JOY: Life Is Short. En-Joy It.
Updated: 1 day ago
When was the last time you laughed so hard you snorted?
I'm talking about a really good belly laugh. The kind where you completely let go, forget about everything else, and just enjoy being alive.
I'm happy to report that I've had one of those within the past month. And if you haven't had one lately, I highly recommend it!
Now, I know I've written about joy before, but I think it's worth revisiting. Actually, I think it's worth revisiting again and again.
Lately, I've found myself drawn to the fact that life is short.
I'm all about reflection, deep thinking, and a well-placed quote that makes you stop and reconsider something. I love a passage in a book that makes me think differently about life.
But what about the FUN?
What about the moments that make you smile for absolutely no reason? The moments when you stop thinking so damn much and simply en-joy life?
And sometimes joy comes from something a little bigger. Like finding out another woman has booked her spot at my upcoming Anchor to Audacity retreat! There may have been a little happy dance over here (and you KNOW I like a good dance!). More on that below.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
If you've seen my latest social posts, you've probably noticed that I've been finding joy in some rather unusual places.
Banging a gong, for example.
Who knew a giant metal disc could bring me such ridiculous happiness?
And apparently, the joy is contagious. I've had clients come into the studio, give the gong a resounding bang, and then do it all over again on their way out.
Now THAT brings me joy.
But joy doesn't always have to be loud.
Sometimes it's stepping on acorns during my morning walk just to hear them POP. Yes, I actually love doing that.
Sometimes it's that first delicious bite of chocolate.
Sometimes it's watching my ancient orange cat scream at me for a treat. Or buying him a new bed so he doesn't have to work quite so hard to climb into it. Although, honestly, I don't think he appreciates the gesture. He just crashes.
Sometimes it's calling an old friend and reminiscing about Halloween, or watching a child or grandchild discover the magic of dressing up and make-believe.
And sometimes it's a quiet afternoon walk, watching the fall leaves drift down with the sun shining through the trees.
None of these things is particularly extraordinary.
But maybe that's the point.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
The yoga studio where I practice, Alchemy Power Yoga, has started to feel like home. It's become a place of joy for me, because when you find YOUR people, you can't help but smile.
During a class with the owner, she mentioned a little book called The Book of Delights.
Now, I haven't actually read it yet. It just arrived in the mail yesterday! But the idea of intentionally noticing little delights in everyday life really resonates with me.
What if we made a point of finding one little delight every day?
For me, that might be realizing I can make it through almost an entire Ashtanga sequence from memory. Almost. We're getting there!
Or discovering that I genuinely love hula dancing, something I've recently started learning.
And let's not forget the joy of a good dance party. I am ALWAYS up for one of those.
Joy can also be discovering that your body is capable of more than you thought.
Maybe you lift a little heavier, hold your balance a little longer, or try a movement you never imagined you could do.
Of course, putting on my physical therapist hat for a moment, I'm not suggesting pushing yourself to the point of injury. That's not joyful. That's just a bad idea.
But challenging yourself appropriately, discovering your strength, and realizing what you're capable of?
There is tremendous joy in that.
And sometimes joy comes from doing something for someone else.
My husband was out of town recently, so I mowed the lawn. Not exactly glamorous, but I knew it would lighten his load when he got home.
And knowing that brought me a little joy, too.
The Joy of Finding Your People
Sometimes joy isn't about what you're doing. It's about who you're doing it with.
I've been putting together the playlist for my upcoming Tap the Mat yoga class at Voodoo Brewing, and I cannot tell you how much fun I've had doing it.
And that is exactly what I want these experiences to be about.
You don't have to be an experienced yogi. You don't even have to consider yourself a yogi at all.
Show up as yourself.
Maybe you challenge yourself. Maybe you modify. Maybe you sit in a chair, tap your foot to what I think is a pretty fabulous playlist, and enjoy being part of something.
And then afterward, we gather, chat, laugh, and maybe make a new friend.
In fact, two women who met at one of my retreats are now coming to Tap the Mat together.
They came to a retreat, found a connection, and now they're off trying something else together.
That, my friends, is joyful.
Imagine an Entire Weekend of Joy
Remember that happy dance I mentioned earlier?
I recently received another booking for my upcoming Anchor to Audacity retreat.
And yes, there was some serious smiling happening over here!
Not simply because someone booked a retreat, but because another woman decided to give herself permission to have an experience, try something new, and make space for herself.
That's what gets me excited about this retreat.
Imagine an entire weekend of joy.
Ziplining through the trees. Trying something you've never done before. Me screaming as I step into the waterfall pool because I absolutely HATE being cold.
Toasting marshmallows over the fire, sharing stories, laughing until your sides hurt, and discovering that the woman sitting beside you might become a new friend.
And yes, there will be movement, reflection, and moments to just sit quietly and take it all in.
Because joy isn't always loud and boisterous.
Sometimes it's the freedom to do absolutely nothing.
Find your joy. Embrace adventure. Build strength. Discover connection.
That's the heart of Anchor to Audacity.
A Little Something to Think About
This week, I'd love for you to consider:
What's one small act of joy you can do for yourself?
How can you bring joy to someone else? And when you do, notice whether it sparks a little joy within you.
What are the things that bring you joy? Write them down. They don't have to be physical things. They might be memories, people, experiences, or wonderfully ordinary moments.
And here's one more thought:
When did you last give yourself permission to do something simply because it was FUN?
A Little Joy, Just for You
I've decided to share a short guided Joy Meditation with you.
A few minutes to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the moments, memories, and people that make you smile.
No expectations. No to-do list. Just a little space for joy.
Explore Anchor to Audacity, April 9 to 11, 2027, at Elohee
Life is short.
Bang the gong. Dance in the kitchen. Step on the acorns. Laugh until you snort.
And don't forget to EN-JOY IT!
I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell me something that brought you joy this week. Big, small, or completely ridiculous. I want to hear it!
Live audaciously. Age powerfully.
Amanda
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