After a hiatus, it’s so good to start The Joyfilled People Series again.

If you aren’t familiar with this series, it’s all about finding out what joy means to some of the most joyful people I’ve met.

Moving forward, we are mixing it up a little bit from previously by making this format more of a quick little interview style. I hope you enjoy this new phase of TJPS!

This time, we are talking with one of my dearest and sweetest friends, Shannon.

She, to me, is inspiration for what a joyful life looks like, and I can’t wait for you to meet her!

Question #1: What’s something bringing you joy right now?

When I set off for my thirty minute commute to work at 6:45 am, I place a thermos of hot coffee in the cup holder and crank the heat. I take a few deep breaths, set an intention for the day, then press play on my audiobook. I am awed by the sunrise, wrapped in a cozy sweater and traffic is usually pretty light. This ritual feels protected, sacred and rare…and I’ve grown to love it.

Question #2: Tell us, what’s a favorite book of yours? One that has allowed you to live a more joyful life.

I recently listened to Funny Story by Emily Henry. I’m a romance girlie, and I also love when stories explore characters on a deeper level. Daphne, the protagonist, is a children’s librarian living in a quintessential small town in Michigan. A glimpse into Daphne’s internal dialogue left me feeling like she was my friend. It was like Daphne was in the passenger seat with me! That feeling is how I know I’ve connected to a book in a way that will stick.

Question #3: If today was your most joyful day ever, what would the day look like? What’s on the schedule?

I hurkle-durkle in bed, reading on my Kindle. My cats, Clementine and Tangerine, are nestled in the crook of my arm. I take a hot shower, then a leisurely walk on the trail. When I return, I write for a while with no particular goal in mind. I roll out my mat for some yoga, then light a candle and cook. Maybe I share the meal with someone who I feel at home with. Maybe I work on a puzzle with the fireplace crackling, or watch Netflix. Then, I take a warm bubble bath and crawl back into bed, falling into a dreamy sleep. Ahhhhhh.

Question #4: Where’s a place you’ve traveled to that just feels like joy to you? What’s a place you are feeling called to travel to in the future?

At twenty-three, I spent time teaching English in Northern Thailand. 8 years later, I can still close my eyes and see, feel, hear, smell and taste the magical experience of being there. Warm smiles. Intricate Buddhist temples. The coffee shop across the street I adored. The sweetness of condensed milk. Building community on that wraparound porch. Banana sticky rice in bamboo leaves. Fresh coconuts. Sunshine on my shoulders. Geckos pressed to the windows. Peaceful Thai music on the radio. Noodles tossed together in a Wok on the street corner, with the most delicate blend of spices. Night markets alive with people, handmade art and mouthwatering treats. I cherish this unique chapter in my life, and can’t wait to visit Thailand again one day!

Question #5: What’s the most joyful season of the year, in your opinion? What about it makes it your favorite?

September and October. 

Maybe it’s because I’m a school social worker and never really left the “back to school” scene, but Target aisles lined with supplies and kids sporting their favorite characters on their backpacks melts my heart. I also love the cooler weather, radiant leaves and pumpkin flavors. It’s the little things for me…like apple spice candles and cinnamon bun creamer. When I venture out, it’s usually for an activity I’m really excited about, like strolling the farmer’s market, hiking or checking out a festive Halloween event. There’s joy in the air, and it’s contagious.

Question #6: If joy were a meal, what would it be? Where would you be, and who would you be with?

My husband and I fell head over heels with a restaurant walkable from our place. It’s tiny, quiet and has delectable sushi rolls. My go-to order is a shrimp tempura roll, and it is often served with a purple flower garnish on an artful wooden plate. We like to order saki and sometimes fried ice cream, too. We usually walk over after we’ve both had an exhausting day at work and feel too lazy to even think about cooking. It’s the best time together, and we’re so grateful to be neighbors!

Question #7: Finish this sentence: Joy, to me, is…

Trusting The Universe and myself

Allowing myself to make mistakes, learn, grow and be human

Spending time with joyful people

Lately, I’m learning to trust life, even in the tougher seasons. When I embrace the full scope of my experience (messy, tragic, beautiful, surprising, confusing, heartbreaking, fun, boring, etc…), I create space for myself to feel all of it…and that’s liberating! I’m choosing to trust that eventually the dots will connect…it’ll make sense. It’s okay to have hard days. Also, it’s okay to shout it from the rooftops when I do, and to be honest with others about what’s happening when it feels right. That type of unapologetic, authentic connection with myself and others is what I’m striving for these days.

Many thanks to Shannon for giving her a snippets of her joyful insights. If you like to follow Shannon more, check out her Substack The Mindful Voyager! Offering mid-week inspiration, it’s a true delight every time it shows up in your inbox.