Search Results for: Happiness

Most Joyful Things Blogaversary Giveaway

January 31, 2013 |

Guess what happened three years ago today? Three years ago I decided that I needed to find my way back to being my normal self. Three years ago I decided I would not let grief and loneliness drown me. Three years ago today I started Chasing Joy!!!! It’s my blogaversary!!!!!

In celebration I want to talk about all things Joyful. Now I know money cannot by happiness and the greatest Joy’s in life usually surround relationships, accomplishments, and experiences. But there are a few things that definitely put a smile on my face. I’m going to tell you about them and here is the best part, you can get some of them for yourself as part of this awesome blogaversary giveaway. This is the biggest giveaway to come across Chasing Joy, with 12 prizes, that’s right 12, and multiple ways to increase your entries after leaving a blog post.

In no particular order because all of these things are equally AWESOME! Here are my most Joyful Things!!!

Motions Hair Care Products! I grew up seeing that familiar gold and purple packaged products in the hair stores in my neighborhood. They have products for both relaxed and natural hair styles. My favorite product is the Motions Hold & Shine spray. I use it most often during that week right before I get my relaxer touch up. It keeps my hair from being too unruly, holding it in place without making it feel hard while giving a nice sheen. Now another reason Motions Hair Care made my most Joyful Things list is because they believe in giving back to the same community that buys their products. They were one of the first and biggest sponsors of the Joy of Giving Charity Event.
Potatoes! I know it’s a little weird but I love these things. I actually think I’m addicted to them. I have been picking them over rice and pasta when having carbs. They are Green Giant whole red skinned baby potatoes in a rosemary butter sauce that steam in the bag in the microwave. No cleaning, peeling, or chopping potatoes. They are yummy and easy and definitely one of my most Joyful things.
Cake! But not just any cake, cake from Bredenbeck’s Bakery! Bredenbeck’s Bakery is my favorite bakery. Their cakes are yummy and they can design them to fit your theme. I loved my last birthday cake from there. Check out the St. Patrick’s day theme. Bredenbeck’s also believes in giving back and supporting charity events happening in and around Philly.
Creekside Naturals: Creekside Naturals brings me Joy because the owner and I started our friendship on twitter via blogging. She’s started her business making natural soaps, saves and other assorted Natural products. I love seeing her work in process pictures on Facebook and I appreciate Creekside’s support in all of my Chasing Joy ventures. She donated awesome gift basket for the Joy of Giving Event. Spoiler alert, you might win your own from the giveaway.
Shades of Social Media! OK this is not really a thing its a group. It is a group of people of color who leverage social media for personal, business, civic and social purposes. I have found tremendous support, knowledge, and encouragement from this group. As a matter of fact one of the Shades, Sadiah aka @ProverbsWife even jumped at the chance to help me celebrate my 3rd Blogaversary by donating two copies of her ebook How to Get Organized in 24 Hours (oops that was another spolier). If you dont want to wait for the giveaway to end you can download her book NOW for only $12.99 just Click here to visit Saidah @ AProverbsWife.com.. No worries, if you win How to Get Organized in 24 Hours in the giveaway your !$12.99 will be refunded 🙂
Emeralistic Treasures! Emeralistics brings me Joy because I love the Gem who creates all the Treasures. She is absolutely one of my best friends and a friend for life. I have know her since 4th grade, dare I say over 20 years. It brings me great joy watching her turn her passion for turning precious gems and her love of crafts to a successful business.
School Rings! Well my school ring. Every time I look at it I feel so proud of myself. Attending and completing college is not something to take for granted! Many people are not fortunate to attend or are unable to finish for a variety of reasons. It is such a blessing and an accomplishment. I feel good whenever I look at it.
Epiphany Mobile Spa! She is the spa that comes to you. This is a great idea to get spa services in the comfort of your own home. I also really love that she offers special spa services for cancer patients. One of my favorite products from Epiphany was her scented shea butters. The fragrances are not too overpowering ant he shea butter has helped my skin not be too dry through this winter.

These are a few of my most Joyful Things!

Now, time for the fun!! The good part is it’s my blogaversary but you are getting gifts! This is my biggest and best giveaway yet. Here are the prizes. 5 of you will win my favorite hair spray, Motions Hold & Shine spray. One of you Philly locals will win a $10 Gift Certificate to Bredenbeck’s Bakery. Creekside Naturals is offering up prizes for two lucky readers, a gift basket of natural items and soap for a year (a different variety of natural soap delivered each month). 2 of you will learn How to Get Organized in 24 hours courtesy of A Proverbs Wife. Remember you can order your copy of the ebook right now if you don’t want to wait for the giveaway to end just Click here to visit Saidah @ AProverbsWife.com Emreralistic Treasures is offering a free hand made item from her collection. Last but certainly not least Epiphany Mobile Spa is offering a gift basket of her spa products. That’s a total of 12 different prizes that can be one.

Use the Raffelcopter form below to enter the giveaways. There are several ways to enter the giveaway to increase your chances. The names will be chosen at random so one person can win more than one prize. The winners will be announced on or after January 21st 2013.

Now jump right in to the giveaway by commenting below telling me about some of your favorite things.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Joy of Women Getting Social, My SITS Day

January 16, 2013 |

Me at Bloggy Boot Camp Philly 2012

Yay! Yay! Today is my day, My SITS Day!!!

A lot of you bloggers will no what that means. For those of you who don’t know, MY SITS Day means I am being featured on The SITS Girls site , Where Women Get Social. The SITS Girls is a community of over 40,000 women bloggers networking and becoming better bloggers together. The SITS girls share connections to brands, tremendous amounts of knowledge, and bring bloggers together in person for Bloggy Boot Camp.

So now you understand why I am so hype!!! It’s my day!

If this is your very first time at Chasing Joy, welcome. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am single girl in her early thirties (I think I can claim early thirties for at least another year). I am not yet a mom but hope to be one, one day. I work full time and blog as much as I can (whenever I’m awake and not at the day job).

I started blogging about 3 years ago after my dad passed away. I was having a hard time emotionally and wanted to find my way back to being my normal happy self. Around this same time two of my friends started the blogs Belly Aches & Belly Laughs and Big Diva Headquarters. After reading there blogs I though I can do that. I have always liked to write but could never find the right topic to stick with. I figured the short essay format of blogging would be perfect. All signs pointed to go when I thought to myself, maybe if I write about happiness I might find my way back to being happy. Thus I started Chasing Joy, and it worked!

On Chasing Joy I write about my life and my pursuit of happiness. This includes the ups and downs of dating, having better friendships, setting goals, and trying new things. On the Chasing Joy Facebook Page and on twitter we set goals on Make it Happen Monday, Encourage each other on Way to Go Wednesday, and we practice and attitude of gratitude on Thankful Thursdays. So make sure you “like” me on Facebook and follow me @Chasing_Joy on twitter so you can join in the fun. Every Friday on Chasing Joy we revisit our older blog posts on the #FlashbackFriday Link up! I also make an effort to connect with you readers in person by attending conferences, hosting charity events, and bringing Joy minded people together for Lunch & Learns.

I really appreciate you stopping by on My Day! I’m supper psyched about getting to know all of my new bloggy friends from SITS. I hope you will visit often. Here are a few of my most popular posts:

Any Questions: How do I get more FB “likes”?
Mental Health Monday: My Confession
What a Blog Conference Can Teach You: The Joy of Bloggy Boot Camp!!!
Unhappy Holidays: Chasing Joy with Green Eyes
Joyful Accents – Vlog

Let me know which ones you liked the best.

January #ChasingJoy Twitter Chat Recap: Resolutions & Goals

January 7, 2013 |

Yesterday we had the January twitter chat. It was great. Lot’s of interaction, we had over 320 tweets. I made some new twitter friends too.

Our topic was starting the new year right. We discussed resolutions, why to make or not make them, what they were and how we are doing with them, the difference between goals and resolutions and what some of our goals for 2013 are.

Here are the highlights:

[View the story “January #ChasingJoy Twitter Chat: Resolutions and Goals” on Storify]

January #ChasingJoy Twitter Chat: Resolutions and Goals

Storified by Chasing Joy· Sun, Jan 06 2013 19:40:44

Chats are every month on the 1st Sunday at 4pm EST. bring your friends 🙂 #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

The next #ChasingJoy chat will be on Sunday February 3rd. At 4:00pm ESTChasing Joy (Arlett)

10. you can find me on FB here https://www.facebook.com/JoyChasing #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

10. My blog is http://www.chasing-joy.com/ #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A10 Blog 1 my main blog http://agirlnamedmichael-mj.blogspot.com/ #chasingjoyMJ Scott

A10 http://www.facebook.com/PositivelyShining and http://www.positivelyshining.com/ #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

A10 Blog 2 all about books http://agirlnamedmichaelreadsabook.blogspot.com/ #chasingjoyMJ Scott

A10: yup! Would love more twitter followers. (Hint, hint) my blog is http://www.sayitrahshay.com. Lets stay connected! #ChasingJoyRachée

A10 My face book page https://www.facebook.com/AGirlNamedMichael #chasingjoyMJ Scott

Q10: Do you have a Facebook page, blog, or other link that you’d like to share? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A9b Not the eating healthy part but they may be because I am sitting here eating oreo cookies #chasingjoyMJ Scott

9b My goals are def in reach…I am seizing them every moment I get! #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

Q9 b: Do they still seem realistic and within reach? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

9A My goals are working out great so far…gonna keep praying that it stays that way! #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

A9a mostly ok but not great #chasingjoyMJ Scott

Q9 a: Now that we are a few days into 2013 how are your resolutions/goals working out? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A8. I thought about stop dieting for weeks. Realized the more I focus on weight worst my results have been. Time to step back #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy A8: Not much. I listen to my gut. #ChasingJoyJoyce Brewer

I have been thinking about how I wanted 2013 to look for a while. That’s how I decided what my goals would be. #ChasingJoyRachée

A8 I usually dont think about them I just decide I need to do something then figure out how #chasingjoyMJ Scott

Q8: How much time did you spend thinking about your resolutions/ goals before setting them? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A7. To me Resolutions are things I resolve to focus on through out the year. Goals are specific tasks I want to accomplish. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

I feel similarly @ChrystinaNoel #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A7 to me a Resolution is a change in life/attitude/behavior where is a goal is just a single item you are striving for. #ChasingJoyChrystina Noel

I do ok with resolutions because I don’t expect it to be 100%. It is something to aim for. If I am less than perfect it’s ok. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A7 to me a goal can be flexible and resolution is so concrete to me! #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

A7 I have no idea if they are different but it sounds nicer to have a goal #chasingjoyMJ Scott

@Chasing_Joy A: Resolution means you’ll start/stop something. A goal is something you’d like to reach. I prefer goals. #ChasingJoyJoyce Brewer

Q7: What is the difference between a resolution and a goal, or are they the same? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A6. I’d like to make a bigger dent in my debt. I did not making any resolution related to that. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy I’ve a goal to work my business more, spend more time with my kid. Meet with friends. #ChasingJoyRachée

A6 Just to stay focused on the things that really matter. No being stressed and asking for help. #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

A6 I have been eating better and exercising…I plan to continue to do that #chasingjoyMJ Scott

Q6: Do you have goals in mind for 2013 that you don’t consider resolutions? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A5. New resolutions are to not weight my self and to not start any new diet exercise plan. Very untypical. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

I’m glad i’m not the only won effected by ot getting out enough. @sayitrahshay @Lisapatb #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Yes! I don’t think I realize just how isolated I allow myself to be thinking its down time. It gets me down alright. @Lisapatb #chasingjoyRachée

yeah, It’s the lack of activity and communication that gets me down. Get out to stay up! @Lisapatb #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy That’s a good one. The few days I am in all day I feel like that #ChasingJoy Something about getting out.Lisa

A5. One resolution is a repeat from last year. To leave my house every day. I realized when I am in too much I get down. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A5. A couple of my resolutions I’ve made before. To stop doing things I don’t want to do (last few years). #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy A5: No resolution. I have a 2013 year motto: OWN IT. Whether it’s good or bad I’m owning my strengths/weaknesses #chasingjoyJoyce Brewer

@sayitrahshay Wow, that’s an awesome pledge #ChasingJoyLisa

A5: I pledged to run 13 5ks this year. I want to start running, er wogging, again. #ChasingJoyRachée

Making time for me, debt pay down, and more family time RT @Chasing_Joy: Q5: Would you like to share any of your resolutions? #ChasingJoyMichelle

Q5: Would you like to share any of your resolutions? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy A4: No resolutions here. I just need to focus on the big picture. It may take a variety of ways to get there. #ChasingJoyJoyce Brewer

Q4b – Having specific goals to work towards help give me a sense of purpose and definitely impact my happiness in a positive way #ChasingJoyMichelle

A4 b: all of my resolutions should hep with my quality of life and mindset and therefore = happier me. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A4 a. I did make resolutions but unconventional ones. I have found it helpful to have them as reminders through out the year. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A1 No I didnt make one and A2 I dont think it will have any impact #chasingjoyMJ Scott

A4b goals are something that I can adjust as I need to. Resolutions seem so final. #ChasingJoyRachée

A4 Im not into resolutions. I feel that resolutions are fake promises that are made to be broken and sound good for the moment! #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

A4 I made goals this year. Resolutions don’t work but a goal is something I can work towards. #ChasingJoyRachée

Q4 b: What impact, if any, will making/not making your resolutions have on your overall happiness? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Q4 a: Why did you make or not make a new year resolution? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Champaign toas and a kiss sounds like a nice date to this single girl 🙂 @MommyTalkShow #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

@Chasing_Joy A3: Once my husband got home from work, we toasted w/ champagne and kissed. Wish we could have gone on a real date #ChasingJoyJoyce Brewer

At home with sick kiddos but with prayer and meditation RT @Chasing_Joy: Q3: How did you bring in the new year? #ChasingJoyMichelle

Q3: How did you bring in the new year? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

A2 feeling pretty happy and positive. There are things that I am working in but even those changes, while a challenge,are good. #ChasingJoyRachée

A2 hard to say its been an annoying few days. But mostly I am happy #chasingjoyMJ Scott

A2 I am really good. Some curve balls but dodging them with pray and faith!! #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

Q2: How happy are you at this time in your life? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

#ChasingJoy a1 Rachee from Philly.Rachée

Hi All! I’m Michelle from South Carolina … glad to meet you all! RT @Chasing_Joy: Q 1: Who are you and where are you from? #ChasingJoyMichelle

A1 I am Melissa and I am from Philly #chasingjoyMelissa Lopez

@Chasing_Joy I’m Joyce and I live in Atlanta. Originally from Long Island NY #ChasingJoyJoyce Brewer

A1 I am MJ and I am from the very cold state of Utah #chasingjoyMJ Scott

A1: I’m Arlett and I am from Philly. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Q 1: Who are you and where are you from? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Happy New Year Everyone!!! #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Resolutions and Goals RT @Chasing_Joy: This month’s Topic is Starting the Year Off Right #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

The purpose of this chat is to get to know each other better and bond over the themes of Optimism, Gratitude, and Happiness. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy (Arlett)

Welcome to the #ChasingJoy Twitter Chat.Chasing Joy (Arlett)

Feel free to jump in and answer any of the questions above. Did you set resolutions or goals for 2013? Do you feel there is a difference between goals and resolutions? If you did make a New Year’s Resolution how is it going since we are a week into 2013?

#FlashbackFriday : Dear 2011

December 14, 2012 |

Hey Joy Chasers!

Today should be a fantastic Flashback Friday for me as my mom is scheduled to come home from the hospital. Whoot!!! Thanks to everyone who has been praying for her. Please continue. 🙂

Now it’s time to talk Flashbacks. Here were my favorite linkys from last weeks flashback. What You Can Do With Slide Share taught me about a way to share presentations online and increase SEO. The Gift of Love helps us to focus in on what is really important at the holidays, and it’s not St. Nicholas Square 7-Ft. Pre-Lit Christmas Trees. Last but certainly not least is Why Do We Suffer gets down to the bottom of whats standing in the way of our happiness.

After you check out the best of the best from last weeks link up add your own below. Here is how it works. Flashback Friday is where we Flashback to our older blog posts and give them new life through the power of the linky!!! Pick out your link and add it below. Link to any post you like of any theme you want. Feel free to post a link to your Flashback post on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page so more Joy Chasers can read it. Use the hashtag #FlashbackFriday or #FBF on twitter to promote your Flashback post. Add your link below and be sure to check out AT LEAST TWO other Flashback posts. I suggest the two links before your post to make it easy. Leave a comment saying why you selected your Flashback post and what you thought of the other Flashback Posts.

My Flashback post, Dear 2011, is a letter I wrote to the upcoming year. It revealed my high hopes for the year and some goals. All of which I worked on but did not quite accomplish. What would you write in a letter to 2013?

*Don’t forget to grab the I am Chasing Joy and Flashback Friday buttons!

**Also invite some of you blogger buddies to join in and link up too!

***Don’t forget to come out to the Walk The Talk Fashion Event tomorrow!!!!

#ChasingJoy December Twitter Chat Recap

December 5, 2012 |

Did you miss the #ChasingJoy twitter chat this past Sunday??? If so your in luck. I’ve used Storify to bring you the highlights of the chat. Enjoy the recap and feel free to keep the conversation going by answering the chat questions in the comments below.

[View the story “#ChasingJoy December Twitter Chat Recap” on Storify]

#ChasingJoy December Twitter Chat Recap

Storified by Chasing Joy · Wed, Dec 05 2012 01:15:18

Hurty wants in on the #ChasingJoy chat http://pic.twitter.com/wHQZfNEPChasing Joy

The purpose of this chat is to get to know each other better and bond over the themes of Optimism, Gratitude, and Happiness.#ChasingJoyChasing Joy

This month’s Chat is a little different because it comes with a giveaway from @LCCindee of Creekside Naturals. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q 1: Who are you and where are you from? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q2: How happy are you at this time in your life? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

A2. I happy in my life even though there’s a few things I really want in life #ChasingJoySamantha Dube

Q3: What holidays are you celebrating in the next few weeks? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q3 My family will be celebrating Kwanzaa and then my son’s tenth birthday. #ChasingJoyJaneane Davis

#chasingjoy we are celebrating ChristmasCindee Smith

#ChasingJoy I will be celebrating Christmas though I have no real plans yet.Samantha Dube

Q4: What emotions are you feeling this holiday season? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q4 I am feeling rushed, excited and nervous #ChasingJoyJaneane Davis

Gratitude and peace. RT @Chasing_Joy: Q4: What emotions are you feeling this holiday season? #ChasingJoyMichelle

I’m a little melancholy same as every yr at this time RT @Chasing_Joy Q4: What emotions are you feeling this holiday season? #ChasingJoyMel

Q5: How are you managing the stress (gifting, work parties, entertaining) common to this time of year? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q5 I am managing the stress by taking a deep breath, counting to five and chewing sugar free bubble gum #ChasingJoyJaneane Davis

#ChasingJoy I hope everyone can remember why we celebrate the season.Cindee Smith

A5: Delegating and focusing on the why of the holiday season and not so much what everyone will get. #ChasingJoyMichelle

Love it RT @Ms__Positivity: This year I have worked on my stress-free techniques. I refuse to worry about things I cant change! #ChasingJoyMichelle

#ChasingJoy A5. I love parties so no stress there . Gifts r a bit tough wen u don’t have $$. Haven’t had an opportunity to entertain yet.Samantha Dube

Q6 A: What are you most looking forward to this holiday season? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q6 I am looking forward to achieving some professional successes and being able to make my son’s 10th birthday special #ChasingJoyJaneane Davis

A6. I’m looking forward to going to see the nutcracker with my mom and pulling the little prank on her with her gift on Xmas #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Christmas Dinner … well, dessert 🙂 RT @Chasing_Joy: Q6 A: What are you most looking forward to this holiday season? #ChasingJoyMichelle

Q7: What is your favorite tradition to pass on to your children? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

A7: Giving back, having a charitable cause and valuing people above everything else. #ChasingJoyCaroll Atkins

A7. When I have kids I hope to pass on my dad’s traditions and create some new ones with them #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q8: if you are giving gifts are you shopping #USAmade, #smallbusiness, or doing homemade? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

Q8 I am doing homemade gifts to go along with the idea of Kwanaa. #ChasingJoyJaneane Davis

#ChasingJoy that is a Biggy to me. I try to buy all my product form USA great pointCindee Smith

Q9: Are you doing anything different this holiday season than previous years? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

A9: @Chasing_Joy Yes. We are staying home and enjoying each other without extended family. YAY! #chasingjoyuneeka jay

Q10: Do you have a Facebook page, blog, or other link that you’d like to share? #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

#ChasingJoy wow South Africa isn’t it amazing we can all talk togetherCindee Smith

I love that our chat is global, South Africa, USA, and UK. #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

RT @Ms__Positivity: RT @Chasing_Joy: The next #ChasingJoy chat will be Next year on Sunday January 6th. At 4:00pm EST #ChasingJoyChasing Joy

BRC2012 Part 1: Making it Personal at Blogalicious

October 8, 2012 |

Disclaimer, this post will be all about my experience at the Blogalicious Blog Conference. It will cover the cool things that I learned and inspiration that I received to help me become a better blogger. If you do not blog you may not want to read further, BUT I HOPE YOU DO!. Why? Because so much of what was covered at the blog conference applies to more than just bloggers. If you have your own business, want to have your own business, have your own charity, enjoy social media, are active in your sorority or have a hobby that you want to invest more of yourself in than KEEP READING 🙂

So where do I even begin. I’ll start by saying everyone should go to conferences. It is so refreshing to be around people who understand and get what you do. They share your excitement and enthusiasm to learn all their is to know about your interest. That was my experience at Blogalicious as well as at all of the other blog conferences that I have attended. So go online and start looking up conferences related to your own interests. No matter what your in to I am sure there is a conference somewhere bringing people who share your interest together. For example if you love Bingo you could go to the Bingo World 2013 Conference taking place in Mississippi next spring.

I noticed several themes at Blogalicious this year than kept coming up during the different presentations, panels, and breakout sessions. They were Make It Personal, Ways to Generate Income (Make Money) and How to Get More Traffic to your site.

I really want to share everything that I learned so that 1 you can use these tips to help you with your own, blog, business, charity, or hobby and 2 so that you will wish you were there and join me at Blogalicious 2013. That’s right I’m already planning to go even though I have no clue where it will be held. My vote is for Philly by the way!!! In an effort to share all but not bore you with a super long post I’ll break up all the info in a series of post. This post is already getting long so I will start us off with what it means to Make it Personal.

Making it personal means to be authentic. Your blog, business, etc is an extension of you. It is your ideas, goals, and passions. However as you get more involved it is really easy to get pulled in multiple directions and get distracted by money, opportunities, and other shinny things. Now there is nothing wrong with money, opportunities, and other shinny things but if you are not careful you could look around one day and find that you are doing nothing like what you ever intended or wanted to do. You have lost touch with your true vision and passion. You have gone from being authentic to being whatever you need to be to get the money, opportunities, and shinny things. But often along the way you have lost your joy and maybe even indirectly steered yourself away from the money, opportunities, and shinny things that you would have attracted naturally by being your authentic self.

Here are a few things you should be aware of to help you stay authentic and Make it Personal:

Know your voice

Who are you?
Why do you do this?
What is your goal?

Know your audience

What is their demographic (age, gender, location, etc.)

Know your sponsors (or potential sponsors)
Who do you work for?
Who is your community?

My answers to this questions are as follows:

My Voice

I am a single woman in her 30s who recognizes that it is really easy for me to get weighted down with the hardships of life and become unhappy if I am not focused on Joy and Happiness.
I write this blog as a way of reminding myself to stay focused on being happy and to remind others that their personal happiness is important and and should be a top priority.
My goal is to never get stuck in a prolonged period of unhappiness and to provide a safe place online for people to talk about their own pursuit of Joy.

My Audience

My audience is largely made up of women between the ages of 25 and 44. Many live in the Philadelphia area but a few live as far away as the UK and South Africa.

My sponsors

Sponsors can include any brands that promote improving quality of life. Current sponsors for my upcoming event include self care services such as life coaching, hair care, stylist, and spa services.

My Boss

I work for myself first and foremost. I started this blog to pull myself out of a dark place and I don’t ever want to lose site of that purpose. I also work for my readers and want to give them an entertaining and relatable experience with each blog post.

My community

My community includes people who like to have a positive and optimistic outlook on life and people who are looking for and who want to share inspiration.

Can you answer these questions about your blog, business, hobby and maybe even your current job? What is your voice, audience, and community?

Stay tuned for the next post in the Blogalicous Recap 2012 series.

Top Ten Ways to Chase Joy in London

September 27, 2012 |

Gone Fishing!!!! Well not really but sort of. I am on vacation from my day job. I will be spending the next few days in Las Vegas. Contrary to what the commercials say, what happens in Vegas will not be staying in Vegas this time. Why? Because I will be attending Blogalicious 2012, and you know I will be writing a post or a series of post to fill you in on all that I learn about blogging. If you don’t believe me check out the series I wrote last year after Blogalicious 11. I will also be spending some time living it up with a couple of girlfriends, hitting the strip, gambling, and doing whatever else tickles our fancies. Unfortunately for you, the traditional What Happens in Vegas stays in Vegas rule will apply to those activities 🙂

In the mean time I have not left you stranded. Today, please enjoy a guest post from Amanda Rodrigues of Show and Stay. If the resent Olympic Games did not make you want to go across the Pond to London her guest post certainly will.

Top Ten Ways to Chase Joy in London

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/criminalintent/3867913283/

The capital is known for its congestion and tourism, but we’ve found a few things to smile about among the hustle and bustle. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy — Show and Stay takes a look at some of the capital’s little rays of sunshine to bring a little joy to your day!

Second Hand Shopping – Retail therapy is a great way to chase joy in the capital, and nothing makes you smile like finding a bargain! London has a wealth of excellent vintage stores and thrift shopping options where you can find cheap, unique and pre-loved items to liven up your wardrobe. Brick Lane, Portobello Road, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Camden are all rich in retro boutiques, or head to a vintage fair like Alfie’s Antique Market in Bermondsey.
Take in a London Show – There’s plenty of joy to be found in the glitzy West End, where there’s a London show for every taste, whether you’re a lover of colourful musicals or heavyweight plays. Jazz up your London break with a visit to Theatreland and bring some added joy to any visit to the capital. From the heartwarming smash-hit Shrek the Musical to the cheery and uplifting Matilda, there are so many lively productions to choose from, the hardest part will be picking which one to see!
A Walk in the Park – Brighten up your day with a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll through one of London’s many green areas. Explore the huge and sprawling Royal Parks — spot free-roaming deer in Richmond Park, pelicans in St James’s Park or enjoy the far-stretching views of the Thames in Greenwich — or head to one of the many commons or heaths across the capital for a slice of tranquility in this busy city.
Discover some Street Art – Seeking out some of London’s hidden art is bound to bring a little joy to an otherwise dull day. Street art tours run three days a week in Shoreditch and Brick Lane, taking in some of the capital’s freshest and most exceptional street pieces. It’s a wonderful way of acquainting yourself with the urban landscape and the street art scene, as well as discovering parts of London you wouldn’t ordinarily see.
Rediscover your Inner Child – Taking a trip down memory lane is a great way to chase joy in the capital, and there’s no better place to do this than the V&A Museum of Childhood. Home to a huge collection of children’s paraphernalia, from hand-crafted rocking horses to Meccano building kits and puzzles to puppets, you’re sure to recognise something from your own early years that will make you smile.
Tea and Cake – It really is the simple pleasures that bring the most joy, and it doesn’t get much simpler than this. Whether it’s a fancy afternoon tea at the Ritz complete with cucumber sandwiches and a glass of bubbly, or pastries at your local patisserie, or even a cup of builders and a slab of Victoria sponge in the corner cafe, there are very few things that tea and cake can’t solve!
Make Something – Drink, Shop & Do is a cafe on the Caledonian Road; a little haven of joy in an otherwise rather seedy area near King’s Cross. Here you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, afternoon tea or a glass of wine while learning a new skill, such as Playing with Clay 80s Style, Robot Lego, Vintage Hair and Make-up, or Rude Scrabble. Great on your own or with friends, this kitsch cafe is packed full of craftsy charm, which is certain to instill a little happiness.
Have a Sing-Song – Nothing says ‘joy’ like belting out your favourite tune at the top of your voice, and the capital has tons of places to burst into song. Whether it’s a Cockney Sing-Song at the Brick Lane Music Hall, a solo in a Japanese-style karaoke lounge or a bit of KaraUke (karaoke accompanied by a ukelele band), you’ll find plenty of ways to unleash your inner diva in the capital.
Cuddle a Piglet or Little Lamb – Feeling glum? Baby animals are bound to bring a smile to your face, and London’s city farms are the perfect place for you to hug a cute and cuddly creature. Escape the urban jungle by visiting a rural retreat in the heart of the city. From geese to goats and wallabies to alpacas, there are all sorts of animals to meet and greet. Some city farms like Deen City and Freightliners are even free to enter!
Here is a picture of Tree Abseiling, from sciencephoto.com
in case you were like me, and did not know what it was.

Climb a Tree Relive those carefree childhood days by partaking in one of the UK’s fastest-growing adventure pursuits. The Big Tree Climbing Company offers experiences at Highgate Woods, where you can get back to nature in the most thrilling way possible. You’ll get training before your climb and then you’ll abseil down again for an added rush.

These suggestions were written by Show and Stay, the providers of weekend theatre breaks in London. Show and Stay provide hotel and theatre packages for the West End’s best musicals, plays and London attractions. Show and Stay has rooms from a selection of hand picked hotels, which are conveniently located. Check out the Show and Stay blog Stay connected with Show and Stay on twitter @showandstay and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/showandstay.

Have you participated in any of these activities in London? Which of these activities would bring Joy to your city?

Chasing Joy Chat Recap

September 5, 2012 |

This past Sunday we had our monthly Chasing Joy Twitter Chat. The topic was transitioning into the Fall. This month I made our chat a little more fun by offering a giveaway. I still had a few things from my Blogalicious 11 swag bag so I decided to share. The winner was randomly selected using random.org from those who participated, tweeting using the #ChasingJoy hashtag. Our winner was Mental Mosaic. You can find out more about her on her site. She will be receiving a Aunt Jemima thermal grocery bay, Aunt Jemima apron, Aunt Jemima thumb drive, and Aunt Jemima recipe cards along with coupons for free Aunt Jemima frozen goodies. Isn’t she a lucky lady.

In case you missed it here are a some highlights from the chat.

The purpose of the chat is to get to know each other better and bond over the themes of Optimism, Gratitude, and Happiness.

Question: How happy are you at this time in your life?
Responses:

Trying very hard to be happy these days, but not always succeeding. Hard year.

Keep trying, Hard years happen to us all. The tied will inevitable turn

Well Stick around hunni…we will sure to pick ya spirits up! I’m following you now!

Question: Are you looking forward to the fall or sad to see the summer go?
Responses:

I’m looking fwd to some cooler temps. I melt here in TX! Plus, I love that “back to school” feeling

Sad to see summer go, but not sad to cool off a little. I do love pumpkin season!!

Question: Is there anything you wanted to do this summer that you didn’t have a chance to do?
Responses:

Go on vacation! I didn’t do any of that this year with my job being unstable!

I really wanted to go swimming…never made it and the pool is closed

Sadly I never made it to the beach this year. I’m still hoping to go before it is to cold

Questions: What feelings do you associate with the fall?
Responses:

Real calm….I love that feeling!

It’s funny you mention calm. I am good at looking calm. But often I am panicking in my head. SMH

Oh Nooooo! I am calm most of the time. Its best to take a moment and take a dp breath and regroup!

Yes! I do a lot of deep breathing

Yes that is a must…water and teas make me calm as well

For me, fall is all about comfort. Smells, tastes, colors, all comforting

Happiness. I love fall. Maybe because I love the colors, the cool weather or maybe its because my birthday is in the fall lol

I think of the fall as a time of new beginnings and starting over. I think it is a reminder of the back to school mindset.

The fall makes me think about “crocking”. I am definitely in cooking mode!

All my 70’s stuff looks better in the fall

Question: Do you change your habits along with the seasons?
Responses:

I go outside more in the fall but not a lot more

I miss buying back to school supplies

I still buy ’em – school or no!

I still by some for work

We try to eat seasonally, so cooking habits do change with the seasons.

I love all the foods from fall squash, corn, tomatoes, etc

I recently learned a little about seasonal eating

What did you learn?

Seasonal eating is fascinating! Nature is pretty cool 😉

I learned that foods have cooling and thermal properties that help us with body temperature when we eat in season

That’s cool or hot lol

I think my eating habits change the most in the fall more soups, more cooking, and less salads and cold foods

I love sweaters and I am always excited when I can start wearing them again

Question: What are you hoping to do or accomplish this fall?
Response:

I want to release my ebook & music CD this fall & organize my closet, too. It’s a mess!

loss 10 lbs and get pregnant

New Job and volunteering

I have a very definite project list for fall! Also, lots of exercise

I have a new venture that I want to get off the ground this fall, and I want to get more organized

I want to have my charity event be a success this fall. and to start working more on my book

I want to change my blog design and write more. More laughs! Yay

Question: Does the fewer hours of day light effect your mood? If it does, what do you do to stay upbeat and energetic during the shorter hours of day light?
Responses:

VERY much so

yes but not until the middle of Feb. I usually go shopping but this year I am going to try exercise

Not really….the time switch never messes with me

The time change definitely affects my mood. I try to shift my schedule to have better energy in the fall.

Yes! Leaving work in darkness makes me sad. Just got an office with a window, so things will be different now! 🙂 I think being intentional about going outdoors at least once during the day can help.

The shorter days do effect my mood in a bad way. I feel more tired and am prone to feel down more often. I try to make sure I get enough sunlight by walking during lunch outside

Question: What is your favorite meal to cook or have in the fall?
Responses:

Anything in a slow cooker…I want to try to make a chili this fall!

Crock pot stew with lots of root veggies!

I love to eat Chili in the fall. Yummy and comforting

White chicken chili…I make it every year after the first snow..which in Utah could be tomorrow or not until December

I have been looking forward to making vegetable soup and chicken and barely soup

So those were the high lights of the Chasing Joy Twitter Chat. There was also discussion on hair styling in the fall vs. the summer. Recipes and links were shared. You can join in the chat on the first Sunday of every month. The next #ChasingJoy chat will be Sunday October 7th. At 4:00pm EST #ChasingJoy

But until then, feel free to keep the conversation going and answer any of the questions above. What are you hoping to accomplish this fall? Do you change your habits in the fall? What food are you excited to have or make this fall?

A Time To Talk to Dad

August 27, 2012 |

Dear Dad,

Lately your favorite bible verse has been on my mind.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.

Today I am allowing myself A time to Weep as I acknowledge how much I miss you. I cannot believe it has been 3 years (today) since your passing. I still expect to see you sitting in your chair in your apartment and to hear you whistle coming in the door.
Today is also a time to Laugh as I remember all of the jig dances you’d do and pretend you didn’t know we were watching. I laugh remembering how you’d tease mom almost every day until she’d yell at you to “shut up” then you’d laugh and say “ah you said it!” I laugh remembering how excited you were to find out you were going to be a grandfather and declaring you had to have an original name that no one had ever been called before. When you came up with “One-Pop” it sounded so bizarre but now it sounds so normal 🙂

Today I am having a time to heal as I remind myself and everyone else who has lost a love one that it is ok to be happy and have a great life. That constant sorrow and grief do not honor them. But focusing on happy memories and creating new ones is what they want for us. I know at times it seems like to be happy without them is a form or betrayal. But that is not the case. That is an example of how feelings are sometimes just feelings and do not reflect reality. Reality is that they want you to be happy and have a joy filled life.

Today I experience a time to Love. While I cannot say any good came from your death. I can say that one thing that I have learned is that Love truly can be unconditional. I still feel how much you love me as though you were still here. I feel it every day. It has not decreased in any way. I feel comforted by it always.

Today, sadly is also a time to Hate. What I hate is Cancer! I still have a hard time even saying that word. I think of it as a curse “the C word” is what I say in my mind. Since it took you from us it has also taken one of my oldest friend’s mom, another’s grandma, and one of my book club friends. It is currently attacking one of my college friend’s mom. It even came after Hurt but God blessed him with a healing and he is still with us. I hate it and pray for a cure.

Today is a time to Sow and Plant. This letter I write you is posted on my blog. This blog has helped me to not get stuck in grief and mourning. I don’t think you knew years ago that sharing the short story you wrote about the true meaning of Christmas, as learned by a family experiencing a fire during the holiday, would inspire me to become a writer. Well it did 🙂 I write about gratitude, trying new things, personal growth, health and happiness. On my blog I plant and sow seeds of Joy to be harvested by myself and any readers who can relate.

Lastly today is a time of Peace. Growing up attending Seventh Day Adventist Church and School I had the belief that when a person died their soul remained at rest until judgment day. But after your passing I keep thinking of the scripture that says something like “to be absent with the body is to be present with God”. I am greatly comforted by the idea of you as an Angel. Someone close to me dreamed of you flapping your Angel Wings. I can imagine you in heaven running track with Jessie Owens and listening to Whitney sing. For a while I really wondered where you were, meaning your spirit. But I’m not going to wonder anymore. Instead I’ll allow myself to find comfort in any thoughts of you that make me smile. I remind myself that I don’t have to know every about the afterlife. I find peace in knowing that if I have the faith of a mustard seed, God will take care of the rest, and that I will see you again.

Dad, I miss you greatly but I am well because I promised you I would be. I feel your love and know you would be proud of me.

Love Forever.

Chasing Joy does not mean pretending bad and painful things don’t happen. There is a time for every emotion even the bad ones. How do you experience but not become overwhelmed with grief after losing a loved one?

20 Dont’s for a Joyful Life

August 7, 2012 |

A couple weeks ago I was reading the fitness and weight loss blog posts of Phit-N-Phat. One of the posts was talking about how when you are watching what you eat and say “I can’t have” something it almost automatically makes people what you to have it. They are not intending to be food pushers and are often not aware that they may be pressuring you to go off your plan. The word can’t implies you are being deprived and we don’t want our friends to be deprived, right? So as soon as you say “I cant have dessert” people immediately say things like can’t you have a little piece, you can have some if you work it off, etc… Your friends don’t want you to be left out or miss out on what they are experiencing. Conversely the post said if you say “I don’t eat sugar”, “I don’t eat fried foods”, etc… people usually say OK and all those helpful suggestions on how you could still indulge stop.

Funny how powerful words are. The simple switch from “can’t” to “don’t” also brings about a completely different emotion. Often the don’t has a negative connotation. But it does not have to. Sometimes the word don’t can be strong and purposeful. For example when I say I can’t go over my budget I automatically think of all of the things I want but cannot buy. However when I say I don’t go over my budget I feel strong, in control, and determined.

I think it is time I embrace the word don’t.