Finding Joy

some thoughts for december
helping you be productive and well

 
JOY. It's a short and simple word, but packed with power. 
 
If you follow me on social media, you've probably seen me post about "ridiculous amounts of joy" that I get from seemingly small things. Tiny lizards jumping around my plants, a hummingbird that appears out of nowhere, watching my dogs sleep, and growing my prized Meyer lemons are a few that pop to mind. Just thinking about them brings me joy!
 
Author and researcher, Brene' Brown, has spent decades studying vulnerability, shame, empathy, joy, worthiness, and belongingness.  Here's a short video of her sharing the secrets of joyful people and the role that gratitude plays and why it's the small things that matter the most. Something as simple as the Purple Plate dinner ritual I adopted for my family where we offer our appreciation and admiration of a family member can be a great way to practice gratitude as a family.
 
This holiday season is like no other. Finding joy and gratitude may feel impossible if we're not able to be with our loved ones or practice our cherished, long-standing family traditions. While I'm sad for what will not or cannot be this year, I am grateful for many blessings - big and small - which bring me ridiculous amounts of joy. 
 
Be well. Be safe. Be hopeful. BE JOYFUL!

Believe what your heart tells you when you ask, 
"Does this spark joy?"
-Marie Kondo

WORDS MATTER
 
For many years I have chosen a word to help guide me through the coming year. The word serves as a "mini-mantra" to keep my objective always in focus.
 
Past years have included words like hopeful, generous, and vulnerable. I wear my chosen word around my neck each year as a reminder of my intention. 
 
Consider what word would inspire and empower you in 2021. For help getting started try MyIntent Word Finder.
 
I'll be sharing my 2021 Word on Instagram in the next few weeks. If you don't already, follow me here!

FEATURED PODCAST
 
I love to listen to podcasts during my daily walks and my newest obsession is the Ask Lisa podcast. If you like podcasts and you're a parent I encourage you listen, subscribe, and participate by emailing your own parenting question to  asklisa@drlisadamour.com.
 
Hosted by journalist Reena Ninan, Dr. Lisa Damour tackles questions from parents about the shared struggles and concerns many of us have right now. Dr. Damour is the author of Untangled and Under Pressure which offer valuable insights into the life of teens.

Today is #GivingTuesday! Research is clear that helping others benefits both the givers and recipients. Offering and receiving help is built into our stress response. The act of giving strengthens our bonds with each other and plays a crucial role in our resilience. 
 
This is the time of year we take stock of our blessings and take care of those in need. This year the need is especially acute. Consider how to help in your community, make a donation to your favorite charity, or find a worthwhile cause through Charity Watch.

I wrote The Disintegrating Student: Super Smart & Falling Apart to provide an updated roadmap to navigate the daunting journey through today's high-stakes, high-stress achievement culture. My goal is to start conversations between students, parents, educators and other stakeholders to be more astute at recognizing the early signs of struggle and intervene before students fall apart.

Let's Get Connected!

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