painting of a creek winding through fall grasses

How to Find Joy Even When Life Is Hard

A couple weeks ago I was talking to Jamie of Mattea’s Joy, and she asked me, “What does it mean to you to find joy in the journey?” 

How do I find joy? These two reflective practices allow me to slow down and reflect on what I’m feeling, who I’ve been given, and what I’ve been given.

  1. I pause and name what I’m grateful for.
  2. I pause and ask questions about what I’m upset about.
    (Identifying anger or sadness or hurt can lead me to a place of honesty, whether it’s an honest confrontation with someone, an honest confrontation with myself, or an honest prayer.) 

These practices help me go deeper than a gratitude list or pretending that there’s nothing wrong. They point me toward joy all along the way. 

Connect here with Mattea’s Joy for more of this conversation!


More with Amy Julia:

A Series on Gratitude
When Shame Becomes Joy and Guilt Becomes Gratitude

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