Got Joy?

Man, what a year. The weight of the massive shifts in the world and my world seemed to hit all at once in these past three weeks. Hello, anxious thought spirals! I sat down to explore my own experience of 2020 Anxiety, now a name-brand form of unease (e.g. “That family dinner gave me 2020 Anxiety!”).

My anxiety snowballs quickly because — as personal as it is to say this — I don’t have much joy to counter it right now. I’m talking real, authentic inner joy. The kind that fills you with such contentment that it almost makes you nervous. The kind you can access anytime, that’s not dependent on what’s happening around you.

Quick-fix happy moments are easy to come by (nature, friends, chocolate, Diplo’s new ambient album). I even keep up a solid wellbeing regimen with exercise, meditation and sleep. But these activities aren’t creating more joy. They’re keeping me at neutral on good days, and lifting me up on low ones.

Joy and happiness are different: Happiness comes from external sources. Happiness is a birthday party with close friends, an exceptional meal, dancing to great music. But if external sources can giveth, then they can taketh away. Happiness relies on fun from the outside world. Joy comes from within. Joy is a steady state that we cultivate by aligning our lives with greater meaning. Joy comes when we accept and love who we are, where we are, why we are. Joy is our choice.

Happiness is cotton candy. Joy is spinach.

In the library last week, Martha Beck’s The Joy Diet called out to me. I read it in two days, and decided I’d follow her 10 daily practices to boost joy. Each practice requires a week of daily activity. The “program” is 10 weeks.

And, for the first time, I’m eager to share a personal growth experience publicly. Meet Joy Reboot: A 10-Week Adventure to Total F*cking Bliss… Or Something Like It. I’m following the brilliant Martha Beck’s 10 practices starting today. I’d love for you to join me.

What’s a 10-week program without accountability buddies? I’ll be sharing on LinkedIn all the info you need to take daily action toward a more joyful life. Sound enticing? I’d love to get in touch with you if you’re interested in Joy Reboot. Comment below or message me to connect.

2020 Anxiety won’t have a foothold after these 10 weeks. Here’s to closing out this year with a joy-filled heart and a smug grin.