how to find joy – Welcome to Joy Enterprises

Fear’s Antidote

Oprah says that we do all things from a place of either fear or love. We know we love the love part, but too often we hate (and therefore avoid) the fear part. Fear isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – it is vital to our survival and exists only to keep us alive. Yes – our cavemen brains still think tigers are going to attack us, and though we aren’t often in a position to be attacked by tigers, our brain’s attention to fear is real and can be pervasive. It is in these times that we need to explore how faith and the willingness to practice can help us confront our fears and live with joy and confidence.

Fear is a natural and necessary part of being human. It’s a programmed, evolutionary defense mechanism that helps us to avoid danger and stay alive. However, fear can also hold us backrestrain us from taking risks and pursuing our dreams. It’s important to recognize that fear is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, it can be very useful in keeping us safe. But when fear is the only thing driving us, we may miss out on opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

To overcome our fears, we need to have faith in ourselves and in the universe. We need to believe that we have the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges come our way. Faith allows us to embrace uncertainty and to trust that everything will work out in the end. Faith can mean different things to different people – it may be a belief in a higher power, in oneself, or in the goodness of the universe. Whatever form it takes, faith can be a powerful tool in overcoming fear.

But faith alone is not enough. To build faith, we must be willing to practice. We need to be willing to take small steps towards our goals, even if we’re afraid. We need to be willing to try new things and to learn from our mistakes. This is where the concept of willingness comes in. It’s not enough to simply have faith – we need to be willing to take action. It’s often said that action is the antidote to fear, and this is true. By taking small steps towards our goals, we build confidence and resilience. We learn that failure is not the end of the world, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. We learn that we are capable of more than we ever imagined.

So I encourage you to have faith in yourself and in the universe, and to be willing to practice. Embrace uncertainty and take small steps towards your goals, even if you’re afraid. Believe that you have the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges come your way. It’s important to remember that this is a journey, not a destination. We may never completely overcome our fears, but by having faith and practicing willingness, we can learn to live with them in a way that allows us to pursue our dreams and live with joy and confidence.

With faith and practice, you can confront your fears and live with joy and confidence. You can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams. If you need support finding this space for yourself, working with a coach can help you get there. Sign up here for a 30-minute consultation!

May faith and willingness to practice guide you on your journey to joy!

#findjoy #givejoy #facingfears #overcomingfear #havefaith #practice #believeinyourself #growthmindset #smallsteps #resilience #joyfuljourney #selfimprovement #selfdevelopment #lifegoals #positiveattitude #motivation #inspiration #mindfulness #mindset #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #gratitude #lifecoach

7 Signs Your Authentic Self is Shining Through

Are you tired of feeling like you’re living a life that’s not true to who you really are? Are you ready to embrace your authentic self and show up in the world as the real you? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with finding their true selves and living authentically. But the good news is that there are signs that can help you know when your authentic self is shining through. Here are 7 of them:

1. Boundaries are now your superpower

When you’re living authentically, you know your limits and you’re not afraid to enforce them. You’re able to set boundaries that protect your time, energy, and emotions, and you’re not afraid to say no to things that don’t align with your values or priorities.

2. Your awareness has been raised around noticing behaviors

Living authentically requires a heightened sense of self-awareness. You become more in tune with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and you’re able to recognize when you’re acting in a way that’s not aligned with your authentic self. You’re also more aware of the behaviors of others and how they may be impacting you.

3. You’re more in tune with your emotional responses

One of the most important aspects of living authentically is being able to express your emotions in a healthy way. When your authentic self is shining through, you’re more in tune with your emotional responses and you’re able to express them in a way that’s authentic and true to who you are.

4. You’re able to hold multiple truths at the same time

Living authentically isn’t about having all the answers or having a single, fixed identity. It’s about being able to hold multiple truths at the same time and allowing yourself to grow and evolve over time. When your authentic self is shining through, you’re able to embrace the complexities of life and hold multiple perspectives without feeling conflicted or confused.

5. You’re ager to learn new things, cultivate deeper connections, and find more peace in your life

Living authentically is a journey, not a destination. When your authentic self is shining through, you’re always eager to learn new things, deepen your connections with others, and find more peace in your life. You’re not afraid to take risks, try new things, and challenge yourself to grow and evolve.

6. You understand that other people’s issues and projections have nothing to do with you

One of the biggest obstacles to living authentically is the opinions and projections of others. When your authentic self is shining through, you understand that other people’s issues and projections have nothing to do with you. You don’t take it personally when someone tries to bring you down or when they don’t understand your journey.

7. You feel a sense of calm and contentment within yourself, and you’re able to show up authentically in all areas of your life

Finally, when your authentic self is shining through, you feel a sense of calm and contentment within yourself. You’re able to show up authentically in all areas of your life, from your personal relationships to your professional endeavors. You’re not afraid to be yourself, and you know that your authentic self is worthy of love, respect, and acceptance.

If you’re struggling to connect with your authentic self, a certified life coach can help you navigate the journey. A life coach can help you identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back from living your most authentic life. Remember, the journey to self-discovery is a rewarding one, and you are worth it!

Schedule your 30-minute inquiry consult here now!

Tattoos and Mindset Revisions

Last week I was asked about finding “ᴡᴏʀᴋ-ʟɪꜰᴇ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇ”. I giggled out loud a little bit, for this was one of my first questions to my first coach. I said to her, “I cannot seem to find it. ⚖️ It is hiding from me.”

There was a time in life when I thought I understood balance: It meant equal, stable, deeply rooted, and unperturbed by my conditions. Strong and firm. I wanted to hold on to this idea so much that I got the word tattooed on my left wrist to help me ‘remember’ to stay balanced.

In so many instances of the unfortunate conditions in my life that left me feeling wobbly⚖️, I would look at my wrist and get frustrated at my inability to maintain my balance (the strong and firm one that could withstand anything…gracefully). My inked reminder wasn’t working as it was supposed to. I wanted to see the word, remember the definition, and simply be balanced in the place I was.

When I realized, through work with my own incredible coaches, that balance can only be found within constant motion (the pull between happiness and suffering, work and life, healthy and unhealthy), and that it is my ability (or lack thereof at times in my life) to align with it that allows joy to shine (or joy to wait patiently in the corner), I was changed forever.

We see this dance in the push and pull of every moment between centrifugal force and gravity. It is undeniable that balance and stasis are not the same thing.

It is a reminder that change is the only constant: We can stand firm against it, or we can move with it. In this way, work-life balance (as so many other struggles) simply becomes an inquiry into:

✨𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕧𝕒𝕝𝕦𝕖?

✨ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕕𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕤 (𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕪)?

✨𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥(𝕤) 𝕠𝕗 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕞 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥?

✨𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕗𝕥 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕧𝕒𝕝𝕦𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕤.

In a safe and judgment free space, we get curious about what drives you toward your goals and what steers you away from your goals. We stretch and hold tight, we look outward and within, we celebrate and we struggle. But we will get you there if you are ready to find the joy within the ebb and flow of life’s conditions.

Until then, to get you started on your journey to embracing the ever changing world of “ᴡᴏʀᴋ-ʟɪꜰᴇ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇ” (or whatever you are seeking), I have a few nuggets of gold for you. I did not write this list, but it’s really a great starting point for finding the right balance for your particular work-life needs. A huge thank you to Marisa Sanfilippo, Business News Daily Contributing Writer, for summarizing it so nicely. Read the full article for more insights – they are good! Together, we can tackle all of these:

1. Accept that there is no ‘perfect’ work-life balance.

2. Find a job that you love.

3. Prioritize your health.

4. Don’t be afraid to unplug.

5. Take a vacation.

6. Make time for yourself and your loved ones.

7. Set boundaries and work hours.

8. Set goals and priorities (and stick to them).

Balance is never hiding from us. It is always pulling us in each moment – to find the right balance for that right moment – always knowing it could change in the next. It requires your full involvement as well as your ability to shift and wobble and always seek to re-align.

I didn’t disparage my tattoo as incomplete, but I decided to bring a new reminder to my left wrist – one that recognizes growth and change and adversity and triumph. So I got my #fourlittlebirds (Birdyshaw Family, Party of 4) tattooed above the precious word. Each bird is in its own stage of flight, in its own direction, in its own way heading forward – ever changing. Despite using the same ink to create them, they each have their own shading and appearance – so similar yet so different. My darling Birds remind me that though we move and fly through life, it is the adjustment to the wind that keeps us moving forward✨

Much Love,

✨ Michaela

Day #1 – Hidden Treasures

Today is Day #1. Philosophically, everyday we awaken is Day #1 – a chance to renew hope and back it with action – everyday offers us the gift of a new start. But today is a special Day #1 for me. Today I let my hidden treasure fully out of the box – today I fully commit to helping you find yours.

I resigned from my full-time position as VP of Marketing of Fimbel ADS to devote all of my energy to fulfilling my life’s purpose: empowering others to shine their best light, for this is the only way I know to change the world. I have been practicing my craft for the last two years while balancing my ‘day job’, and the balance has shifted in favor of Joy, Inc. – in favor of you! I knowingly watched my light fade in a hampster wheel attempt to serve others, and while the days were sometime hard and overwhelming, the growth and the opportunity to learn were tremendous.

We so easily get buried in the doing of the day to day that we forget what we are doing it for. We lose perspective and purpose. We lose our desire for the hidden treasure. And when we lose this, the world loses with us.

In her book, Big Magic, Liz Gilbert (@Elizabeth_Gilbert_Writer) shares her insights into the topic of exploring what’s inside us all. At one point in the book she says, “I happen to believe we are all walking depositories of buried treasure.” This quote hits home her thesis quite nicely: Fulfilling the life you’ve dreamed of requires the magic inside of you to be released.

I will add to that: Doing so is the way we bring enough light to outlast the darkness of today’s world.

It is ambitious, but it isn’t impossible. In Michael Franti’s song, Gloria, he sings to us, “When many little people in many little places do many little things then the whole world changes.” This doesn’t happen playing it small inside the rules of others, it only happens when our big light shines.

This is the ripple effect at play, and I can only imagine the work that can be done if more people felt wholeheartedly themselves. Consider the conflicts and monotony that would be reduced – consider filling the world with your light.

In this coaching practice, the goal is to bring your hidden treasure to the surface – it is to find joy and to give joy. You and I will build a relationship based on trust, accountability, and collaboration, and then we will build a rolling plan. We do this by identifying values and desires – we start where you are. This will include an exploration of what you are tolerating and what you are willing and able to do to step beyond the obstacle. Together we will put behaviors behind the hope, and together we will evaluate, celebrate, and navigate your next best step.

Here are the hard facts, however…

There is no magic pill or process to finding your authentic self as it is yours uniquely. No one ever before on this great planet has ever walked your journey. No one could ever tell you how it should be done.
I do not have the answers for you. I certainly can offer my advice! But that wouldn’t be authentic to you, and that would get you nowhere. What I do instead is offer you questions, accountability, and support that will require your truth to lead the way.
Growth takes time. Ask an oak tree. Growth takes time. It also takes commitment and nourishment. But more importantly – it takes initiative. I spent 39 of my precious years thinking I had to be perfect and sacrificial only to find I was withering away. Through this practice, I continue to regrow the mindset and the behaviors and the joy that serves me and others. But growth takes time.
You are going to have to feel your feelings. This is a hard fact for many as we spend much of our life trying to ignore our feelings – move through them. But, my friend, your feelings are signals, and we need to listen. We do not need to act on all of them, but we have to be aware they exist. Then…hang on to your hats…you will need to dig up some vulnerability and address those that are holding you back. But do not fret…I will be with you the entire way.
This one may be the most uncomfortable one for you as it deviates from the narrative we tend to hold, but it is the single most important thing I can share with you: YOU ARE WORTH IT. You are so worthy of loving yourself. You are so worthy of finding your joy. You are so worthy.
It is on you to take the first step. Go back to #1. No one on this planet can tell you when it is time for YOU to shine, for that blessing and burden fall on your shoulders. Reaching out to ask for help might seem unheard of, so consider it like this: If it isn’t initially for your sake, who in your life might benefit from a happier, healthier, more confident and creative version of yourself? Do it for them, but don’t be surprised when it becomes about you!

If you are feeling the pull to explore what’s hidden inside of you and ahead of you, let’s talk. I gladly offer a complimentary consultation to share more about the work we will do, how I got here, and where you would like to see this collaboration take you.

Today I took the next step toward my most authentic self (thanks in great part to wonderful coaches I had along the way), and I would love to take you along my journey by formally inviting you to Joy, Inc on Day #1.

I am only a message away, and your hidden treasure is not out of reach!

Much Love,

An Invitation to Joy✨

Are you ready to turn up your spirit volume? Perhaps you have a friend who needs help shining! Please join me in my mission to cultivate JOY in our world. You are formally invited!

I am a teacher and a healer at my core. As an educator, my mission was to empower my students to explore and embrace their best selves. As a coach, my mission remains the same. I don’t claim to have the answers for you individually, but I bring you real questions and insights because you already have the answers waiting to be explored without judgement. My job as your coach is to assist in finding new perspectives, share hard core accountability coupled with compassion, and empower your authenticity to glow. I feel you. I see you.

The only way I know to change the world is to shine my light on others so they may in turn enhance their light while brightening the whole world.

Click the image below to listen in to get to know me on the I’m my Sista’s Keeper Podcast

People I work with find more of themselves through an authentic light, become grounded while building momentum, share a willingness for vulnerability in our sessions and in their personal and professional lives, celebrate with a sense of humor and humility. We will explore what you are tolerating, and what you are willing and able to do to incorporate joy into life.

“Joy is resilient, enduring happiness despite dark times.” ~The Dalai Lama

I lost this resilience when the story of the moment took dominance over the story of my life. Despite my love of learning and words, I lost power over the words I allowed to be truth in my experience. It was my work with coaches that helped shift the narrative and align my behaviors with what truly matters to me.

Happiness is not joy. Happiness relies upon external and uncontrollable circumstances. Joy becomes accessible when we apply the right perspective, acceptance, and compassion for ourselves and our encounters regardless of the external forces.

There’s no secret sauce to how we make change – There’s only the journey.

We start where you are and celebrate your strength for showing up for growth.
Establish a clear vision aligned with your authentic values.
Identify available and motivating opportunities
Face obstacles head on to get ahead of it roadblocks and excuses
Build an actionable and engaging plan
Evaluate and celebrate glows and glitches.

One of my favorite reminders comes from Dr. Jean Oursler, The Results Queen and reminds us all of the power of experience and perspective: “We failed all the time as kids, but we called it learning.” Change isn’t about getting it right the first time. It is about cultivating the desire and determination to try again, and I have your back with celebration, bandaids, pom-poms, and JOY!

Let’s get your 2021 Vibes aligned and turn up your spirit volume by emailing me, Michaela, at bringjoytolife.mb@gmail.com.

Much Love, M✨