Wellness with Vanessa

Top 5 Reasons that daily joy is important:

If you've visited my page before, you've likely seen some mention of joy or maybe you've even seen some of my videos on finding joy. This topic is near and dear to my heart because we all have such great capacity for joy, but so often our lives/jobs/relationships/responsibilities get in the way of our experience of joy. I love being a joy advocate for those who want to experience more joy in their lives, but don't always know how to do that.

If joy seems like a luxury to you, here are 5 things to keep in mind on why joy is an important daily experience:
1. Joy keeps us connected to our most authentic self
2. Joy helps us to feel energized and inspired
3. Sharing our joy with others is an important part of building and supporting relationships
4. Joy helps us experience meaning and connection in our daily lives
5. Joy is our birthright as humans: everyone deserves to lead a joyful life

Accessing joy can be easy: it doesn't have to be a big production. Standing outside for a few moments of quiet reflection, meditation, creating a yummy treat at home, talking with a friend, or dancing to music in your living room are just a few ways that you can experience joy today.

What brings you a few moments of joy?

Last year I was lucky enough to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. I would highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in D.C.
The first photo here is a civil war recruitment poster from 1863, written by Frederick Douglass, who urged all men of color to enlist in the Army and fight for their freedom. Today Black and brown people are still fighting for their freedom, and it is more important than ever that we all join in this fight together.
Let’s keep educating ourselves about Black history, which is incredibly important, especially today on Juneteenth.

I chose to take a break from posting on Instagram over this past week to create space for voices other than my own. I also wanted to listen and learn. During this time, I have actively looked for ways to become a better white person and a better ally to people and communities of color. As a result, I recognize that I must continuously educate myself about the challenges faced by people of color, that I must have courageous conversations with friends, family and colleagues about living more consciously as a white person, and that I must be vocal in my support of the Black community, and all communities of color. Before I resume my normal posts I wanted to take a moment to share this. I will always welcome these inclusive conversations with anyone seeking greater understanding, education, and support.

Black lives matter.

It’s true!

Self care, nutrition, sleep. These are the undervalued, often ignored components of productivity. When was the last time you looked at how you are taking care of yourself?

💙

💖

Whether we’re talking mental, physical, or emotional, healthy looks different for everyone. Learning what is truly healthy for your unique self is an important step towards reaching your goals 💖
.
.
.

Change happens in tiny fragments. It happens in the 15 minute breaks taken to rest and refocus. In the extra 8oz of water to stay well hydrated. In the 10 minute walk you take just for a change of scenery. Change happens when you shift your focus from what you should do, to what you want to do.

If you are thinking about trying something new that might help you to grow, expand, or move forward in some way, I think you should just go for it! 💙🤍💙🤍

When you are experiencing burnout from an imbalance between work and life, it can become much more challenging to show up for yourself and for other people. Are you taking the time to slow down and do what you need for yourself?

A little nature walk today 😍

See you soon!