The Joyful Living Project
Inspiring Joy Around the World
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What if...in today's world, filled with negativity, stress, and suffering,
…we didn’t have to wait for things to change to begin our healing?
…the catalyst for positive change lies within our daily experiences?
…we could leave a legacy of hope, positivity, and inspiration for our children and generations to come?
I believe that all of this is possible and...
It starts with the gift of Joy
"The Game of Joy" Book
The secret to Creating Your own Happiness
(Even When Life is Stressful)

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My name is Yasmin Nguyen, and I am on a mission to inspire more joy, connection and freedom in our lives.
I created the Joyful Living Project to activate positive change and build thriving relationships, businesses, and communities.
I packed up my life and I drove across America for 18-months to explore 3 basic questions:
- What does joy look like in our lives?
- How can it positively impact our relationships, businesses, and community?
- What’s holding us back from experiencing more joy?
I believe that by exploring these questions, we have the opportunity to expand possibilities and transform the way we live, the way we connect, and the way we make a difference.
I believe that from this seed of joy grows hope, possibility, kindness, love, gratitude, empathy, and connection that can transform our lives, relationships, and country.
I believe that in every moment, we have the choice to focus on what’s wrong or what’s good. My mission is to invite people to choose joy.
Organizations and Conferences Yasmin has been Invited as a Speaker

















Follow the Recent Joyful Journey and Insights!
Instagram: @joyfullivingproject
Sep 22

IT`S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!
I was recently invited to join Cathey Armillas and Marc Williams on their awesome podcast show to share the secrets of creating joy!
I`ve been on a good number of podcasts and interviews, but hands down, this was the most fun, dynamic, thought-provoking conversation I`ve had.
This dynamic duo brings the house down with their energy, creative ideas, and presence! If you want to laugh, get inspired, and feel some joy, don`t miss out on this episode!
So grateful an honored to be a guest and to help spread the joy!
You can listen or watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsAboutToGoDownShow ...
Sep 21

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop for a special group of Joy Ambassadors at Trimet, public agency that operates mass transit in a region that spans most of the Portland metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Oregon.
A couple of months ago, I was invited to do a presentation on Joyful Leadership where leaders of the organization learned the concepts of "The Game of Joy" and how to use them to elevate personal well-being and deepen connections at home and work.
Yesterday, we got a chance to roll up our sleeves and experience these fun Joy Games and apply joyful strategies to navigate challenges, overwhelm, stress, self-doubt, burnout, and deepen team trust and connections.
So grateful for this opportunity to empower these Joy Ambassadors and Leaders to inspire joy throughout their organizations and communities. Thank you, Shelley, Adriana, and Darcie and the team at Trimet for such a special session together.
You are making an impact every day with the joy you create and share! ...
Sep 15

It`s hard to believe that exactly 2 years and 14 days ago, I first set foot into the Pure Barre studio in Sugar Land. I had just moved back to Houston to help take care of my parents.
I remember being a little nervous walking through the studio doors that first time. I didn`t know a single person and of course, I was the only guy in the entire class. I got there early and found a nice corner in the back.
I had no idea that within such a short period of time that I would find an incredible community of positive, supportive, caring, inspiring new friends that shared a passion and commitment to personal growth and fitness.
Have you ever done something so challenging that you knew it was because of those around you that help you get through it and take yourself to the level?
I never knew that I could complete 32 barre classes in 24 days for the Fall Fit Challenge recovering from a foot injury.
I never knew I could finish 20 classes in 11 days and then continue to complete a total of 40 classes in 30 days for the Barre Stronger Challenge.
I never knew I would consistently complete at least 15 classes a month for 12 months in the Platinum Barre Challenge.
I never knew I would eventually teach 265 Pure Barre classes in the just a year.
I never knew that I would take 519 classes in just over 3 years.
What I did know is that I could not have done ANY of this without my fellow classmates, teachers, and community. You have been the wind beneath my wings.
This week, my heart felt like it was in peaces. After each of my 4 classes, I shared that I was going to be moving to Austin and that was my last day teaching.
Saying goodbye can be so hard, yet the strength to do so came for the deep gratitude I felt for the opportunity to be a part of this special family and to share and experience joy together.
I will miss you all so much Pure Barre Sugar Land! You have shared with me such a gift I will forever treasure! Thank you! 🙏❤ ...
Aug 17

4 weeks ago, I went for a little road trip...
through 12 states, 11 cities and 4,800 miles.
For 30 days I slept in 11 different beds, reconnected with friends, met new friends, savored local cuisine, explored new sites, listened to lots of books and podcasts, did some research, reflected, and tried new experiences.
But what was most memorable, meaningful, and joyful was the opportunity to share a deep connection with people.
An 80-year-old Harvard study showed that the one factors that determines the joy and happiness our lives are the connections we share.
I`m so grateful for all these special moments we all shared together! There were times when we were so present together I forgot to take a photo together (Gary, Mark, Rachel, Zee, Steven)
All of you made these last 4 weeks feel like 4 months of life. ...
Aug 15

What`s your favorite style of barbecue?
Texas? Memphis? Carolina? Kansas City?
Each has a unique approach and taste.
On my way to Oklahoma, I got a chance to stop by the popular award-winning Slap`s BBQ in Kansas City. I had an order of their tasty ribs and famous burnt ends along with some mac and cheese, and coleslaw. It was finger licking good!
I`ve tried many styles of bbq and the common thing I`ve noticed about the best ones is that they aew made with passion, love, and the joy they bring to their customers. ...
18-Month Journey Across America

Follow the Joyful Living Project Journey
Follow the Joyful Living Project Journey
Joy Shared in These All Places 2018 - 2020
On July 1, 2018, I began my 18-month journey across the country to curate ideas, conversations, and communities that inspire joy, connection and freedom.
Portland, OR July 1 – August 16
Seattle, WA Aug 17 – August 19
Bandon, OR Sept 6
Ashland, OR Sept. 7
San Francisco, CA Sept. 8 – Oct. 3
Los Angeles, CA Oct. 4 – Oct. 11
Chattanooga, TN Oct. 12- Oct. 15
Palm Springs, CA Oct. 16 – Oct. 24
Phoenix, AZ Oct. 25 -Oct. 31
Tucson, AZ Nov. 1 – Nov. 6
Houston, TX Nov 8 – Nov 12
Portland, OR Nov. 13- Nov. 30
Dallas, TX Dec. 27 – Dec. 30
Playa Del Carmen, Mex Jan. 19 – Jan. 27
Tokyo, Japan Feb. 1 – Feb. 18
New Orleans, LA March 16 – March 21
Vancouver, Canada March 23 – April 10
Houston, TX April 12 – April 14
Austin, TX April 15 – April 28
Dallas, TX May 2
New Orleans, LA May 3
Blairsville, GA May 4 – May 5
Chattanooga, TN May 6 – May 12
Atlanta, GA May 13 – May 14
Nashville, TN May 16 – May 19
Asheville, NC May 19 – May 21
Charlotte, NC May 22 – May 24
Miami, FL May 25 – May 31
Havana, Cuba – June 1 – June 4
Philadelphia, PA June 7- June 11
Fenwick Island, DE June 12- June 14
New York City, NY June 15 – June 23
Boston, MA June 24 – June 27
New Hampshire June 28 – June 30
San Francisco, CA July 1 – Aug. 3
Pittsburgh, PA Aug. 5 – Aug. 6
Indianapolis, IN Aug. 7 – Aug. 9
Marion, IN Aug. 10 – Aug. 12
Chicago, IL Aug. 13 – Aug. 15
Detroit, MI Aug. 16 – Aug. 18
Chicago, IL Aug. 19 – Aug. 25
Kansas City, MO Aug. 26 – Aug. 29
Denver, CO Aug. 30 – Sept. 5
Boulder, CO Sept. 6
Bryce Canyon, UT Sept. 7
Zion National Park, UT Sept. 9
Salt Lake City, UT Sept. 10- Sept. 16
Boulder, CO Sept. 17
Morrisville, MO Sept. 18 – Sept. 19
Louisville, KY Sept. 20 – Sept. 21
Cincinnati, OH Sept. 22
Columbus, OH Sept. 22 – Sept. 26
Washington DC Sept. 27 – Oct. 13
Philadelphia, PA Oct. 14
Boston, MA Oct. 15
Vermont & NH Oct. 16 – Oct. 18
Portland, ME Oct. 19 – Oct 20
Fenwick Island, DE Oct. 21 – Oct. 27
Branson, MI Oct. 30 – Nov. 4
Portland, OR Nov. 20 – Dec. 4
Ft Worth, TX Dec. 9 – Dec. 12
Miami, FL Dec. 15 – Dec. 20
Phoenix, AZ Dec. 24 – Dec. 26
Santa Ana, CA Dec. 27 – Dec. 29
San Diego, CA Dec. 30 – Jan. 5
Palm Springs, CA Jan. 6 – Jan. 9
San Francisco, CA Jan. 11 – March 11
As I travelled across America, I explored joy through...
- Interviews with local “Joy Makers”: individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that uniquely inspire joy.
- Conversations with thought leaders, and the most joyful people in town, to explore what joy looks like through their eyes.
- Local adventures and experiences call “Joy Rides” that activate new ideas and possibilities.
- Organized meetups and workshops to explore what holds us back from more joy, connection and freedom.
- Presentations to larger audiences at companies, conferences, and community groups on self-care, work-life balance, and resilience.
- Social kindness experiments called “Joy Missions” that surprise recipients with random acts of kindness, gratitude and generosity.
- Inspiring photos and videos documenting joyful places, conversations, and experiences on social media.
The Numbers
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Meet Joyful Joe

Instagram @Joe.joyful
Joyful Joe is a Joy Ambassador who has been travelling with me. He’s just your average Joe who reminds us that anyone can experience moments joy in the simplest ways.
Don`t forget to stop to smell the flowers. Joy is in being present and appreciating the beauty in front of us. #JoyfulJoe #bepresent #smelltheflowers #boulder #joy

Don`t forget to stop to smell the flowers. Joy is in being present and appreciating the beauty in front of us. #JoyfulJoe #bepresent #smelltheflowers #boulder #joy ...

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
~Maya Angelou