“In the middle of September, we’d still play out in the rain…” 🍂 ~Daughtry
Joy doesn’t have to wait for later. It’s what helps us keep going now. (#433)
A couple of weeks ago, I did something a little unexpected.
I signed up to do a Thriller flash mob. (Yes, THAT Thriller. 🧟♀️)
Did I need another thing on my plate? Not really.
Am I doing it anyway? 100% yes.
Because when I saw the flyer, something in me lit up and said: Heck yeah!
Will it be exhausting? Probably.
Will it be exhilarating? Absolutely.
And that’s the part that matters: joy fills my cup so I can keep showing up for everything else: caregiving, work, auntie duty, and side hustling in the margins.
And in a season where everything feels like a lot, I’m paying attention to the things that light me up.
J is for Joy 💃🏾✨
(because joy keeps us going)
Joy doesn’t have to be big or grand. It doesn’t have to be productive. And it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else but you.
For me lately, joy has looked like:
Walking the Run Mag Mile 5K. I’d like to eventually work my way up to a 10K, but for now, it’s just about the experience of being outside, moving my body, and soaking up the sunshine.
Trying Starbucks’ new iced pecan crunch oatmilk latte ☕ (verdict: tasty, but a little too nutty).
Ducking into a bar called The Rabbit Hole 🐇🍸 just because I love anything Alice in Wonderland themed.
Baking a cake I loved when I was a kid (and yes, licking the spoon).
Adding a LEGO set to my wishlist and ordering this adult activity book
That’s what joy looks like for me. Yours might be totally different.
It could be:
Taking the longer route home because you love that one tree-lined street.
Dancing to your favorite song between meetings.
Coffee with your bestie, even when your calendar is packed.
Reading something that has nothing to do with business.
Watching your guilty-pleasure Netflix show.
None of these things solves the bigger stuff. But they can soften it.
Joy gives us a moment to breathe, to laugh, to remember that we’re human beings. Not only human doings.
Even when we’re tired. Even when we feel behind.
Especially then.
You’re allowed to enjoy your life while you’re building it.
—
💬 Over to you: What’s one small joy you can say yes to this week? Silly, small, spontaneous. If it lights you up, it counts.
On to the picks!
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#picks 😍
Practicing joy (and keeping the juggle lighter!)
☀️. Have you had your joy break today? Instead of another “scroll break”, try a joy break: dance to one song, sit in the sun, water a plant, or read a poem. Tiny, doable, and surprisingly energizing.
📰. This piece on vorfreude (anticipatory joy): the idea that simply looking forward to something can spark happiness now. Bonus: 30 simple ways to weave it into your everyday life.
What would go on your joy list?
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: Small But Mighty $9 Offers
🌟. Feeling pulled in too many directions? Sometimes intentionality starts with one clear step. Let’s find yours together.. get some pocket-sized clarity!
#classifieds 🗞
🎨 What if your art was your protest? The Art of Resistance podcast uncovers how creatives turned music, writing, & design into power. Inspo for building your own way.
💸 You run the show (and the budget). Get free savvy, supportive money tips made for women, by women. One click = more confidence with every dollar.
9️⃣. What if your next experiment was just $9 away? This bite-sized training shows you how to turn a simple idea into a paid offer. Fast. Fun. Low-pressure.
(like these? let’s partner up!)
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️
I also like the pecan oat milk drink at Starbucks but I think it's better if you cut the pecan syrup down by half.