The Many Flavors of JOY By Deborah Roth Anyone who knows me knows I’ve called my grandcuties my “joy pills” since the oldest, Keira, was born in 2017. And since embracing the Chair of JOY® experience last fall, and becoming a JOYELY® Ambassador in February 2023, joy has become even more deeply woven into my life. Since then, I’ve expanded my own understanding of joy and have been amazed at how it shows up in all sorts of delightful and unexpected ways—much like the diverse flavors of ice cream in a local shoppe! Each flavor brings something unique, and just like ice cream, joy can be found in all kinds of surprising forms—some bold, others subtle, but all equally delicious. Here are just a few of my favorite “flavors” of joy: Poignant Joy: One of my Chair of JOY® Sessions surprised me when a joyful memory came up from the time my family gathered at hospice to say goodbye to my 21-year-old nephew, Max. Even in heartbreak, there was a tender joy in being together and comforting him in his final moments. Joy of Freedom: During a Chair of JOY session with my husband, Peter, his memory was cliff diving in his younger years! When asked what he felt, the word that came to mind was “freedom,” which felt even more meaningful as his body hasn’t felt as free and easy lately. Joy of Success: This one may seem obvious, but nothing beats the kind of joy we saw in that viral video of Tara Davis Woodhall celebrating her Olympic gold with her husband. The pure love and elation are contagious! Wonder-filled Joy: This joy comes when something absolutely takes your breath away—like fireworks for me, or cresting a hill and seeing an extraordinary vista spread out before you. Ordinary Joy: There’s joy in the simplest, everyday moments: waking up to sunshine after days of rain, hearing a baby giggle, or getting an unexpected text from a friend. Joy of Chocolate: There’s a special kind of joy that comes with savoring a piece of mouth-watering chocolate (or any delicious treat). Taking a moment to enjoy something truly scrumptious feels like a little joy-filled gift. As JOY Intelligence™ continues to gain momentum and recognition as a powerful, transformative concept, it’s becoming a universal language that bonds us together as a community, a nation, and a world. These voices have been talking about joy in powerful ways: The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu: In The Book of Joy, these two spiritual leaders explore how joy can be cultivated even in hardship, seeing it as a deep, sustained sense of well-being. Brené Brown: This researcher describes joy as one of the most vulnerable emotions, but embracing it leads to a more wholehearted life. Marie Kondo: Her KonMari Method, with its focus on items that “spark joy,” has made the conversation about joy part of how we organize our lives and homes. Ingrid Fetell Lee: Her work in Joyful focuses on how physical spaces can spark joy and how design can influence emotional well-being. Shawn Achor: In The Happiness Advantage, Achor emphasizes that cultivating joy leads to success, not the other way around. Priya Parker: In The Art of Gathering, Parker explains how joy is crucial to creating meaningful and transformative gatherings. Lizzo: Promoting body positivity and self-love, Lizzo encourages her fans to find joy no matter the circumstances. Rebecca Solnit – Activist: Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit nails it when she says, “Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism.” During my 15 years with 4thU Artivists, I felt the powerful joy that comes from working towards positive change. Ariana Huffington: Founder of Thrive Global, Huffington promotes joy as essential to mental health and self-care. Oprah Winfrey: Oprah consistently brings joy to the forefront as a principle for personal growth and living with purpose. Kamala Joy: Who would have thought we’d see a “Joy Warrior” in politics? But there it was with Kamala Harris during the election cycle, a reminder that joy can show up anywhere. Taylor Music Joy: The worldwide phenomenon surrounding Taylor Swift is a perfect example of how joy and music go hand-in-hand. From Harvard courses to global fan movements, her influence connects and brings joy to millions across generations. JOY as an emotional state is not just something we aspire to but something that encompasses the full range of human experiences—whether we’re in survival mode, dealing with fear and suffering, or thriving in courage and resilience. It’s becoming clear that joy is now recognized as a critical tool in leadership, activism, mental health, and design. It connects us globally and strengthens our resilience. So what about you? What unexpected “flavors” of JOY have you found in your life? I’d love to hear what matters to you, and who in your life strikes you as someone who could easily make this list. It may not be about global icons such as these—it’s about you, each of us, showing up for the person right next to us, or someone you’ll talk to today, who might need you to show up fully, sharing your energy and joy. There are so many, and we’re having fun identifying them every day! How Fascinating: “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” — Buddha BITE SIZE GOODIE JOY SPARK JOY-FULL RESOURCE BRING IT ON! POETRY CORNER Carlos Santana. If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment. “Inciting Joy” by Ross Gay, bestselling author of “The Book of Delights” In these gorgeously written and timely pieces, prize-winning poet and author Ross Gay considers the joy we incite when we care for each other, especially during life’s inevitable hardships. Throughout Inciting Joy, he explores how we can practice recognizing that connection, and also, crucially, how we expand it. I invite you to pick one of the Flavors of Joy I’ve offered above and think of an example
How We Look at Ourselves Can Impact Our Lives and What We Give to the World By – Terese Parkin The first time I gazed into a mirror as a baby, I marveled with wonder and delight at the little being filled with love and joy staring back. I smiled, pointed, and smiled again, recognizing the reflection as me. No judgment. No comparison. No worries about being enough. But as time passed, feelings of comparison, judgment, inadequacy, and disappointment crept in. My thoughts about myself clouded with doubt: “How can I fit in? How can I look more like so-and-so, be smarter, more beautiful, more liked, more loved?” Where has that childlike wonder and self-love gone? What if I—and we—could remember that baby’s loving gaze? I am thrilled to share that after 66 years on this planet, I am beginning to grasp it: life is meant to be lived fully and with joy. Beauty is love, and both are ageless. I don’t have to conform or be like everyone else. What a boring world it would be if we all looked the same. With this daily Chair of JOY® practice of realizing, embracing, enhancing, and feeling our God-given beauty and love, we can step into aging with vitality, positivity, and grace. The joyous beauty of aging is about recalling that beautiful baby image and letting go of societal and self-judgment. That is why the Chair of JOY®, JOYELY®, and Sheryl Lynn’s vision of taking time to “be one with joy” can truly transform how we see ourselves, regardless of age, appearance, and circumstance. Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel.™ Sit – Embrace the power of the pause. It takes practice to allow ourselves to stop for a moment. Just stop, just be calm, just be. Breathe – Breathing is essential to life. Why do we take this fundamental tool for granted? Think – Close your eyes and recall the beautiful, innocent baby who loved you so completely and with such grace. Envision and hold in your heart the beauty you were born with. Think it, smell it, taste it, tingle with it so powerfully that it seeps into every part of you. Feel – Allow the joy to fill your body, melt into your heart, and sear into your mind. Daily Ask-firmations – Ask the universe, “Why am I so joyful, abundant, and energetic? Why do I love myself and others with such abundance? Why are my eyes able to see with such color, clarity, and confidence? Why do I live with daily movement, vitality, hope, and faith? Why do people want to be around my joyful presence?” Bring these thoughts from your heart to your mirror and gaze into your eyes. You will see the truth. This is my vision for how we can be positive and joyful in our lives as we age. There are no limits to the joy we can feel, to what we can do, and the impact we can have on others. Living an Ageless Beauty life is a gift. Live life as a queen, as a king, as a leader in your community and in the world—not in comparison, but in connection and honoring your true beauty. Choosing to make a change, to think outside the box, and to leap with courage instead of staying where it is all about the status quo and comfort, using the JOYELY® practice as a tool and a gift, is something I am very grateful for. We are each here for a reason. I stand in unison with all of you who choose to look at yourselves with love, creativity, and awe. I made a choice at age 65 to stand on stage at a beauty pageant with greying hair, no pantyhose, and love in my heart. I won when I made the choice to put myself out there. I was a queen before I even stepped onto that stage because I had changed the way I look at and love myself. That is not to say there aren’t times in our lives when that exceptional joy escapes us. Honestly, sometimes it is a challenge. In this last year, I have often reached for my Chair of JOY® daily during times of losing family members and friends. It is especially tough when we face the loss of loved ones, jobs, money, and our “youth.” The practice of Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel.™ centers us and reminds us to look through those youthful, innocent baby eyes, knowing that “all is as it should be.” Faith, Hope, and Love. The greatest of all is Love. How Fascinating: We are often so focused on the outward trappings and “standards” of beauty that we fail to remember that beauty is an inside job. And it starts with loving ourselves and radiating that JOY out into the world. Babies do it all the time.. https://www.linkedin.com/in/terese-parkin-2014/ BITE SIZE GOODIE JOY SPARK JOY-FULL RESOURCE BRING IT ON! POETRY CORNER “All seasons of life are beautiful. Aging is a problem only when you stop liking yourself as a person… I just feel good in my skin.” —Sophia Lohren Book for this Week: Mind Magic by Dr. James Doty – use the image A powerful read that reveals we already have everything we need to manifest our desires. No need to spend our valuable resources—just sit, breathe, think, and feel. The magic is within us, right where we are. Before Terese stepped on stage at the beauty pageant, she took a moment to ground herself using the Chair of JOY® practice, bringing herself into a state of calm and confidence. Sit – She found a quiet corner backstage, away from the hustle and noise. She sat down, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to simply be still. She embraced the power of the pause, recognizing that this moment was hers to own. Breathe – Terese took a few deep breaths, feeling the air fill her lungs, reminding herself of the life and strength within her. Each breath
Compassionate Leadership: The Heart of Thriving Teams Introduction Why Compassionate Leadership Matters In today’s fast-paced corporate world, leadership often revolves around efficiency, authority, and procedures. These aspects create a sense of safety and reduce risk in a world where we simply cannot process all the chaos that surrounds us. However, after more than 20 years of growing as a leader, my perspective is much different lthan when I first began leading teams in my CPA firm. Through leading my peers, the next generation, and even my superiors, I’ve found that compassionate leadership can have the biggest and quickest impact on employee engagement, collaboration, and overall team results. It’s not just a soft skill; it’s a powerful approach that can transform teams into collaborators who take joyful actions that lead to sustainable success. Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, said great leaders find alignment between what employees want to accomplish and what they want employees to accomplish, and they explain why it’s such a strong fit. A Turning Point: Lessons from a Broken Team I remember a time in my career as a senior manager when we had a team that was in utter disarray. Accusations were being made, whispers filled the hallways, side glances were exchanged in meetings, and there were even a few loud disagreements, if you know what I mean. The leadership handled this situation in the best way they knew how—by setting clear expectations, communicating the process of dealing with complaints, letting everyone know that the leaders’ doors were open if they needed to talk, and even providing extra counseling to the team. These all sound like reasonable and logical steps in resolving conflicts within the team. There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with any of it, yet the result, after all the efforts, was that the team fell apart, and one by one, the members of the team began leaving the company. The team members had lost respect for each other, and when they turned to the executives for guidance, they were met with responses like, “Follow the process we have given you,” “Do better going forward,” and “If you need to vent, come to me, not the other team members.” Growing up in a corporate culture where we just did what the last leader did and tried to hang on as best we could, I completely understood why this seemed like a good approach. The problem was that it didn’t take into account the actual situation, the individuals involved, or the deeper reasons the team was having problems. No one really listened to the individuals on the team or sought to understand why they were upset, frustrated, or angry. There was no empathy for what they had experienced, and the communication lacked genuine care for the team’s concerns. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that compassion is the only important aspect of conflict resolution. What I am saying is that for too long, we have focused on knowledge and logic to characterize great leadership. Research now supports that other important aspects of leadership, such as compassion, are worthy of serious consideration. Jeff Weiner also said, “Wisdom without compassion is ruthlessness, and compassion without wisdom is folly.” I believe this perfectly captures what some of those team members felt about the leadership during their troubling time. Although the leadership wasn’t actually ruthless, they appeared that way to the team because they didn’t intentionally lead with compassion, and therefore, they couldn’t find the joy in leading through hard times. Leading when it’s hard can be some of the most rewarding times if we can release our need to control and lean into our innate sense of being human. The Power of Compassionate Leadership Compassionate leadership means putting yourself in the shoes of others, even when you feel criticized or misunderstood. It’s about seeing situations from the other person’s perspective rather than imposing your will as a leader. When you take the time to understand what your team members are feeling and experiencing, you can address their concerns and motivations more effectively, getting to the real problem instead of merely addressing surface issues. Leading when it’s hard can be some of the most rewarding times if we can release our need to control and lean into our innate sense of being human. Rules and procedures can provide guidance and protection from risk, but compassion in consideration of those rules will connect your workforce to its leaders, developing deep trust and fostering a solid foundation for a joyful workplace. There are three key areas where compassionate leadership makes a significant impact: Engagement and Retention: Compassionate leaders create environments where people want to stay. Employees are more likely to feel connected to a leader who genuinely cares about them, leading to higher retention rates. When people feel valued and understood, they are more engaged in their work and committed to the organization. Collaboration: When leaders show empathy, it encourages a culture of openness and collaboration. Teams are more likely to support one another, share ideas, and work together toward common goals when they feel safe and respected. This leads to stronger relationships and more innovative solutions. Mental Health and Well-Being: The mental health of employees is crucial for their productivity and overall happiness. Compassionate leadership recognizes this and provides the support needed to ensure that team members feel cared for, reducing stress and burnout. Continuing the Story: My Approach to Leadership ! To conclude the illustration I mentioned earlier, the story does have a happier ending. Although we didn’t save all the members of that dysfunctional team, we did regroup, rebuild, and, with the help of these and other compassionate leadership principles, we formed a solid new team that emphasized the things we loved about what we were doing, starting from a place of what would bring us the most joy. This team completed their project under budget, met the deadlines, and one individual even achieved a promotion due to the team’s effectiveness. At the end of the day, we
Why Talk About Anger? By Sandra Dee Robinson Anger can be a catalyst, the initial impetus that pushes us into action. And that action can move us closer to where we are designed to be. It was an emotion I identify as anger that rose up in me when I was a young girl whenever I felt brave enough to share my dream of being a model, a pageant winner, an actress, or simply moving away from my hometown to explore the world. The response would be, “You can’t do that,” “That’s silly,” or “You’d better have a backup plan.” If they laughed scoffingly when they said this, it would create even more anger. Anger is a secondary emotion, or even tertiary. Something I learned while studying acting was how to accurately depict anger in a scene: go for the underlying emotion in the circumstances that the character was experiencing. Most often, it was fear of loss. The best actors have mastered the excavation of emotional levels to find the deepest underlying raw emotion. We love these artists on screen and get lost in the story because we can instantly identify with those deeper emotions. They are a part of the common experience we all share. When anyone laughed at my childhood dreams, I instantly felt betrayed, dismissed, and belittled for sharing my hopes. My anger helped me to feel like I was protecting myself. Maybe you’ve felt the same way even as an adult—sharing a big life or business dream and being shot down in that vulnerable moment. It may seem like Joy is inaccessible at that moment, but it is not removed forever. That anger fueled my determination to prove them wrong. I developed a “watch me!” attitude! And I did prove them wrong,..my first commercials were shot when I was just 13 years 0ld. I won my first pageant on my Dad’s birthday, bringing him great joy! (Interesting note: I just realized I am writing this article on that very same day of the year!) By age 18, I was working in NYC on my first TV series, launching over two decades of work as an actor in TV. In all the future occurrences where people would tell me I couldn’t succeed, I found myself going back to the “watch me” mode and getting the fire in me to prove them wrong. That was a benefit that came from allowing the feeling of anger. To be clear, I am not recommending fueling anger intentionally, ever. But I am suggesting giving yourself grace if it comes up. It’s natural, we all experience it, and it has a purpose. There are a few things to remember so that it doesn’t linger: Being angry keeps joy at bay. The longer we hold on to anger, the longer we go without experiencing joy to the fullest. It is impossible to experience both at the same time. Anger keeps us in the past. Replaying a situation that caused us to feel anger only keeps our attention in the past. This depletes our potential to succeed. We can be continually watching a video in our minds of exactly what we do not want. When our awareness is in the present moment, we can access so much more of our mind so that we can create new circumstances, find peace, listen well to others and to our Creator, and feel uplifted by Joy! The present is where magic happens. Anger builds the more we ruminate on it. When we dwell on anger, it tends to grow, and I think we’ve all felt that—how sitting with anger only intensifies it. But here’s the thing: just as anger can build, so can joy. The more time we spend cultivating joy, the more it flourishes. That’s why it’s so powerful to pull up a Chair of JOY®: Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel.™ The more we focus on joy, the more it expands and enriches our lives. Here’s the real beauty: The more we spend time in our Chair of JOY®, the easier it becomes to tap into that joy, even when anger arises. It’s like strengthening a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes! Three Simple Things to Move Anger Through and Away from You: Recognize what underlies what emotions are fueling that anger. You can simply sit in contemplation, or it can be super beneficial to journal your raw emotions and work through the layers of feelings to release them (see the action step below). Be grateful for what has manifested from the circumstance. Now, hang on before you quit reading this! I know that may sound like a tall, tall order, but there will be a blessing in the chaos and hurt that caused the anger if you look for it. The blessing may be that you establish boundaries with another person, or that you find compassion for someone who just presses your buttons (we all have those!). Maybe the good from your experience of feeling anger was that you did get into action to make a difference and change the situation. The good is there. Gratitude will diffuse anger, like water on a flame. Gratitude is best buddies with Joy! Ever notice how they hang out together? Envision having moved through it. Once you disarm the anger with understanding and gratitude for what will be learned, picture what you want. Within reason, of course. Meaning, that if there is a loss that cannot be returned, envision the best outcome despite the loss. What would be a magnificent win? Go to a quiet place and let your imagination build the picture with all your senses. Experience it. I recently worked through this with an organization that had a seemingly impossible divide. There were so many hurt feelings and vocalized anger on every side. I encouraged a few leaders to picture what they wanted (specifically ignoring the current discord) and hone in on what the workdays could be like. What ideal situation did they
Navigating Life’s Big Changes with Joy and Ease By Deborah Roth, MA, PCC I’ve been working with folks who are in the midst of big life transitions since the mid-90s when I was first trained as a coach… probably because I’d been through some biggies myself and had collected lots of good tools along the way. So, I was particularly delighted to discover JOYELY® and add the powerful Chair of JOY® experience to my toolbox! Our visionary founder, Sheryl Lynn, has beautifully captured ways that you can know joy every day in her recent blog, and I believe you can also draw on those four simple steps – SIT. BREATHE. THINK. FEEL. – to support you through your next big life change as well. Before I show you how, I think it would be helpful to first understand this relatively new field of “Transition Psychology.” Let’s start with a question: How many transitions you are in the midst of right now? Professional ones might be job/career changes or retirement, and personal ones would be births, deaths, divorce, moving, etc. Take a moment and think about it. More often than not, when we’re experiencing change in one area of our lives, there’s a pretty good chance that things are shifting and moving in other places as well. Even if you’re keeping your head above water, I’ll bet that there are all kinds of hidden things (unmet needs, unresolved feelings, incomplete conversations) swimming around in the murky waters around you, waiting to grab hold when you least expect it. That’s the nature of change. So here’s a radical notion: maybe change isn’t all that bad. Maybe it can be a vital, pleasurable, transformative process. I know, experts say we resist it. Most of us are intimidated by it. Some of us claim we thrive on it, but we’re probably lying. Who really likes change? The truth is, when you let go of what no longer fits, the result is usually a change for the better. Maybe it can actually be a life affirming, spiritually-directed experience that enlivens you and brings you more joy and satisfaction. Doesn’t that sound like a hopeful possibility to explore? The predictable flow of change Fortunately, no matter how it’s triggered, the stages of transition are pretty predictable… how nice that at least some part of the process is! Arnold Van Gennup, the Dutch anthropologist who coined the phrase “rites of passage” over 100 years ago, talked about these occasions being made up of three phases: Separation; Transition; and ultimately, Incorporation. Even more viscerally, he describes it as: dying→chaos→renewal. Truly, there’s no avoiding the fact that we must let go, separate, or perhaps more dramatically, kill off some part of ourselves, our lives, our work, our outworn ways of being, to make room for what’s ready to flow in. As William Bridges, the granddaddy of modern transition theory, says “To gain, you must first give up. Every transition begins with an ending. We have to let go of the old before we can take on the new… not just outwardly, but inwardly, too.” I believe that one of the most powerful things we can do to support ourselves (and others) through life’s big changes is to mark each stage of the process in some way. That way, we won’t get stuck at any one point and can keep our forward movement flowing toward whatever juicy new opportunities lie on the other side. Using the Chair of JOY® to mark each stage of transition In my book, Circle of One, The Art of Becoming a SELF-Centered Woman, I offer my own take on this three-step process: we “begin” with an ending, or “RELEASE” we then move through a reassessment period, or “RETREAT”; then we arrive at a new beginning, or “REBIRTH”. In the book, I share lots of examples of rituals and ceremonies to celebrate big and small life transitions – that’s one of my passions and actually the focus of my Master’s thesis years ago. What I’ll do here is share a simple ritual for each stage, as well as a suggested focus for your COJ experience. Release Stage Ritual Rituals of release can take many forms… some of the more familiar ones are funerals, retirement dinners or going away parties. A more personalized one might be to create a “farewell” altar for a loved one who has died, or a project/job that’s ended. Include special photos, mementos or symbols of your history with them. Light a candle of gratitude for all they brought to your life and when it burns down, store your altar contents in a special box as keepsakes for that person/experience. Chair of JOY® In the SIT portion of your COJ meditation, you might first conjure up a significant chair that reflects the person or role you’re letting go of. Maybe sitting in your grandmother’s favorite rocking chair? Or under the tree where you got some of your most creative ideas for the project or job that’s ended? In the THINK portion, let a special memory bubble up related to what you’re releasing, and in the FEEL segment, allow yourself to “feel all the feels” right now – sadness or regrets, but maybe also gratitude and/or pride. Retreat Stage Ritual In ancient cultures, the value of this period was understood and the elders of the community prescribed rites of passage in the form of vision quests or solitary refuge. This is the time to really tap into your intuition. Create sacred space where you can journal, with gentle music, glowing candles, and aromatherapy (jasmine and lotus are perfect for deep reflection). Ask yourself some powerful questions (What do I need to learn from this experience? How can I best use my gifts to prepare for what’s next?) and allow the answers to flow from your deepest self on to your journal pages. Chair of JOY® The COJ is a perfect container for this deep reflection time, at every stage. When you SIT, imagine
All Paths Lead to Joy: The Joy-Driven Blueprint for Organizational Excellence By Sheryl Lynn Humanity has always strived for joy in everything we do, whether it be through innovation, revolution, or evolution. This pursuit of joy is not a lesser goal, but rather one that provides clarity and direction for our actions. By understanding that joy is the ultimate destination for most, we can pave a smoother path towards achieving it. This concept is not just a fabricated story; it is grounded in real experiences of individuals and organizations who have successfully incorporated JOYELY’s Chair of Joy Experience into their endeavors. Let’s examine the characteristics of a leader who can lead others to a “Chair of Joy” Experience, creating engaging sessions that involve everyone and leave them fully present and invested in the day ahead. Visionary: A leader with the ability to implement the Chair of Joy Experience and System must first have a clear vision of what that looks like and how it can be achieved. They are able to inspire and motivate others to work towards this vision. Empathetic: Joy cannot be achieved without understanding the needs and emotions of those around us. A good leader will possess empathy and use it to create a positive and inclusive environment for all team members. Creative: The Chair of Joy Experience may require out-of-the-box thinking and unconventional approaches. A leader with a creative mindset will be able to come up with unique solutions and strategies to incorporate joy into their leadership style. Decisive: In order to bring about change and shift gears towards the Chair of Joy Experience, a leader must be able to make decisive decisions and take action quickly and confidently. Authentic: People are more likely to follow a leader who they believe is genuine and authentic. A leader who embodies the values and principles of the Chair of Joy Experience will be more successful in implementing it within their organization. Resilient: Leading with a focus on joy may face resistance or challenges along the way. A resilient leader will be able to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward towards their goal. Collaborative: The Chair of Joy system relies on teamwork and collaboration to be successful. A leader who values the input and contributions of their team members will be able to create a more joyful and inclusive environment. Continuously learning: A leader must have a growth mindset and be open to continuously learning and improving their skills in order to effectively implement the Chair of Joy system within their organization. By possessing these qualities, a leader can successfully guide others towards wildly successful workplaces that know harmony. The Chair of Joy system impacts people, problems, and purpose. The Importance of Joy in the Workplace For many organizations, the mission is often framed in terms of achieving specific goals, whether they are financial, social, or cultural. Yet, at the core of these missions is a desire to enhance the well-being and happiness of people—employees, customers, and communities. When CEOs and organizational leaders grasp this concept, they unlock the potential for profound success. Let’s explore how companies can generate joy and why this leads to better outcomes. With our endless to-do list, it’s easy for this task to fall to the back burner. But at JOYELY, we know that setting up our teammates for success is vital in the workplace. That’s why we make it a priority to start and frequently revisit the “Chair” throughout the day—especially when things aren’t going as smoothly as we’d like. When we stop and pause, take 60 seconds for the 4 steps: Sit, breathe, think, and feel, we can allow the rough patch to dissipate by eliminating some of its energy and nurturing something else, remembering how great our work normally is. The Chair of Joy is also great when things are going well. By celebrating even the small victories, we keep morale high and energize our entire team. Most importantly, it’s about the routine, so you can catch real highs and lows in the middle of it. This starts to lay the groundwork for an overall increased KPI for your company as a whole. Yes, it takes commitment and belief in the process to truly see its benefits. Setting a goal to incorporate these practices multiple times a day is an essential first step towards creating a positive work environment. And who knows, maybe we’ll find ourselves doing them even more often than planned. And guess what? It’s fun. People laugh, they tell stories, they feel appreciated, and they have a sense of belonging. “Gosh, the CEO just took some time to come sit with me in the Chair of Joy!” The #1 Rule for CEOs: Use the Chair of Joy For CEOs, the key to success is simple: use the Chair of Joy. By integrating this practice into your daily routine, you create an environment where joy and well-being can thrive. Humans are on this planet to experience joy, and as a CEO, your job is to increase profits, improve customer satisfaction, and keep all employees thriving. Creating an environment where “JOY THRIVES HERE” is essential. However, focusing solely on strategy and operations won’t be enough. To truly thrive, you need real-time, authentic leadership that emphasizes a sense of joy within your organization. This is where the Chair of Joy becomes a priority. By regularly using the Chair of Joy yourself, you set an example for your entire organization, demonstrating the importance of taking moments to sit, breathe, think, and feel. Implementing and personally engaging with the Chair of Joy sends a powerful message: Joy is at the heart of our organization. When you take time to experience joy, it influences your leadership style, decision-making, and the overall workplace culture. Employees are more likely to follow suit, leading to a more positive, motivated, and productive workforce. Using the Chair of Joy creates an atmosphere of genuine well-being. It shows that you prioritize
Epic Joy: Why Organizations Are Catching Up How Does a Dog Know When It’s Time for Joy? Dogs walk around in joy, radiating contentment because their general sense of well-being is rooted in being seen and appreciated for their kindness and loyalty. They wag their tails, chase after sticks, and delight in the simplest pleasures, knowing that life is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. They don’t wait for a reason to be joyful; they create joy from their surroundings and interactions. How Does a Company Know That Joy Works? A company knows that prioritizing joy works when its employees are thriving, collaboration is seamless, and innovation is at its peak. Joy in the workplace fuels creativity, boosts morale, and leads to a more cohesive and productive team. When joy is prioritized, the results speak for themselves—higher engagement, better performance, and a happier work environment. Life Is Really Good When You Can Do More of What Matters to You One executive uses the Chair of Joy when feeling overwhelmed. When she asks for a Chair of Joy break, her team gladly closes the door for her. She closes her eyes and follows the four steps: sit, breathe, think, and feel. During the experience, she remembers why she started the company, how grateful she is that her employees show up every day, and the significant impact she is making. Afterward, she can open the door and carry on with her tasks, this time with an energy that moves mountains. Embrace the Chair of Joy and Elevate Your Life! Picture this: You, in your Chair of Joy, taking a moment to sit, breathe, think, and feel. It’s in these moments of stillness that you find clarity, peace, and an overwhelming sense of joy. The Chair of Joy isn’t just a seat; it’s a gateway to a more intentional, balanced, and focused life. By making joy a priority, happiness naturally follows. According to a study by the University of Warwick, organizations focusing on employee well-being see a 20% increase in productivity and a 30% reduction in employee turnover. What is your organization doing when it comes to joy as a core life skill? This is not simple. The results of joy as a core life skill are the genius of leaders heading up companies to know what matters, and joy is not easily accessible without training, focus, and priority. That is why JOYELY is excited to meet the demands of healthcare facilities, organizations with global humanitarian missions, and nonprofits that care about health equity. Join the ranks of companies and non-profits who are feeling the effects of the shift to joy. It is a movement, and we invite you to play along while getting more done. Embrace the transformative power of joy and watch your organization soar to new heights. Tell us what you know about JOY for the World Joy Report: It’s time to immerse ourselves completely in the conversation of joy, to prioritize it above most things.. There’s no time to wait; it’s a matter of life and death. Your Answer Matters! Take The Survey Share Your Experience Leave Us a Google Review We invite you to share your valuable experience. Your feedback not only guides future guests but also illuminates our path towards excellence. Please take a moment to leave a review and help shape our journey forward. Leave Us Review
Every Day Joy: Your Chair of Joy® Guide “The Chair of Joy® Experience is a powerful tool designed to cultivate lasting calm and joy in every moment.” Sheryl Lynn What if joy was something you knew, focused on, and integrated into your daily life? What if joy could impact your day, leading to success and positivity, diffusing hate, crime, anger, and sadness, rather than being reserved only for special occasions or those more fortunate? At JOYELY, we believe it can. We envision a world where joy isn’t just an occasional indulgence but a core life skill deeply ingrained in every aspect of our existence. Our mission is to champion this transformative vision, challenging conventional norms and revolutionizing how we approach personal growth and collective well-being. While some may perceive us as merely offering a tool or a “chair,” our mission extends far beyond that. We are driving a movement that empowers individuals to embrace joy as a guiding principle in their lives. That’s why we’re excited to share with you “12 Ways to Know Joy Every Day.” The Chair of Joy® Experience isn’t just about fleeting moments of happiness; it’s a powerful tool designed to cultivate lasting calm and joy in every moment. By engaging in the four foundational steps – Sit, Breathe, Think, Feel – you can infuse your routine with a sense of purpose and positivity. Whether it’s the morning rush, the afternoon slump, or the evening wind-down, the Chair of Joy Experiences, used in a variety of ways can offer practical ways to integrate joy into every aspect of your day. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make joy a central part of your daily experience. 12 Ways to Know Joy Every Day Morning: Sunrise Serenity: As the sun rises, Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think about your goals and aspirations for the day, and Feel the excitement for what lies ahead. Gratitude Glow: Before starting your day, Sit for a moment. Take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think back on something you’re grateful for, big or small, and Feel the warmth of appreciation. Micro-Pause Magic: Feeling overwhelmed with the morning rush? Take a short break! Find a quiet corner, Sit (even on a chair!), close your eyes briefly if safe, and simply Breathe. Focus on the sensations of your breath moving in and out. Think about what you’re feeling, acknowledging it without judgment. Afternoon: Pre-Meeting Power-Up: Nervous about an afternoon presentation? Sit down, take a few slow breaths (Breathe). Think of positive affirmations related to your capabilities, and Visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation. Feel the sense of calm and confidence building within you. Commute Calm: Stuck in traffic? Sit tall and take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think about the sensations in your body, the feeling of your breath, and the rise and fall of your chest. Feel a sense of calm amidst the external chaos. Nature Nurture (Midday): During your lunch break, find a quiet spot outdoors. Sit on a bench or log, and breathe deeply (Breathe). Think about the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Feel the sun on your skin or the coolness of the breeze. Evening: Post-Workout Positivity: After your workout, Sit down and relish the feeling of accomplishment. Take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think about the benefits of exercise and how your body feels strong and energized. Feel the joy of movement and a healthy body. Challenge Champion: Feeling stressed about a challenge? Sit down for a moment, take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think about the obstacle in a calm and clear way. Reframe your thinking with a positive thought, then visualize yourself overcoming the challenge. Feel a sense of determination and focus. Creative Catalyst (Evening): Before bed, to spark creativity for the next day, Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths (Breathe), and allow your mind to wander. Think about past creative experiences that brought you satisfaction. Feel the spark of inspiration and let your imagination flow freely. Gratitude Glow-Up (Evening): Before bed, Sit comfortably and reflect on the day’s blessings. Take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Think back on specific moments you’re grateful for and Feel the emotions of appreciation wash over you. 5. Mindful Minute (Evening): Turn off electronics and find a quiet space. Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths (Breathe). Focus on the sensations of your breath entering and leaving your body. Think about nothing in particular, simply observe your thoughts without judgment. Feel the sense of relaxation washing over you. 6. Connecting Through Calm: Share the Chair of Joy with loved ones! Sit together, guide them through the experience, and observe the sense of peace and connection that arises (Feel) through shared experience. “We are driving a movement that empowers individuals to embrace joy as a guiding principle in their lives, challenging conventional norms and revolutionizing how we approach personal growth and collective well-being.” Sheryl Lynn Remember, consistency is key! The more you integrate the Chair of Joy® into your day, the greater its impact on your overall well-being. Tell us what you know about JOY for the World Joy Report: It’s time to immerse ourselves completely in the conversation of joy, to prioritize it above most things.. There’s no time to wait; it’s a matter of life and death. Your Answer Matters! Take The Survey Share Your Experience Leave Us a Google Review We invite you to share your valuable experience. Your feedback not only guides future guests but also illuminates our path towards excellence. Please take a moment to leave a review and help shape our journey forward. Leave Us Review
Living JOYELY: A Clear Perspective Imagine living vibrantly, where each day is a celebration. This concept extends beyond transient moments of happiness to a deep, enduring joy that permeates every aspect of existence. We call this Living JOYELY and it is a lifestyle the encompasses embracing life’s full spectrum while navigating highs and lows with resilience and grace. This lifestyle means accepting all that life offers, fully experiencing emotions without dwelling on negativity. Emphasizing resilience, personal responsibility, and what truly matters, Living JOYELY enriches decisions, interactions, and the overall journey, within a community that values mindfulness. Committing to this way of living show us that life in a new light, offering a fresh perspective that transforms not just personal outlooks but also real connections. Exploring the essence of Living JOYELY reveals its principles and the profound, positive effects on our lives and the broader community. Committing to this way of living show us that life in a new light, offering a fresh perspective that transforms not just personal outlooks but also real connections. Exploring the essence of Living JOYELY reveals its principles and the profound, positive effects on our lives and the broader community. We invite you to Live JOYELY with us. As we are a community that stands for stepping out of the shadows of fear, stress, and negativity to bask in the light of joy, resilience, and self-development. It acknowledges that joy isn’t something to be sought externally; it’s inherent, residing within us, waiting to be recognized and embraced. This perspective shifts us towards an innate alignment with joy and personal responsibility, empowering us to meet life’s challenges with bravery and a positive outlook. The essence of Living JOYELY can be distilled into the D.A.R.E approach: Decide to make joy a fundamental aspect of your life. Action towards cultivating practices that enhance your inner joy. Receive all the goodness that life has to offer. Encourage others to find their path to joy once you’ve embraced your own. This pathway not only guides us to sever ties with negativity but also to nurture mental resilience and the strength to navigate life’s ebb and flow with elegance and a positive spirit. Core Principles of Living JOYELY Decision and Commitment: Living JOYELY requires a conscious decision to let go of negativity and embrace a positive outlook on life. It’s a commitment to experiencing joy as a priority, feeling worthy of this joy, and being open to receiving it in all its forms. Conditioning for Joy: This involves training our minds and bodies to seek out and prioritize joy, through practices like meditation, positive affirmations, and adopting powerful stances that evoke a sense of strength and empowerment. Expectation and Presence: Changing how we show up in the world, from meetings to personal interactions, ensuring we are fully present, engaged, and taking responsibility for our actions. It’s about setting a high expectation for ourselves to serve and connect with others like never before. Supportive Community: Building a network of positive influences, mentors, and a community that uplifts and encourages each other is crucial. This includes opportunities for individuals to become ambassadors of Living JOYELY, spreading joy and personal responsibility further into their communities. Living JOYELY in Action Change Your Psychology: Actively work on shifting your mindset towards joy and resilience, employing techniques like visualization exercises to foster a sense of empowerment. Serve and Support: Look for ways to serve others meaningfully, embracing the joy that comes from positive impacts on others’ lives. This also means creating and nurturing a supportive environment that reinforces your commitment to living joyfully. Show Up with Courage: Regardless of your emotional state or the challenges you face, commit to showing up fully present and engaged. It’s about embodying personal responsibility and accountability in every aspect of life. The Impact of Living JOYELY Adopting the JOYELY lifestyle has a ripple effect that extends beyond personal well-being. It fosters a culture of joy, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring others to live more authentically and joyfully. This collective shift towards positivity and personal responsibility has the power to transform communities, creating a more compassionate and connected world. Embracing the Journey Living JOYELY represents a lifestyle driven by the values of self-discovery, fulfillment, and a dedication to making a positive impact, all within a community that nurtures a sense of belonging. This community thrives on collaboration, illustrating that individually we represent JOY, yet collectively, we achieve JOYELY. It demands a steadfast commitment to personal evolution, a willingness to embrace new experiences, and a life lived with intentional joy and purpose. By adopting the principles of Living JOYELY, we can adeptly maneuver through life’s obstacles with resilience, motivate those around us, and attain the deep-seated joy and satisfaction derived from leading a life that is both genuine and responsible. At its core, Living JOYELY serves as an invitation, primarily to ourselves, to grant the permission to embrace quiet moments, to accept that we cannot do everything, and to encourage others to partake in a lifestyle replete with tranquility and serenity. It’s about acknowledging our worthiness of joy, being receptive to its various manifestations, and anticipating unprecedented possibilities in our lives. This transformative journey encourages us to perceive with our hearts, to seek authenticity, to love without conditions, and to seize every moment life presents with hope and thankfulness. Let’s confidently take our place in the Chair of Joy without seeking approval, free ourselves from the constraints of past habits, and move forward on a journey of self-exploration, meaningful connections, and limitless joy. The Path to Living JOYELY: 20 Principles to Live By Intentional Joy: Make a conscious decision to prioritize joy in your life, recognizing it as a choice rather than a random occurrence. Embrace Personal Responsibility: Understand that you are the architect of your joy and that taking personal responsibility is key to living joyfully. Cultivate Mental Toughness: Develop resilience and mental clarity through practices like meditation and positive affirmations to overcome negativity. Engage in Physical Empowerment: Adopt physical practices, such as
