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Thank you for this beautiful post Emily. I realised I've been feeling lighter these weeks because I gave more time for the activities you list in the post. More to the slow and joyful living :)

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Thank you Sekar. I have too ! It is definitely something that grows in power and influence the more attention you give to it.

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Lovely post as always Emily. Filled to the brim with lovely advice and affirming actions we can take to bring more joy into our lives. 💕

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Thank you Mika! You are so kind.

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Thank you for your thoughtful post. I always enjoy reading your words and much of what you write resonates with me.

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Thank you so much Miranda - that honestly means the world to me.

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Thanks Emily. So inspiring! I'm taking those prompts to my journal. What are three words/phrases that come to mind when you think of joy? Sunshine, smiles and dancing! It reminds me of my Auntie Gladys who lived by the sea. She was always smiling and positive. A true encourager when I was writing poetry at a young age. She loved to dance, and on rainy days she would look out of the window and say, 'Come on out sunshine!' I loved her and miss her. Happy Sunday x

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Lisa so beautiful - thank you so much for sharing this with me! I am so glad you liked it. Your Auntie Gladys sounds truly wonderful. Sunshine, Smiles and Dancing - that certainly does make me feel joyful!

For me I think it is love, laughter and cuddles!

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Such beautiful words; thank you so much for sharing 🙏 I think that we often feel that happiness, and indeed, joy, often come with strings attached, especially guilt. How can we be joyful and happy when those around us aren’t…but indeed, it is a choice ✨

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Thank you David 💕

Indeed, it's not always easy... Which is why I think writing this, and focusing on the smaller ways we can let joy in helped so much.

Thank you always for your support 🙏 I appreciate it so much .

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You have given some thorough thought to this topic. I was glad to see cake mentioned among the many other joy-bringing things. I loved the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu movie.

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Cake is always a good idea Terje 🍰😋 thank you so much, I really felt like I needed to write this, almost like a permission slip for myself to let joy in finally. 🙏

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Love this entire article. I took some notes. Everything resonated with me...I'm always seeking joy. I think it's by seasonal living (and I know you enjoy it as well), because the changing months always give us something to look forward to. Great read this morning! I love the book recommendations. Another good one is "Joyful" by Ingrid Fettell Lee. She focuses on aesthetics which is a great take (make your house joyful, wear joyful clothing, etc.).

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Thank you so much 🙏 I honestly found writing this so cathartic. I really hope this is the start of more joy in my life ... Thank you also for the book recommendation! I will definitely add that to my list ! 💕

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This whole post brings me joy. 💛 the book recommendations sound great. I’m currently reading Essentialism, we have the power to choose and we should all definitely choose joy.

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Thank you Hayley 😊 I hope you add some of the books to your TBR list ! I really feel ready to choose joy now ... I think it's another layer of healing almost. 🙏

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We are deserving of joy 🥰

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