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Writer's pictureLori Spicer Robertson

Joy is an Inside Job

Years ago, when we decided to expand the Wundher Supper Club into a true community, I was motivated to center it around joy. Why, you ask?


In five short years, I went from singledom to wifedom to motherhood. It felt like a quick turn of events, but I recall hearing a statement that changed my life: “You are no good to any of the important people in your life if you don’t first nurture your joy.” It wasn’t exactly phrased that way, but you get the gist.


The reality was that in every new season of life, my joy was quickly pushed down while that of those around me rose to the top. Sadly, I was not alone. There was a whole world of overachieving career mavens, wifey lifers, and supermoms who forgot to add themselves to their to-do list.


The problem solver in me was on the hunt, and at the top of 2020, Wundher was born to inspire women and mothers to nurture their joy and seek the wundher in their lives.


Join me on this journey to better understand that joy is an inside job. Here are my three (there is power in threes) ways to source it.


Gratitude - Positive Perspective

Every morning before I get up, I thank God for waking me, the experience of a new day, and for a sound mind, body, and spirit. It has become routine for me, but not without intention; I am genuinely grateful. The key is embracing gratitude as a daily practice.


The biggest shift toward lasting joy requires recognizing our internal power to shape the emotional landscape - you can control this, despite what the world throws at you. The journey begins with dismantling the illusion of lasting happiness through the embrace of gratitude. By consciously directing, and redirecting, our focus to the positive aspects of life, we rewire our brains, allowing us to appreciate the surrounding beauty. It also reinforces the value of contentment in the present moment regardless of what is happening around us.


Gratitude acts as a catalyst, creating a foundation for joy that transcends external circumstances.


Gratitude isn't merely a checklist of things we're thankful for; it’s a lens through which we perceive the world. The morning sun becomes more than just a celestial body; it’s a source of warmth and a canvas for the day's possibilities. This intentional shift in perspective is transformative; it lays the groundwork for sustainable joy that comes from the acknowledgment of life's simple, yet profound, blessings.


Mindfulness - Be Here Now

In a prior role, I was introduced to the concept of ‘being present in the moment,’ and if you know me, you know I loved it! Each employee would receive a two-sided, tabletop sign to remind them to be present for themselves and present for those right in front of them. This practice of being in the now can also be referred to as mindfulness. The gotcha, gotcha about mindfulness is being truly unbothered by past regrets and/or the anxieties of our future.


It reminds us to observe not only our thoughts and feelings without judgment but also those of others, creating a space of more sound consciousness. This heightened awareness empowers us to navigate challenges with resilience, finding joy in the very process of growth and self-discovery.


Seeing joy as an inside job intricately intertwines the practice of mindfulness.

Mindfulness goes well beyond the individual; it fosters a collective consciousness. When we engage with others from a place of mindfulness, we bring an authentic presence to our interactions. This ripple effect creates a shared space where joy is not just an individual pursuit but a fruitful and collective experience.


Self-Love - Accept Me, Flaws and All

Sister Beyonce' said it best when she wrote, “Accept me, flaws and all.” We hear those lyrics and often think it is asking for others' acceptance, but I interpret these words to mean self-acceptance as well. None of us are perfect, and that is perfectly okay. Embracing our authentic selves—complete with strengths and imperfections—ushers in a profound sense of inner peace and contentment. And, I don’t know about you, but finding contentment is always the goal. When we cease seeking validation from external sources and learn to love and accept ourselves unconditionally, the door to lasting joy swings wide open.


Self-love isn't a destination; it's an ongoing journey of discovery and acceptance. It involves recognizing the uniqueness of our journey and embracing the evolving components of our lives. This self-love becomes a wellspring of joy that doesn't diminish in the face of external pressures; rather, it thrives amidst the ebbs and flows of life.


When we are faced with the pressures of life, we have to let our joy emerge and guide us. The profound truth that joy is an inside job unveils a transformative perspective on the pursuit of happiness.


By cultivating gratitude, practicing mindfulness, fostering a positive mindset, embracing self-love, and prioritizing self-care (because it ain't selfish), we harness the power within ourselves to create a sustainable and resilient sense of joy.


In doing so, we free ourselves from the fleeting nature of external circumstances and embark on a journey toward a content and joy-filled life.


Cheers to resurfacing the joy within!

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