THE JOYFUL LIVING PROJECT
Inspiring Joy Around the World

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
Receive Simple Strategies and Tips to Bring More Joy Into Your Life
Sign up for the latest insights and get exclusive invitations to community events!
Business Supporters






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
Apr 19

Some of the heaviest things we often carry in our lives are our stories of loss, regret, guilt, or being wronged. When we relive this pain over and over again, it frequently blocks us from seeing and receiving the joy that is waiting for us.
You see, joy is not just about doing things that make us happy. It's also about healing and releasing these stories of "unjoy" that hold us back from allowing the joy to shine through.
I remember a profound quote Oprah shared one time on forgiveness. She said that forgiveness is not saying something someone did is ok. Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different than it was. 🤯
Think about it. Letting go of these scenarios of how things "should have been" or "could have been", and accepting how it was. Yes, that can be difficult. However, what we can change is the meaning of what happened. Perhaps instead of keeping meaining failure, disappointment, or hurt, it could mean a gift or unexpected blessing.
This reminds me of the Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers". He reflects on how grateful he is now that because of unanswered prayers when he was hurting from a lost relationship that now he has an even better one.
This past week I stopped by Hot Springs, Arkansas on my way back to Texas. I got a chance to experience a historic bathing experience.
As I soaked in the healing hot mineral water, I was imagining washing away old stories that no longer serve me. These were stories that have been getting in the way of joy.
If you are in pain today, I hope you find some peace, forgiveness, and appreciation that can allow your joy to shine again and relieve you of the heaviness you may be carrying. ...
Apr 1

Give yourself a moment to just be with the beauty around you and appreciate the beauty within. ...
Mar 30

Dont let other people's fears cripple your creativity and belief that you can bring to life something meaningful. ...
Mar 11

There are times in our lives we wonder, what if I could...?
Do you know how powerful that statement is?
Unfortunately, many of us grow up with limiting beliefs like...
Oh, that's too much.
That's too hard.
I'm not good enough.
I'm not pretty enough.
I'm not smart enough.
I don't know people.
I'm not strong enough.
Asking yourself, "What if I could?" opens up a whole new world of possibilities and hope that can transform our lives.
Imagine if you actually achieved what you weren't sure you could. What else is possible?
2 years ago, I was overweight, stressed, and full of doubt. I knew I had to do something, but exercises was not my thing. Half way into my 40s, my body just doesn't move like it use to.
One day, I saw that a 60 day fitness challenge, and it ignited a flicker of possibilities.
What if I could complete 30 class in 60 days?
Finishing this challenge opened up a new world that would change my relationship with my body and how I saw myself.
Sometimes, we need others to light the fuse for us to start wondering "What if I could?"
Just over a week ago, I was challenged to complete 20 fitness classes in 31 days hosted my local Pure Barre studio.
I knew I could complete this challenge, but what if I could do it half the time?
How would I feel about myself if I did this? What else is possible?
If you've ever taken a barre class you know it is no walk in the park.
So for the past 11 days I took classes twice a day, at 6am and 5pm.
On day 10, I asked "What if I could do 3 classes in 1 day?"
Yup, I could and did!
With immense gratitude for all the instructors, team, and community at Pure Barre for their support, I finished 20 classes in 11 days this morning.
This is energizing me with excitement, confidence, hope and possibilities I have't felt recently.
Opportunities and joy in our lives often comes from the personal growth. I've discover that this happens when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. It happens when we accept challenges to explore "What If I could...?"
You don't have to take 11 classes in 20 days like me.
It may be as simple as saying "yes" to a challenge and allowing yourself to discover ""What if I could...?" ...
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
Receive Simple Strategies and Tips to Bring More Joy Into Your Life
Sign up for the latest insights and get exclusive invitations to community events!
Experience the Beauty from this Journey
Yasmin's Travel Photography: Instagram @Yazpics
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.
Kindness brings joy to ...

Kindness brings joy to both the giver and receiver. Take a moment to share kindness today!
A Joy Reminder from #JoyfulJoe ...
Found a nice walking ...

Found a nice walking stick for my hike through Zion Canyon. #JoyfulJoe #hiking #zionnationalpark ...
Don't forget to stop...

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 ...
Found my long lost bigger...

Found my long lost bigger cousin Joyful John in Pittsburgh! #JoyfulJoe #pittsburgh ...
From I can tell, Randy is...

From I can tell, Randy is pretty darn creative and colorful! #JoyfulJoe #artist #randyland #pittsburgh ...
They call these redwoods!...

They call these redwoods! #JoyfulJoe #redwoods #trees #muirwoodsnationalmonument ...
I'm exercising my ...

I'm exercising my first amendment right #JoyfulJoe #firstamendment #constitution #muirwoods #funnysigns ...
Such colorful friends ...

Such colorful friends here in this sleepy beach town! #JoyfulJoe #frogstatue #beachtown ...
I love waterfalls!!! ...

I love waterfalls!!! #JoyfulJoe #muirwoods #waterrefillingstation #waterfall ...
Sometimes I like to just ...

Sometimes I like to just dance in the woods. #JoyfulJoe #muirwoods #feellikedancing ...
I'd like to ...

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Karl #karlthefog . He gets around! #fog #sanfrancisco #coldsummers #bayarea #JoyfulJoe #travel ...
Woohoo! Going off road! ...

Woohoo! Going off road! #JoyfulJoe #bicycle #mountainbike #cycling ...

“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