Joy As A Boundary

Joy is often treated like a bonus, something we get to enjoy only when everything else is done. This talk offers a different view: joy as a boundary that protects what matters most. Through a few minutes of reflection, you’ll be invited to consider joy not as an afterthought, but as a starting point. Let it remind you that joy can be the measure of what you welcome in and what you leave out.

Transcript

Hey everyone.

Today I want to talk to you a little bit about joy and joy isn't a bonus,

It's a boundary.

For me personally I am not interested in a life where joy is something that I have to earn and where I only get to feel good once I've checked everything off a list and maybe where rest has to be justified and pleasure often comes with a disclaimer because joy is not a reward,

It's a boundary.

It's what I use to mark the line between what I allow and what I won't and that's how I know I'm still in integrity with myself and I'm still choosing to live happily,

Joyfully and not just getting by.

And for me joy is not about pretending that everything's fine but it's about making space for moments that are.

So if you need permission to go lie on the grass,

Buy the thing,

Cancel the plan,

Take a nap,

Crank up the music,

Say no,

Say yes or just feel good for no damn reason at all,

This is it,

Here it is.

You don't have to prove anything,

You don't have to wait,

You're allowed to access joy now.

Not when the house is clean,

Not when the inbox is at zero because that's never gonna happen,

Not when your body looks different or your to-do list is shorter or the world feels less heavy,

But now.

Because the truth is joy is often how we really show up and claim ourselves,

Not all at once but in small radiant unapologetic moments and that's not a luxury,

That's life and I don't want to wait for that anymore,

I don't know about you.

So I'd love to know what's one thing that you're going to do to make sure you're experiencing joy.

Reviews

Powerful talk! I agree with 1000% Now, I make time for following things that bring me joy and that light me up. ChatGPT says “Joy is your system’s yes. Chronic depletion is your system’s no.” 👏

Totally agree!! 👍🏽 Ive been practicing the feeling of just being grateful. Finding little small things to be grateful for which has been adding up to bigger things. I’m so with this! I’m going to bookmark 🔖 this track as well, so I can remember to start just doing things without permission or just b/c I’ve accomplished something. Nope, play the song anyway. Thank you for sharing this 🙏🏽♥️

Thank you, I needed to hear this today! I've recently started allowing myself to sleep late on the weekends. This luxury of time has given my creative spirit space to dream and write, two things that bring me joy. Your words support my creative time & nurture my joy. Thank you!

Just what I needed to hear.
Thank you!
Blessings to all.
Warmly,
Anne

Thank you for the reminder that joy and rest do not have to be earned!

Very well stated. Your words give me hope. Thank you 😊 🦋

Great reminder thank you! Dancing is my joy, I will try to put some music on and just be free to move along this weekend ❤️

Love it. Joy for no reason 😁 I’m going to song and dance to some music 🎶

LOVE the topic of JOY! My word for 2025! I've been giving myself permission to shut out the noise and bask in JOY when I need to recharge and it has made all the difference! So yes, it's a boundary!!

Wonderful talk, and spot on, thank you for sharing! I have been reclaiming my sense of awe and wonder for the last few years. I have recently begun reclaiming my sense of humor as well. Learning to laugh and experience joy openly is where it's at... So to experience joy, I will invest my time in myself, freely, with no expectation of achievement or productivity. 🙏💖 May you live with joy, peace, and ease... May all be free.

Joy for me right now is lying in bed with all the windows open and feeling the breeze coming through the house, my two kitties napping on their perches in front of the open windows. It’s all joy, even though I’m lying in bed with a terrible cold and my head feels like it will burst from the pressure.

Thank you for this short talk. Today I will be baking banana bread. Which was grandpa's favorite 😃.

Ooooh this was great friend. My thing is to keep taking Dog out to play and romp. She gets soo happy and it makes me soo joyful. Thanks for this message 🥰😁🐾✨️