Where Joy Lives

Photo by: Kristen May

​“Find out where joy resides and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all. “ Robert Louis Stevenson ​

As you may or may not know, I have made it my personal mission to seek out more joy this year. Having had more than my fill of grief and sorrow, these past few years, I have proclaimed that 2024 is the “Year of Joy” in my corner of the world.  But to truly find joy, you first need to know where to look. You must learn to look in the right places as sometimes trying to find joy without a plan feels like a cruel, never-ending game of hide and seek. In my experience, I have found joy throughout the years in many interesting places, and it is high time that I revisit them.  It is truly no secret actually where joy lives. Joy lives on Memory Lane and I would love to take you there with me for a bit! (Incidentally grief and sorrow also reside there, but as mentioned we are totally avoiding THOSE stops on this guided tour just to be  clear!) 

Hearts of Kids

Every day I have the unique experience of spending my days with 20 eight-year-olds, as an elementary school teacher. To say it is an unpredictable adventure each day would be an understatement indeed. Each morning, we build community in the classroom through our Morning Meeting. It is a wonderful way to start each day and get to know each other better. We love reading all the jokes, answering surveys and watching video clips about becoming a better person each day. My favourite times are when it is just “us” having fun and sharing our hearts together. We love to laugh listening to funny books, watching comical video clips and sharing the latest cool stories that transpired on our weekends. Rapport is built, relationships form and we come to really enjoy each other's company. Not soon after these times of bonding, I often notice the little love notes and handmade pictures trickling in proudly placed on my desk. It is their way of saying thank you for my efforts in making school a fun place to learn and grow. These priceless, little gems and the kids associated with them wiggle their way into my heart bringing me so much joy. Kids are so precious and sincere. How can they not make you smile and bring you joy each day?  

The Hearts of Loved Ones ​

Loved ones who keep our joy tanks full can be family or close friends who are our “chosen family.” My life has been blessed to overflow with incredible people in both categories. One amazing friend in the “chosen family” category is our friend, Glen. Glen is a childhood friend of Phil’s that Tyler; Shannon and I have had the pleasure of getting to know recently. Glen is a jovial, comical, sarcastic straight shooter whose hilarious take on life brings everyone to non-stop laughter. Honestly, an afternoon with Glen will brighten your spirits and leave you with a sore stomach from laughing so hard. He is just that funny. A while ago, we were on our way home from a road trip. Our hearts were heavy from the grief we were walking through at the time. Shannon decided to  call Glen, put him on speaker phone and asked him to “work his magic.” True to form, he did not disappoint and for over an hour we were in stitches laughing until we cried over the latest, hilarious antics and stories he had to share. With joyous and full hearts, we thanked him sincerely at the end of our call for being that kind of friend that gave us exactly what we needed... a HUGE dose of pure joy! Don’t you love it when people just “get” you? 
(The pic below of Phil was taken when we were with Glen.)​

The Heart of Fun and Favourite Things

Have you asked yourself recently how much fun has been scheduled into your weekly agenda lately? You know between all the errands, work and family responsibilities, daily stress and bills? Hmmm... probably not much if you were honest. So let's change that this year? What makes your heart sing? What hobbies do you love? What activities help you put the day-to-day grind aside and just simply enjoy yourself. It could be a funny movie, a night out with great friends, a great book, a concert, a Netflix binge, a vacation, an exercise class or a trip to the mall. Life is just too serious at times and incorporating good wholesome, fun into your life is just what you need to get that joy meter rising. Make a conscious effort to get things on the calendar that you can look forward to. Pencil them in and commit to them so they will actually happen. Consider these activities appointments you make with yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Joy will be there, and you will be better for it. 

Photo by Renáta-Adrienn on Unsplash

The Heart of the Father ​

True joy is found in knowing our Heavenly Father in a personal and relational way. He is the author of true joy. He alone has the power to take our mess and turn it into our positive message of joy to the world. He delights in us, and the Bible says in Zephaniah 3:17 He actually rejoices over us with singing. That is how much joy we bring Him. There is so much joy and peace in knowing our sins are forgiven and we have a forever friend in Him. It is truly unexplainable. 

So, maybe you are like me and a quest for more joy this year is also on your “To Do” list. I hope my little trip around the places where joy abides has been of assistance to you. Going forward, my challenge I propose to you is to find where joy lives for YOU. Search long and hard and don't ever give up! When you find those places or place, knock on the door with enthusiasm, and when that door opens invite yourself in, ask to have the coffee put on and say with all your heart, “Hope you have some time, because I am here for a nice, long stay!” 



​Until next time wishing you joy in the journey,  
Dana  

John 16:20 ~ Your sorrow will be turned to joy.

Little Lesson Learned: Joy is worth searching for. Don’t give up until you find it!

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Dana Romualdi, the copyright holder reserves all rights to the content on the blog and website Little Lessons Learned by Dana, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the content. No content or photographs may be reproduced or modified. Blogs may be shared on social media platforms in their entirety only with full credit given to the owner. Any photographs used by other photographers are used with permission and are also protected. All Rights Reserved.

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Tags: life lessons, joy, happiness, self improvement, spiritual guidance, growth mindset, encouragement, Christian blog, life advice, Christian blogger, spiritual growth, grief and loss, grief counseling, bereavement help, life skills

Author

​Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, social worker, blogger, author, motivational speaker and recording artist. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Feel free to reach out to Dana
​at: [email protected]

For Part 2 in the Joy Series Click here.