Hey friend!
Welcome to 2017! New year, new you - right? The hope for many of us is to step into a brand new year and improve our life. Whether through losing weight, increasing our income, turning a passion into a full-time job, traveling the world, beginning a new hobby... whatever it may be, most of us want to take some action in the new year that is going to improve our life and take us to the next level. For me - 2017 is about finding and celebrating JOY in my every day life.
The best lesson that I learned in the year of 2016 is that you must be INTENTIONAL about the life that you want to experience here on this Earth. For the most part, many of my circumstances in 2016 were less than ideal. Without dwelling too much on the specifics - let's just say 2016 seemed to a year of full of sorrow, disappointment, frustration, and being completely lost in my life and purpose. I promise I am not looking for sympathy here - I just simply want to share a glimpse of the journey that led me to my personal process of intentionally seeking and choosing joy day in and day out.
I wish I could clearly state exactly what this journey will look like but if I am completely honest, I have no clue about what this will turn out to be! My hope is to intentionally share ideas, tools, and resources that can bring joy into life. I may share an inspirational thought from a book or a podcast. Maybe I'll introduce you to a friend who radiates joy in their everyday life. Perhaps it will be a piece of theatre, music, or art that brings a smile to my face and that I hope will do the same for you. The main purpose is that whatever it is, I am sharing it with you in order to spread joy in a world where we so desperately need it.
Does this mean that I am expecting every single day of my life to be the most joyful day ever and I will go to bed with a huge cheesy grin on my face every night? Absolutely not! The second biggest lesson I learned from 2016 is that LIFE WILL HAPPEN - and LIFE is not all joy, life also has sorrow, loss, heartache, and pure disappointment - but I am learning that in accepting ALL of life, not just the joyful moments, I am set free from expectations and I am allowed to be open to lessons that help me grow from a place of gratitude for ALL that life brings me...which sets me on a path to joy.
If you're sitting there thinking, "What the heck are you talking about Jordan?" - no worries! My hope is that we can learn together what all of this means in intentionally choosing joy every single day. I appreciate that you are choosing now to go on this journey with me and it would mean so much to me to have YOU share in the COMMENTS below. What is one thing that brought you joy today? Let's spread this, y'all!
Sending you joy!
Jordan
One thing that brought me joy today was singing "Cameo Lover" by Kimbra while I showered and literally blew off steam!
ReplyDeleteLove it Cenny! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could have heard it cause your voice is simply ah-maz-ing!
DeleteSince today is Sunday, my fiancé and I slept in and made waffles. It was the perfect end to a hectic week!
ReplyDeleteYES Maddie! Waffles = Joy. Period. Ain't nothin else to it. Can't wait to eat waffles with you on our bahama cruise in 3 WEEKS!! <3 <3 <3
DeleteHeat being turned back on in the apartment ;-) and taking a tap class!!
ReplyDeletehahah YES an apartment with heat when it is snowing outside is something to be joyful about! And how can you tap dance and not be happy? Thanks for sharing Laura!
DeleteI talked to my cousin on the phone for a whole hour!!
ReplyDeletePatty - I am trying to be better about actually CALLING people and having real-life conversations versus just a text. It really makes such a difference with the little extra effort. Thanks for sharing boo! <3
DeleteMy goal for this year too. Let's do it Jordan. Looking forward to this for you, me, us! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteMarti that is so great and so happy to have you along for the ride. Love you!
DeleteLove this jdawg!! I was having a very frustrating morning and a completely unexpected note from a sweet friend showed up on my doorstep. It helped me remember what really matters and to keep me focused on ~positive~ vibes. Miss you but can't wait to see you soon!! -laura
ReplyDeleteL-Peda! Don't you love it when joy intentionally finds us? That is so awesome. I am now wishing for an encouraging note to show up on my doorstep! Love the ~*positive vibes*~ bruh! See you SO soon! <3
DeleteI am in Charleston and get to visit with my sister all week!! Love this Jordan :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit! I am loving seeing all the pictures of baby G that she has been posting. I can only imagine how much joy he has brought into your life Kelly!
DeleteJoy today was a very simple "out to lunch" with my husband.
ReplyDeleteKay
Kay, thank you so much for sharing! It's those simple moments that really do add up to be the most important & where the joy is hidden.
DeleteToday, I find joy in making connections with the likeliest of people. I had a great conversation with my uber driver on my way to work this morning, which started both of our days off with some smiles and laughter. Thanks for starting this blog, Jordan. You're right! We need more positively and light in this world; Keep shining yours!
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