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Hey Reader, Happy Humpday! “You talk too much... and you ask too many questions.” Growing up, those words used to sting. And I heard them a lot as a child. This used to be me anytime I heard it said. Lol 👇🏽 But what some saw as talking too much was really curiosity — about people, their stories, their successes, their struggles, and what keeps them going. It’s also part of what unlocks my creativity – so over the years I’ve learned to JOYfully accept feedback, and reject criticism. A couple days ago, I had the absolute JOY of chatting with the incredible Sherry Cassano (Chief Talent Officer + SVP of People Experience at Pfizer) for a future episode of The JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast — and mid-conversation, I had a revelation:
Everything I once tried to tone down is what God’s been using all along. What started as a “chatty kid” moment has evolved into a calling — helping women, working mothers, and caregivers rediscover JOY in the spaces where work, home, and purpose intersect. Because behind every story is culture. And behind every culture are beliefs and values that shape how we show up — My JOYrney™ has been filled with many seasons of transition: From a depressed, unemployed college grad → to producing and hosting a podcast that connects purpose, leadership, and JOY. Monday, after I got off that call, I took a moment to praise God for how so many of my “failures” are coming full circle. The leadership nugget for you is this: God is so intentional. NOTHING IS WASTED. 👉🏾 YOU are who you’re meant to be — and you’re also exactly where you’re meant to be. So if you’re not feeling JOY right now, ask yourself: Where might you be suppressing it? Pause with that this week. And let it sit. On Community, Connection, and What’s Next That brings me to something I’ve been reflecting on since the last time we “chatted” — this community! Remember how I shared that I was considering pressing pause on this newsletter? Well, your responses came in — and I was so moved. 🥹 Here’s what your messages (and survey responses) told me you want more of: Sis… SAME. 🙌🏾 So instead of letting this space go, I’m open to leaning IN — but, I’ll need your help to keep it going. I’d like to take our relationship up a notch and propose something new space: JOYrney Notes™. It’s an intimate community for those of you who receive this JOYrney Mail™ newsletter and who want to go beyond just reading, so you can and start living out your JOYrney™ intentionally and out loud — together.
It’s a small seed $10/month (or if you feel led, there are options to contribute more). You can learn more about it here. However you choose to show up, know this: Your support truly keeps me going, and makes this ministry of JOY possible — for the women and families whose lives are touched through it. Whether you’re listening in, reflecting, or sowing into this work — thank you for being part of this JOYrney™. We’re just getting started! 🥹🙌🏾 BTW: if a monthly contribution isn’t possible at this time, you can still support by: The JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast Speaking of the podcast: don’t miss this week’s upcoming episode — a conversation with Nicole Walters-Csillag, NYT bestselling author, TV personality, and one of my business mentors! It’s raw, hilarious, and packed with leadership + life lessons that will bless your spirit and your hustle. Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you get your podcasts (and on YouTube!) so you don’t miss it when it drops Friday. In the meantime, if you took time to listen to the last episode with Deandra Lasan, I’d love to know your biggest takeaway — reply and tell me what resonated!
Work With Me! If you’re ever curious, here are a few ways I can support your JOYrney™ |
Digital love notes and inspiration for working women, parents, and caregivers to REDISCOVER JOY ...ONE feel-good thing at a time! Join the #VibeTribe and let's JOYrney™ together! 👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿
Hey Reader, From the bottom of my heart – 🥹 Because of your encouragement, prayers, and generosity, we did it! Last week we put together our very first Light & Life Kits… and within 15 minutes they were all gone — I’m talkin’ DUNZO! 😅 Teens, preschoolers, and adults alike received reminders of God’s light and life on October 31st — a day that typically glorifies the opposite. I promised you an update of how it went, so let’s dive in! A Family Project Turned Mission Moment In the week leading...
Hey Reader, Over the past few weeks, I’ve been talking a lot about what it means to walk in the light — to live freely in who we’ve been called to be, even when the world celebrates something different. So with Halloween being tomrrow, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to actually be the light — especially as a mom raising little ones in a world that often glorifies the opposite. Because honestly? As much as I enjoy a good opportunity to transform through dressing up, I can’t get behind...
Hey Reader, Over the past few weeks, I’ve been talking a lot about what it means to walk in the light — to live freely in who we’ve been called to be, even when the world celebrates something different. So with Halloween right around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to actually be the light — especially as a mom raising little ones in a world that often glorifies the opposite. Because honestly? As much as I enjoy a good opportunity to transform through dressing up, I can’t...