Equal Parts Joy

Today, I'm chasing joy by embracing the power of intention. Your thoughts are powerful. Your intentions can shift the direction of your life.

Today, I'm Chasing Joy by embracing good enough....and investing in a good eyebrow pencil. 

This weekend, I finally got around to making my vision board for the year.  At first, I thought that it was incomplete - there was just too much white space on the canvas. Then I realized, that was the lesson. My vision for a joyful life includes a healthy dose of unscheduled time - to think, to create, and maybe even take a nap.

Today's podcast was also inspired by Dr. Christine Carter's book The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less. It's definitely worth the read, and also available on Audible. p.s. Dr. Carter and Audible are not sponsors of the show. We just like them ;) 

Today, I'm #ChasingJoy by committing to start each day with intention and a healthy dose of self-love. Rather than allowing others to set the pace of my day - by jumping right into emails or setting up my kids for their school day, I'm recommitting to my morning ritual. even if that's just 10 deep breaths before getting out of bed. Do you take the time to ground yourself before jumping into your day? 

Today, I'm #ChasingJoy by taking a mental health day.  And I'm taking a hint from Melody Beattie in her amazing book Journey to the Heart: "For today and for one week, instead of demanding more from yourself, tell yourself how well you've done. For today and for one week, instead of demanding more from those around you, tell them that they are doing well, too." Wanna join me? Let's do this together. 

Sometimes, self care is all about bubble baths and pedicures - yoga and meditation. But that's not the whole picture. Today, I'm Chasing Joy by embracing true self care and getting real about my anxiety and financial fitness. 

Sometimes, the mountains you carry were only yours to climb. So today, I'm chasing joy by minding my own business...mindfully, that is. 

Today, I'm Chasing Joy by being sober curious - being intentional and mindful of the reasons why I choose to drink. I learned about the concept from one of my favorite teachers, Ruby Warrington. You can learn more in her podcast or check out her book - Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Deep Connection, and Limitless Presence Awaiting Us All On The Other Side of Alcohol

Lately, I've been feeling stuck in the middle. Not super busy, but not fully rested, Not panicked, but not at ease. Today., I'm chasing joy by embracing the middle and letting my feelings wash over me. 

I'm also finding joy through Grace and Frankie on Netflix. If you haven't seen in, you're in for a treat. Nope - we're not sponsored by Netflix. I just like sharing the things that bring me joy. You're welcome!

Today, I'm chasing joy through acceptance. There are so many things that are uncertain right now; so many things that I cannot change. What I can control, is how I choose to respond to my circumstances, and ease into accepting what is - rather than focusing on how I wish things were different. Pain is unavoidable. Suffering is optional. 

I'm also loving The Body Is Not An Apology - a call to radical self love by author and activist Sonya Renee Taylor.