Is there a difference between feeling happy and being joyful? As I think back to the moments in my own life when I’ve felt the deepest sense of joy, they weren’t necessarily the times when things were going perfectly or when I should have been the happiest by outward appearances. Real joy is something that’s more internal – it doesn’t come from coffee ice cream or good movies or a glass of rosé (though yeah – those can make me feel super happy for a little while!) For me, joy happens when I’m fully present and engaged in the moment, when I’m tapping into my heart and not just my head, and when I feel a connection with others that allows me to just be me.
Our editorial theme for December is JOY. From stress-free gatherings to allll the holiday recipes to truly meaningful gift ideas, we’ll be exploring how to get more and give more joy to the people around us this month. One way I’m cultivating more joy in my own life is by consciously tuning into my inner voice and silencing the doubts that creep in from the voices of critics or social media or culture. There have been so many times that I’ve sought the advice of others on what I should do, while neglecting to search my own heart for the answer.
I’ve realized that there’s no one who can give me advice quite like myself. My intuition is full of wisdom and is there to inspire my actions – but only if I take time to really listen to that voice.
When our dreams for our lives are actually our own dreams, there’s a passion and purpose behind our actions that can take us to places we never thought possible. As we wrap up 2018, I hope you set aside a little time this month to curl up with a journal and search your heart for what you really want out of this new year. Put words to what brings you real joy, what makes you feel most alive, and how you want to write your own story this year – because no one else can write it for you.
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Holiday shopping is in full swing, and here are a few items I’m gifting my favorite people this year:
