Have you ever made a new years resolution to do something only to drift back into old habits?

Many of us make declarations like getting more exercise this year.

Well, I did something in 2022...and it created tremendous JOY!!!

Here's what happened...

Last year, the owner of my Pure Barre studio invited me to do the Platinum Barre fitness challenge. This is a commitment to take at least 15 workout classes every month in 2022.

At first, I hesitated thinking of the travel I may do. What if I got sick and missed a couple of weeks? What of I got busy with work?

Then I asked myself, "What's one thing I'm going to do for myself this year that will help me feel good about myself, get in shape, and feel connected?"

I said yes!

There were months when went to class exhausted from work. When I was traveling for 2 weeks, I worried how I would finish 15 classes.

No matters what, I showed up again and again. Along the way, I became a Pure Barre teacher leading 20+ classes a month and took an additional 15+.

A few days ago, 6 of us celebrated our commitment to ourselves. Each of us completed 180+ workouts in 2022!

I felt joy radiating throughout my entire body. Here's why:

Joy of Completion

Joy of Challenge and Accomplishment

Joy of Connection and Community

Joy of Movement

Joy of Celebration

Joy of Gratitude (teachers, team, clients)

This is a joyful moment I will cherish forever!

What are you committing to this year that you will joyfully celebrate in 12 months? ...

Joy is all around us! What joy did you notice today?

In my upcoming book, "The Game of Joy", we explore how noticing all the different ways joy appears in our lives expands the experiences of joy we create. Our awareness activate possibilities of joy each moment.

Share the joy you saw or felt today 😊 ...

On my walk this morning I noticed this sign...PAUSE

It reminded me that one of the essential keys to joy is to pause and create space for it. This is one of the 7 Principles of Joy I share in my upcoming book "The Game of Joy: The Secret to Creating Your Own Happiness (Even When Life is Stressful)"

The pause you practice, whether its 5 seconds or 5 minutes creates an opening in your life for joy to flow through you.

How will you pause today? #pause4joy ...

Thank you for taking the time to help me select a cover design from my upcoming book last week. Your responses to my poll and thoughtful feedback were so helpful.

It's still a tough decision to pick one as I read each and every one of your comments and wish I could choose all of them.

Here are the 2 finalists you selected! They were literally tied. ...

Did you know that more than 44% of marriages end in divorce these days?

This past weekend my parents celebrated their 50th Anniversary. It's hard to believe that exactly 50 years ago, they said "I do", and kept that promise no matter what.

They have been on a courageous journey together since. 5 years after tying the knot, the had to make a life changing decision to leave their war-torn country with their 3 infant children. They were separated during their escape and it took almost 2 years to reunite. With only the shirts on their backs, they started over in America 43 years ago. For decades, they sacrificed for their children to go to college, have successful careers and have a life of joy and possibilities. They now have 5 grandchildren to see their legacy continue.

Last week I called my parents and asked them what they had planned for their 50th Anniversary. Sadly, their response was its no big deal, just another day.

Refusing to accept that answer, I made plans to celebrate with something special. From my journey to discover joy these last 5 years, I know how important celebration is to activating joy. Not only for ourselves, but for all those around us.

I called my sister to make plans. On my way to Austin, I picked up some flowers, champagne, a card and a gift card to The Olive Garden. I also rummaged through all of our family albums to find old photos of my parents when they laughed, smiled, and looked into each other's eyes with love. I found their wedding, honeymoon, and early family photos. With these in hand I created a short video slideshow reminding them of the 50 treasured years they shared and the impact the made on our family.

After going out to dinner that night, we got a cake, and sat around watching the video, going through an old album and celebrated the gifts they shared with us all of our lives.

Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or accomplishment, don't forget to celebrate. Each opportunity that you get to do so is an opportunity to give and receive joy. We have so many treasured moments in life, lets acknowledge and share them. ...