just today I watched a little girl run up the city sidewalk without a care in the world, her tongue sort of sticking out of her mouth, and she was just THERE… in that moment she’d created. And I was lucky enough to witness it. My own inner child sees and smiles at those things, and thinks, “Yes… more please!”
And so it shall be.
Love & blessings to you, Keith! You make my heart happy.
I need to reread this a few times! So good to hear more of “Joygirl”! Inspirational!!! I also need a job like you have & work from home.. now that would be a dram come true!!!
Lance, also want to say I have been loving the “closed posts” on Sunday!
Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Pushing the Envelope-More on Out of the Comfort Zone
Hi, Jody!
Thanks for your comment, and yes! You, too, can have a dream job! Believe it’s possible, and watch it come true. Only took about three months to “land it,” so to speak. The bigger issue was dreaming BIG, and letting the Universe send me an opportunity that fit my vision. Trust, and let it all come to you.
Wishing you the very best life has to offer!
I want to be a Joygirl!
Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Bonding Fail
Hi, Mama Zen!
By nature of your comment, I think you already are! (smile)
wow! what a beautiful soul megan is! very inspiring post, lance. i too would like to aspire to be “currency for the world”. keep on keepin’ on, this is such a deep, meaningful blog to me.
joanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..the hottest wedding photos EVER– conclusion
Hi, Joanne!
Thank you for your sweet comment, and I agree that Lance has a way of writing very inspirational things. That’s just one reason I’ve always loved “The Jungle!” Keep on, keeping on, indeed, and remember: you already are everything you’re seeking. Love & joy to you!
Hi Megan, What fun it was to learn more about you. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring. Blessings to you as you listen and follow the paths you know are right!
Hi, Audra!
Thank you so much; doing this interview with Lance was fun! I am grateful for the blessing you shared, and I wish the same for you, my friend. ~ Namaste ~
Thank u for the inspiration Megan and Lance. Am learning that writing for me , is about ‘me’. So am trying to forget about what I get and just give. To align with love. Thank u for this reminder of the way of light and hope. God bless
Hi, Uzma!
What a wonderful remembrance: that when we do things from our heart center, and forget about “what’s in it for us” (from a conscious mind standpoint), brilliance appears. You ARE love, and you are beauty, divinity, and miracles wrapped up into a perfect human package. May all you do be a reflection of that (I’m sure it already is). Have a superb weekend!
Thank you for those wonderful wishes and wisdom. From my heart — am humbles and touched. Thanks and god bless.
Hi Lance and Megan: Lance thanks for sharing a great interview with Megan. Megan, I miss your blog, but it’s good to hear you have made the necessary shifts in your life that are right for you. It sounds like your are doing some very interesting work and meeting some great people along the way. And like Lance says…you are traveling YOUR path…so that is important. In any case, keep us posted on all that you are doing and all the best.
Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..My Favorite Napkins
Hi, Tim!
Oh good golly, thank you for the awesome comment and your fabulous energy! I can feel it through the screen as I read your words, which were both sincere and compassionate.
Wishing you everything your heart desires, and then some!
It sounds like leading a path of “follow the feelings” and it sounds like that works well, when you’re feelings and tugs serve you.
I think what we do has to feel right from the inside out, or it just doesn’t work.
J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..30 Days of Getting Results
JD — I agree!
All,
Reading your comments has been a complete joy!! Ever since first “meeting” Megan, I’ve sensed that special quality of “aliveness” that she brings to life. And that just shines through so brightly today, as I read what is shared here. I’m also reminded of what an amazing world we live in, and the sweet privilege I’ve had of “meeting” each one of you. Thank you, all of you, for being here — and for the love you bring into this world.…into my world.
Much peace,
Lance
Megan,
This has been so wonderful having you here in this space, letting your words enter into my soul, and to be touched by the graceful and caring words everyone has shared. You are a shining light of love in our world. Today…I feel that even more deeply, and it brings a huge smile to my face. And that’s a smile that comes from deep within…
Megan, it is such an honor to know you and to feel a deep connection and friendship with you.
Much love and big, big hugs (and a scoop or two of ice cream)…
Lance
Namaste, my dear friend.
And yes, a scoop or two of ice cream with extra rainbow sprinkles, please!
Can I be in on the scoops of ice cream? [grins]
Colleen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Barnard Griffin Winery’s 5 for 5 at 5-00pm
Ice cream party!!! Now that sounds FUN!!