Wow!! The new year is now in full swing, complete with new routines, deadlines and the usual day to day challenges. It's also a time that many of us have thrown ourselves headfirst into goal setting and trying to abide by our new years resolutions.
Did you know that if we practice a new behavior or pattern of thinking every day for 30 days, they become habits? So if you were really serious about regular exercise for example, you would need to walk every day for a month to create the new habit and then it will become your new default pattern.
One of my new year decisions (vs resolutions) is to expand my awareness and understanding of who I really am. It's a biggie but well worth it!! Do you really know who you are?...what brings you joy?
One way to do this is to create a gratitude journal and make notes each night before you fall asleep. Gratitude is the foundation step for joy... it is also a proven anti-depressant, and a great way to sleep better!! Lets us know how you go!
Welcome to our new guest bloggers
It is with much gratitude (and excitement!) that we welcome nutritionist Cyndi O'Meara and integrative medical Doctor Greg Emerson as guest bloggers for The Joy Project. Cyndi and Greg have kicked off the new year with articles on auditing what's in your pantry and stocking up on whole and super foods.
12 Steps to JOY!
Our feature video this month (created by us!!) is titled 12 steps to JOY! A special thanks goes to the very talented James Englund for allowing us to include his wonderful music. If you haven't already seen the video we would love you to watch it now... Scroll down to the bottom left-hand side of your screen to tune in. Share it with as many people as you can - to give our Joy Movement some traction!
May 2012 be a year for connecting with who you really are, discovering what brings you joy and allowing you to step forward (without fear) into the wonderful, radiant being of light you really are. (Cos that's who you REALLY are!) By doing these things you’ll be leading the way, modelling them for your family and friends and giving others permission to do the same!
Zooties!
Amanda and Sheryl x
Amanda's take: The JOY spot - part 4 - Reverence
What do you look at in life and gasp with awe and wonder?
Usually it's a sunset or sunrise or some beautiful or magnificent aspect of nature. Or something gorgeous like an amazing crystal structure.
The majesty of nature often inspires us with awe and reverence.
Sadly very few of us are inspired in the same way to look at other humans! We revere all the wrong things! Big houses; expensive jewelry; designer labels; fancy cars; - a lot of 'things'!
How often do we look at another person and feel ourselves filling with awe? read more...
Feature articles
Clean out your pantry - Cyndi O'Meara
Lasting change is not made without a little bit of inconvenience, even when you replace a bad habit with a good habit.
Beware refined foods! They look so pure and white, but they can be horrors to your body. Many years ago, eating white flour and white sugar was a sign of affluence. These days, I’d consider the eating of refined foods as a sign of ignorance. read more...
Super foods in my home pantry - Dr Greg Emerson
Many would definitely describe my pantry as barren from an orthodox nutritional perspective. But look a little deeper and my pantry will blow your mind in terms of super foods, super herbs and super spices!
Sure there is no bread, pasta, cereal, crisps, sunflower oil, safflower oil, margarine, cakes or sugar but there is lot of other exotic delicacies. It’s not that I don’t like that other stuff. I do. In fact I like it too much so I don’t have it in my house. read more...
Creating life balance - The Joy Project
Stress is a fact of life, but it doesn't have to be a way of life!
How long have we talked about needing life balance and at that same time BEEN doing everything we can to go faster and do more!
At work and at home, people expect to do more with less and in less time. Families are LIVING in the 'nightmare of the two career couple,' where both partners are working, bringing up children and possibly looking after their aging parents. read more...
"You attract what you are - not what you want."
- Wayne Dyer
Feature video
12 Steps to JOY! - The Joy Project
For a little while now we have been wanting to create a short (and hopefully inspiring!) video to share with the global community.
Well, thanks to Amanda's beautiful words and Mel's creative skills, we have put together 12 Steps to JOY!
We hope you enjoy watching and feel inspired to share with family and friends. x
Joy in the kitchen
Green Super Smoothie
What's the bet your Mum always said "breakfast is the most important meal of the day!?"
In support of this wise old saying and to help kick start your day, we have included Sheryl's favorite Green Super Smoothie recipe!
It's quick + easy to make (we've created an ingredient kit for you to get underway!), packed with nutrients to support your health and vitality... oh and, did we mention delicious?!
The Gift of Gratitude
Gratitude is the foundation step for joy... it is a proven anti-depressant, a great way to sleep better and turns relationships around!
Amanda's great little book - The Gift of Gratitude, is full of simple tips and methods to increase your levels of gratitude!
Click here to purchase your copy (for only $17.95 AUD) and help us create a network for grateful living!
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