I love this post so much. I say all the time that Disney and the beach are my happy place, but my real happy (and safe) place is my home. Too many people dismiss homemaking as something that's just for stay-at-home moms when in fact we all should embrace it as a way to create a joyful space.
I agree with what you said. When I turned 40 I discovered a new word - "no". Until then I was always available to anyone who needed anything. I enjoyed helping people and had many demands on my time: family, work, my children's school activities, neighborhood children, church, choir, you get the picture. And I really needed to slow down. Saying no was difficult at first. But I heard somewhere that when you're always saying yes and "doing", you're robbing someone else of the blessing of serving. Important things were taken over by others and I took some time for myself. I have shared this with other busy people.
Oh my goodness so much yes! When my twins were born I had to get over my hesitancy to ask others for help - one mom, two hands, 3 babies under 3 meant we needed HELP and learning to ask for it was huge!
Can you just be my life mentor? Everything you said about your 30’s is me! Including having hoshimotos. This is exactly whyI needed to hear today. Thank you
I start at 7:30. I brush my teeth, roll my bedding down, fluff the pillow, bring a water to my bed. And, i do watch some fun, relaxing shows on netflix- works for me. Routines!
Than you! I do agree. The older I get I have realized the importance of investing in myself as it benefits everyone around me. I love your videos. Thank you for what you offer us through your videos. Appreciated 🙏 today I am grateful for people like you….
This really resonated with me. I’m still in the thick of the “shot out of a cannon” stage and I have been trying to be purposeful and protective of the time alone that I have so that I can be more than just functional in my life. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you for posting this video. I wish someone would have told me when I was younger to think of exercise in a different way. Don't workout to fit into a swimsuit or dress, do it to make yourself feel better. It took age, a back injury, a fitness trainer and a therapist to help me value exercise as a way to make me feel in control of my mind and body. In therapy I learned the simple act of walking(right, left, right left) can pull you out of your anxious mind and back into your body. Exercise is so much more mental wellness for me than physical appearance. Please keep sharing videos like this, they help so much.
How true to the 5 tips. I also add my 5 minutes of breath. I sit quietly and just breath and relax for 5 minutes. If I can get 3 of these in a day, I am gold. Wish you all a great day.
Years ago I faced the beginning of a period of devastating circumstances. As time has passed, it's clear: that important job I thought wouldn't survive without me, is thriving. People I thought couldn't live without me, are doing just fine. The world goes on with, or without me. Joy comes from within first, spiritually independent of this fickle world and the rise and fall of external circumstances. Understanding this has been key to not only surviving what most would not, but to having joy in spite of it all. The apostle Paul said he learned to be content in all things and circumstances. You're so right, Jen. Joy is completely different from happiness. Wonderful video 😊
I'm so glad you liked it, Donna, and that kind of wisdom can typically ONLY be born out of adversity. It's the silver lining for all the pain - is it worth the pain? Not sure. But I do enjoy the wisdom that has come from it in my life too. I get this.
My daughter is in college, about 3 and half hours away. With school and her sport, hard to know when to call her so, I just send a text message: Hope you had a Great Day, love you to the moon and back. I know she is very busy, so when I get her reply back no matter how short or long, that she is okay, it makes me happy.
Jen this is seriously one of the best videos I have seen in a very long time!!! I recently had a breast cancer scare & while I was waiting for the biopsy results, I promised myself that no matter the outcome (it ended up being all good, thank god), I was going to make some changes & while these changes havw not happened overnight, I feel like I am making progress. I have a home based business & I always bust my butt from August 1st to end January as it is incentive trip period. I am definately going to still work hard for my goal, however this time I definately need to make more time for self care & also my hobby of scrapbooking & find a good balance of everything. Thank you so much for the motivation to do this❤️
Kathy this comment means a lot to me. YES I have had those scares myself and it really does become a defining moment, doesn't it?? So pleased you found it helpful!
I am in the middle of those “shot out of a cannon in the morning, go til you collapse” years, and I can’t tell you how helpful and reassuring it is to hear your perspective from the other side. Moving my body daily is so critical for managing my mental and physical health, as is prioritizing relationships. But boy do I need to try to sleep. I always fall into the trap of focusing on how the evening is my only “me” time and there’s a million things I want to do for myself AND I want to have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband. And then it’s midnight.
You are so blessed to have such wonderful memories from your father...Mine was and still is an abusive man...I am now 61 years old and have such emotions trying to move beyond the hurt. But, I do carry out disciplinary practices such as those that you describe and I do believe that these practices have helped my mind - not my soul - move beyond the moment...
One of the greatest and most helpful things I did for my down/rest time (which you touched on) was turning my bedroom into a Hotel room. Minimal furniture, minimal art and black out draperies. Like I am going to bed at a Hotel every night. Just wonderful, I get you Jen!
Such a great video! Just turned 40 and have definitely been doing the rat race for the last decade with work and my family. I don't think I live for my vacations but it is the only time I slow down. I loved the idea of starting your day in the evening! I get up at 5:00am to be to work at 6:30am and have never been able to have a morning ritual just for me b/c I don't want to get up any earlier. That makes me feel like I can having a "start of the day" ritual if I start in the evening while getting ready for bed. Love it! Thanks as always!
Awesome video!! I just started early retirement and feel so overwhelmed by all that needs to get done. I developed an autoimmune Thyroid condition, anxiety, and blood pressure issues from years of caring for everyone but myself. Now I am on a mission to get my health under control and care for my own needs first. Then I have to get my home in order. Your suggestions were just what I needed to get started. Thank you so much for sharing.🥰
Such a great, uplifting video yet again. Loved this theme and your 5 must-dos. Mine always include praying to my Heavenly Father (I’m a Christian), practicing gratitude, and having a touch point with my closest people but the one I am trying to get better at is rest and sleep.
Leslie, I to have found that prayer is a constant especially at night when I look at my day. I am Catholic and have found great calm and focus on praying the rosary. I have done it daily during parts of the year and it has given me much peace during stressful times like the holidays. When I don't take the time to pray, I try to repeat this mantra: "God is good all the time. All the time God is good."
Thanks for this Jen. Sometimes I think we are so busy in our lives we forget to acknowledge our friends. Family is a given for me, but it’s just a quick text or email to say “hey how’s it going?” when you haven’t talked to somebody in a long time or just a check in. 💖
Honestly I think this has been one of my big takeaways from the Great Unpleasantness - we have to be just as intentional about ALL our relationships! I don't need a lot of friends but I want to take great care to preserve those friendships!
I felt like you were talking directly to me in this video. Except at the very beginning because I already know you aren’t here to push products or represent brands. You were talking to everyone else then. 😊 I am going to carve out some time - today - to think through my daily practices. Thank you, friend!
Great information at just the right time....just turned 50 in April and I have been looking at ways to find me again....too much time spent in the canon. Love your energy on both your channels. Have a wonderful day🙂
This post hits close to home. In my 30s with a very similar life situation of always running on E. This is the first year my health has sort of said "no more." I appreciate you acknowledging how not only is it not easy to be "happy and do it all," but also that it might not be the best way to go through life. Thank you for your positive vibes and honesty!
You have such a great attitude about your auto immune disease. It’s so hard struggling with health, but focusing on your daily habits truly helps. I have struggled with chronic pain and migraines for most of my life. I totally agree about exercise, the mental effects far exceed the physical ones. Struggling with health does help to force the focus on treating yourself properly and that could be considered a silver lining of sorts. All the best to you and anyone reading this. I love your channels!
This was so good, Jen! Thanks for being so honest and vulnerable! Slowing down in today’s world can be so tricky, but so critical. I think we can all benefit from these tips!
This is just fantastic! You could go into motivational speaking with your clarity, honesty and relatability. I learned years ago, I left a good paying job to become a teacher. My husband still cannot believe I did it, but it was the best decision for me. I teach high school students with mild learning disabilities and (most days) I really love what I do.
Oh Sister. Happiness is a feeling, joy is a fruit! Loved this video, working on moving this body and tricky relationships but sleep, gratitude and organized space have quickly become easier as the kiddos grow up and get out! Ha We lead very similar lives, I married a pilot who is now a FED, the kids are half way out, blessed beyond measure and grateful too ♥️ Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy watching!
Hey Jenn it's Jennifer! Thank you so much for again sharing a bit of your personal life. I loved these 5 things and found that I used to do some of these, lol, and thought why don't I any more. Easy, lol....KIDS! I used to be at journaling and reading at night instead of looking at screens near bedtime. I just put up a dry erase calendar to organize my day. I am currently trying to have a small craft business and need to stay focused and organize. I had tried this before but couldn't make it happen. Well "the great unpleasantness" and watching some youtubers like yourself has helped inspire me to make it work this time! I will be adding walking, a specific end time for work, and a reading time per day to this calendar. It is on the wall, so I better be able to see it or I have bigger issues, lol. Thanks again for giving some great advice and for making it personal so we can all feel like we are not alone in our search for a joyful life.
This is all great advice! It’s true that it’s so important to prioritize this kind of self care all the time not just as an exception because it can be so easy to get wrapped up in being busy. Definitely going to be more mindful, thank you
Jen, I enjoy and appreciate both of your channels. The description you shared of life in your 30’s brought me to tears because I can fully relate! As a working Mom of 4 (with kiddos aged 6 months to 8 years), I know how taxing taking care of a family, home and job can be and knowing I’m not alone is an encouragement. I’m thankful for your transparency and willingness to share personal tips and ways you’ve managed competing priorities in a joyful way. Thank you.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this video. It’s so easy to have a pity party for yourself, but you have given a roadmap to make a difference in our lives. Thanks, Jen.
Thank you Jen! This is Awesome! You’ve inspired me to be more active, and to make myself a priority. The first thing I try to do every morning before anything is to make my time with God a priority. For me, it sets the tone for the day, and everything seems to flow, also trying to take an inventory of everything I have going on, and as much as possible, stay well balanced. Some days are better than others, but each day is an opportunity to start fresh.
I loved this and WOW did I need it! As someone with a 23 year old and a 6 year old (shot out of cannon phase, chilled, back in the cannon) it really spoke to me! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and being a source of inspiration ❤️
This video is very timely and appreciated. I just moved this past week and while that is always stressful and aggravating, I'm realizing now because of your video that part of why I was less than joyful (okay, let's face it...I was completely miserable) was because my home and all of its contents were in flux and therefore I couldn't feel centered or peaceful. Also wasn't getting proper sleep and used the excuse of being too tired to ignore practicing gratitude. I will say, though, the one thing I practiced during all of it was "move my body." Oy.
I have spent the last few years on a spectrum of self care and find myself reconnecting this year with the things that give me joy or my inner Zen as I call it. I've found the hardest point is consistency. It's letting go of guilt for needing self care as much as acknowledging consistency is key. Thank you as always Jen❤
Jen, you are just the best. I love that you share these ideas with us. There are not things that I hear often so I love these reminders about trying to maintain daily happiness 💙
Wow what a great video! Totally in that space of being shot out of a cannon every weekday. For me I focus so much on the weekends when we can slow down as a family. But now I am really inspired to find those little joyful moments during the week that I think I take for granted because I am just so exhausted. Thank you as always Jen for your words of wisdom.
This was a much needed video to us all. Thank you for being so open and honest. I also lost my father 13 years ago and the little thoughtful moments are the ones you remember!
Love this and I’m writing down the 5 things to remind myself each day. I have a lot of work to do! I’m close to retirement in a year but I realize after a very busy career that I have taken very little time for me. And, it takes its toll. Time for me and my relationships. Thanks so much for this perspective and these reminders!❤️
Thank you for sharing your personal stories. I love these tips. I feel like it boils down to self love and self care. As busy moms, it goes on the back burner too easily. Thanks for your encouragement. And side note, that shirt makes your eyes pop! So pretty!
Jen, thank you so much for sharing! I appreciate your thoughts and ideas as I am approaching 30 and also in the auto immune disease group. It’s definitely been a learning experience in taking better care of myself.
I’m here now in my 30’s trying to figure it all out. Literally wrote things down yesterday with the new moon 🌙 lol. Hopefully the new vides will be on my side. But I agree it’s just so hard to figure it all out. Working, working from home, schools, cleaning, cooking, doing things for me ugh 😩 it’s just so much!!!!
Hi Jen! Great video. Watching this made us both realize that we do none of the points you made. And the funny thing is that we are fully aware that we need to change these habits even before we saw your video. And we did have a better routine in our previous home. So starting from today we'll make an effort to change. Just as I finish writing this comment at midnight from our bed..... 😜 Bless and give the fur baby's a hug. Goodnight! Sven
The more I make time to LISTEN to your JOYFUL videos sharing YOUR UNIQUE SELF ..the more it resonates with ME how similar OUR LIFES have been ..yet complete strangers thru the journey …I am little bid older in along the GOLDEN YEARS stage than you… It’s LIKE LISTENING to MY LITTLE SISTER SELF …I did suffer a personal TOTAL CRASH from non SELF CARE as younger adult; wife, mother and full work schedule ..led to Thyroid Issue in which ..a full TRANSFORMATION of my ( inner and outer routines and priorities ) EMERGED NOW …experiencing MY BEST INNER SELF and CREATIVE YEARSs 👏👏👑🕊👱🏻♀️🕊👑👏👏 GOD’s LOVING CARES, PEACE, HEALTH and SUPREME JOY ..with YOU and YOUR LOVED ONEs 🎃🍁🍂🍁🎃 GREAT & FUN AUTUM AHEAD
I LOVE this video!! It has totally sparked some ideas for me. My husband and I started taking walks together every day at the start of the pandemic, and it has been good for our bodies- and great for our relationship, too!
Thank you, Jen! I am in my mid 30s and I am that person being "shot of a cannon" everyday. I need to put some of these tips into motion. You have a new subscriber as of today. 😉
I would love to hear more about you helped your sons with their learning differences. I’m in the shot out of a cannon phase trying to do it all 😩 but my amazing kiddo is neurodiverse and needs my time
UGH it's a whole thing, isn't it? I've been thinking about a video but honestly it's hard for me to talk about (even though they're now 22!). I'm going to give it some thought!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge thanks Jen - completely appreciate it could be hard to talk about, plus it’s kinda personal for your sons. But any tips or things you found to work would be wonderful to hear. Love your channel ❤️
This hit on so many things I needed to hear! And I feel resistance to each and every one, which for me means I need to be paying particular attention to them! Hey, I do make the bed everyday, so that's a start! And I've been trying to do daily walks, but establishing new patterns of behavior, as you know, can be particularly difficult. But thanks for putting this all out there. I needed to hear it! (And I love the results of your handiwork in your hallway!) Be well!
Love this Jen. I practice daily movement and my therapist encouraged me to keep a gratitude journal where I simply write down a few things I’m grateful for each day … it’s all so important! I’m slowly working on the daily housekeeping 😉 … I’m grateful for you and you videos for sure!
Jen, thank you for this! You are saying everything I am thinking or doing or happened to me through the process if dealing with Hashimotos or just being over 50! Many of my us have Hashimotos or thyroid issues I’ll be recommending this video to them. They have been asking me for a video on Hashimotos but I don’t feel confident enough to do that at this point. Thanks for this! I am still dealing in the process of figuring out what I need to do to stay functional daily have years of depression and anxiety changing medication etc. Work in progress ……..always! 😘 💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜
Jen, thank you for sharing these and the stories behind them! I loved your sleep daily habit and how it starts with a wind down. Your definition of joy is my experience too. Some of my habits include meditation, gratitude, and caring for my home. I want to do better at my daily intentional movement practice. I sometimes don’t prioritize it when I get busy and I can definitely feel a difference. Love this video - thank you!
A practice that I engage in is trying to bestow an earnest compliment...I say: "I don't say what I don't see." Then, I usually diminish the discomfort that people feel when receiving a compliment by adding: "Now, you have to worry about what I'm not saying!" This usually gets a laugh!
Wait. What? No living for vacation? Eep. I’m in trouble. We’ll, maybe not? I’m very grateful that my husband and I have been able to work from home since the great unpleasantness began. Seriously, so glad for that. I have started making our bed each morning, which I never used to bother with. I even got a few throw pillows. Not a crazy number of them - just 3. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy my regular jaunts through our bedroom now. It just looks so nice. I also really enjoy prepping the bed each evening for eventually going to bed. It’s like turn down service. It’s something so simple but it gives me satisfaction. And there are other things I do regularly to bring my daily life joy, like daily texts with 2 friends We call ourselves the Go Girls and encourage each other to exercise and eat healthy. We started this back in November because we needed inspiration to get moving since none of us felt comfortable going to a gym. So, it seems I’m not just living for vacation, which is a good thing. I tell you what, though, we’re going on a cruise in mid-August and I’m so excited! Thanks for making me see the details and the bigger picture.
Thank you for being you, Jen. This video helped me so much. You have alot of courage to put yourself and your wisdom out into the world, and I am grateful for you sharing.
This really resonated with me! The aha moment was the comment around living for vacations, love the tips around finding sustainable joy versus focusing on happiness. Do you recommend any other resources on finding joy? Would love to explore this topic more.
I just have to say, you are wonderful. You really made me life when you said "I'm telling y'all, I'm kind of a nut" :D All of your videos always bring me such joy. Thank you for being an amazing content creator.
Hi Jen, I just found you. Thanks for sharing your story and daily practice. I can relate on thyroid. I was doing The Miracle Morning during first part of pandemic, but then do parts now and then. Curious about your morning routine?
This video was so helpful. It really spoke to me. Thank you so much! I really feel like we could be friends in real life (not in a creepy way 🤣). One thing I’ve been making sure I do every day since Covid is journal. It helps me so much to express my feelings.
I'm in the get rid of your stuff phase. It's overwhelming. Looking forward to your video on that. My adult children don't want anything I've saved. Argh. I admire this next generation. They won't have so much stuff!
I love this post so much. I say all the time that Disney and the beach are my happy place, but my real happy (and safe) place is my home. Too many people dismiss homemaking as something that's just for stay-at-home moms when in fact we all should embrace it as a way to create a joyful space.
Ruth it’s so true! Everyone of us deserves a home that we love!
You are so right. And trying to get others in your family to understand this is hard. So I focus on the spaces I use the most.
Your honesty is why I fell in love with your content. Just sayin.
Thank you so much, Lisa. That means the world to me.
True!!
I agree with what you said. When I turned 40 I discovered a new word - "no". Until then I was always available to anyone who needed anything. I enjoyed helping people and had many demands on my time: family, work, my children's school activities, neighborhood children, church, choir, you get the picture. And I really needed to slow down. Saying no was difficult at first. But I heard somewhere that when you're always saying yes and "doing", you're robbing someone else of the blessing of serving. Important things were taken over by others and I took some time for myself. I have shared this with other busy people.
Oh my goodness so much yes! When my twins were born I had to get over my hesitancy to ask others for help - one mom, two hands, 3 babies under 3 meant we needed HELP and learning to ask for it was huge!
Just hearing the first five mins has made me breath a sigh of relief. Two boys here and struggling is barely a word to describe it. Thank you.
LOVE TO HEAR IT! Thank you for sharing that and TAKE CARE! It's hard work and we need all the encouragement we can get.
The single practice I can attribute my successful navigation of the last 16 months is my daily gratitude practice. So much great wisdom here Jen 💕
Thanks Tammy. Wisdom, as we both are WELL AWARE is born out of adversity. Which is exhausting. But the wisdom is a nice after affect;).
Can you just be my life mentor? Everything you said about your 30’s is me! Including having hoshimotos. This is exactly whyI needed to hear today. Thank you
I start at 7:30. I brush my teeth, roll my bedding down, fluff the pillow, bring a water to my bed. And, i do watch some fun, relaxing shows on netflix- works for me. Routines!
Than you! I do agree. The older I get I have realized the importance of investing in myself as it benefits everyone around me. I love your videos. Thank you for what you offer us through your videos. Appreciated 🙏 today I am grateful for people like you….
This really resonated with me. I’m still in the thick of the “shot out of a cannon” stage and I have been trying to be purposeful and protective of the time alone that I have so that I can be more than just functional in my life. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you for posting this video. I wish someone would have told me when I was younger to think of exercise in a different way. Don't workout to fit into a swimsuit or dress, do it to make yourself feel better. It took age, a back injury, a fitness trainer and a therapist to help me value exercise as a way to make me feel in control of my mind and body. In therapy I learned the simple act of walking(right, left, right left) can pull you out of your anxious mind and back into your body. Exercise is so much more mental wellness for me than physical appearance. Please keep sharing videos like this, they help so much.
How true to the 5 tips. I also add my 5 minutes of breath. I sit quietly and just breath and relax for 5 minutes. If I can get 3 of these in a day, I am gold. Wish you all a great day.
Years ago I faced the beginning of a period of devastating circumstances. As time has passed, it's clear: that important job I thought wouldn't survive without me, is thriving. People I thought couldn't live without me, are doing just fine. The world goes on with, or without me. Joy comes from within first, spiritually independent of this fickle world and the rise and fall of external circumstances. Understanding this has been key to not only surviving what most would not, but to having joy in spite of it all. The apostle Paul said he learned to be content in all things and circumstances. You're so right, Jen. Joy is completely different from happiness. Wonderful video 😊
I'm so glad you liked it, Donna, and that kind of wisdom can typically ONLY be born out of adversity. It's the silver lining for all the pain - is it worth the pain? Not sure. But I do enjoy the wisdom that has come from it in my life too. I get this.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Amen!💐👍😊
My daughter is in college, about 3 and half hours away. With school and her sport, hard to know when to call her so, I just send a text message: Hope you had a Great Day, love you to the moon and back. I know she is very busy, so when I get her reply back no matter how short or long, that she is okay, it makes me happy.
Jen this is seriously one of the best videos I have seen in a very long time!!! I recently had a breast cancer scare & while I was waiting for the biopsy results, I promised myself that no matter the outcome (it ended up being all good, thank god), I was going to make some changes & while these changes havw not happened overnight, I feel like I am making progress. I have a home based business & I always bust my butt from August 1st to end January as it is incentive trip period. I am definately going to still work hard for my goal, however this time I definately need to make more time for self care & also my hobby of scrapbooking & find a good balance of everything. Thank you so much for the motivation to do this❤️
Kathy this comment means a lot to me. YES I have had those scares myself and it really does become a defining moment, doesn't it?? So pleased you found it helpful!
I am in the middle of those “shot out of a cannon in the morning, go til you collapse” years, and I can’t tell you how helpful and reassuring it is to hear your perspective from the other side. Moving my body daily is so critical for managing my mental and physical health, as is prioritizing relationships. But boy do I need to try to sleep. I always fall into the trap of focusing on how the evening is my only “me” time and there’s a million things I want to do for myself AND I want to have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband. And then it’s midnight.
You are so blessed to have such wonderful memories from your father...Mine was and still is an abusive man...I am now 61 years old and have such emotions trying to move beyond the hurt. But, I do carry out disciplinary practices such as those that you describe and I do believe that these practices have helped my mind - not my soul - move beyond the moment...
One of the greatest and most helpful things I did for my down/rest time (which you touched on) was turning my bedroom into a Hotel room. Minimal furniture, minimal art and black out draperies. Like I am going to bed at a Hotel every night. Just wonderful, I get you Jen!
Oh my goodness I LOVE THIS. Honestly I didn’t give it those words but that’s totally what I’ve attempted to do in my space! Love.
Such a great video! Just turned 40 and have definitely been doing the rat race for the last decade with work and my family. I don't think I live for my vacations but it is the only time I slow down. I loved the idea of starting your day in the evening! I get up at 5:00am to be to work at 6:30am and have never been able to have a morning ritual just for me b/c I don't want to get up any earlier. That makes me feel like I can having a "start of the day" ritual if I start in the evening while getting ready for bed. Love it! Thanks as always!
Kelly, YES, this sounds like a perfect way for you to get the day "started" on the right foot!
Awesome video!! I just started early retirement and feel so overwhelmed by all that needs to get done. I developed an autoimmune Thyroid condition, anxiety, and blood pressure issues from years of caring for everyone but myself. Now I am on a mission to get my health under control and care for my own needs first. Then I have to get my home in order. Your suggestions were just what I needed to get started. Thank you so much for sharing.🥰
Such a great, uplifting video yet again. Loved this theme and your 5 must-dos. Mine always include praying to my Heavenly Father (I’m a Christian), practicing gratitude, and having a touch point with my closest people but the one I am trying to get better at is rest and sleep.
Prayer is part of everything I do - it’s so great that it’s part of all major religions and I think that’s true because it’s so important!
Leslie, I to have found that prayer is a constant especially at night when I look at my day. I am Catholic and have found great calm and focus on praying the rosary. I have done it daily during parts of the year and it has given me much peace during stressful times like the holidays. When I don't take the time to pray, I try to repeat this mantra: "God is good all the time. All the time God is good."
I. LOVE. THIS. ONE!!!! ❤ We all needed this 💕 Thank you 🙏🏻
So simple and so on point!!! Thank you for this!!!
Thanks for this Jen. Sometimes I think we are so busy in our lives we forget to acknowledge our friends. Family is a given for me, but it’s just a quick text or email to say “hey how’s it going?” when you haven’t talked to somebody in a long time or just a check in. 💖
Honestly I think this has been one of my big takeaways from the Great Unpleasantness - we have to be just as intentional about ALL our relationships! I don't need a lot of friends but I want to take great care to preserve those friendships!
I felt like you were talking directly to me in this video. Except at the very beginning because I already know you aren’t here to push products or represent brands. You were talking to everyone else then. 😊 I am going to carve out some time - today - to think through my daily practices. Thank you, friend!
I love that Renee!
Great information at just the right time....just turned 50 in April and I have been looking at ways to find me again....too much time spent in the canon. Love your energy on both your channels. Have a wonderful day🙂
This post hits close to home. In my 30s with a very similar life situation of always running on E. This is the first year my health has sort of said "no more." I appreciate you acknowledging how not only is it not easy to be "happy and do it all," but also that it might not be the best way to go through life. Thank you for your positive vibes and honesty!
So grateful to have found your channel!
You have such a great attitude about your auto immune disease. It’s so hard struggling with health, but focusing on your daily habits truly helps. I have struggled with chronic pain and migraines for most of my life. I totally agree about exercise, the mental effects far exceed the physical ones. Struggling with health does help to force the focus on treating yourself properly and that could be considered a silver lining of sorts. All the best to you and anyone reading this. I love your channels!
Hi Jen, you are talking about my life🙂❤️ thank you so much for your post and your channel!
Amen to this video👍🏻❤ You nail it! I have always said this to my husband. Thanks for sharing 😍
This was so good, Jen! Thanks for being so honest and vulnerable! Slowing down in today’s world can be so tricky, but so critical. I think we can all benefit from these tips!
Thank you for sharing your practice. You are always such an inspiration.
This is just fantastic! You could go into motivational speaking with your clarity, honesty and relatability.
I learned years ago, I left a good paying job to become a teacher. My husband still cannot believe I did it, but it was the best decision for me. I teach high school students with mild learning disabilities and (most days) I really love what I do.
Sounds like you made an amazing dream come true, Ann! Well done!!! And thank you for your kind comment. It's truly appreciated!
Oh Sister. Happiness is a feeling, joy is a fruit! Loved this video, working on moving this body and tricky relationships but sleep, gratitude and organized space have quickly become easier as the kiddos grow up and get out! Ha We lead very similar lives, I married a pilot who is now a FED, the kids are half way out, blessed beyond measure and grateful too ♥️ Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy watching!
Thank you 😊
Love this video. It’s really giving me a lot to think about how to live more joyfully. Thanks!
Hey Jenn it's Jennifer! Thank you so much for again sharing a bit of your personal life. I loved these 5 things and found that I used to do some of these, lol, and thought why don't I any more. Easy, lol....KIDS! I used to be at journaling and reading at night instead of looking at screens near bedtime. I just put up a dry erase calendar to organize my day. I am currently trying to have a small craft business and need to stay focused and organize. I had tried this before but couldn't make it happen. Well "the great unpleasantness" and watching some youtubers like yourself has helped inspire me to make it work this time! I will be adding walking, a specific end time for work, and a reading time per day to this calendar. It is on the wall, so I better be able to see it or I have bigger issues, lol. Thanks again for giving some great advice and for making it personal so we can all feel like we are not alone in our search for a joyful life.
This is all great advice! It’s true that it’s so important to prioritize this kind of self care all the time not just as an exception because it can be so easy to get wrapped up in being busy. Definitely going to be more mindful, thank you
Thank you, Jen! I am delighted to say that your video was amazing for me! I struggle with sleep and hope to use some of your suggestions about sleep.
Jen, I enjoy and appreciate both of your channels. The description you shared of life in your 30’s brought me to tears because I can fully relate! As a working Mom of 4 (with kiddos aged 6 months to 8 years), I know how taxing taking care of a family, home and job can be and knowing I’m not alone is an encouragement. I’m thankful for your transparency and willingness to share personal tips and ways you’ve managed competing priorities in a joyful way. Thank you.
Hang in there, Rebekah! It does get easier but those years are TOUGH!
Thank you 🙏 This is very helpful
Hello Jen 👏👏👏👍👍👍a big hug to you virtually from DC
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this video. It’s so easy to have a pity party for yourself, but you have given a roadmap to make a difference in our lives. Thanks, Jen.
Absolutely my pleasure, Denise!
Thanks for all the positive posts. We are so blessed.
Thank you Jen! This is Awesome! You’ve inspired me to be more active, and to make myself a priority. The first thing I try to do every morning before anything is to make my time with God a priority. For me, it sets the tone for the day, and everything seems to flow, also trying to take an inventory of everything I have going on, and as much as possible, stay well balanced. Some days are better than others, but each day is an opportunity to start fresh.
I love that!
Very helpful. Love this
This is incredible advice and I think I’m going to replay later for both of us. Thanks!!
I’m so glad you liked it, Dawn!
This is amazing! Similar story but different auto immune disease (mine is MS) Thank you for sharing more people need to hear this!
I feel like the things are the same when it comes to the self care piece though right? Thank you for your kind comment!
I loved this and WOW did I need it! As someone with a 23 year old and a 6 year old (shot out of cannon phase, chilled, back in the cannon) it really spoke to me! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and being a source of inspiration ❤️
This video is very timely and appreciated. I just moved this past week and while that is always stressful and aggravating, I'm realizing now because of your video that part of why I was less than joyful (okay, let's face it...I was completely miserable) was because my home and all of its contents were in flux and therefore I couldn't feel centered or peaceful. Also wasn't getting proper sleep and used the excuse of being too tired to ignore practicing gratitude. I will say, though, the one thing I practiced during all of it was "move my body." Oy.
Charlie I hope you find tons of joy and peace in your new space!!!!
This was so beautiful, Jen! Very inspiring too! Thank you!
I have spent the last few years on a spectrum of self care and find myself reconnecting this year with the things that give me joy or my inner Zen as I call it. I've found the hardest point is consistency. It's letting go of guilt for needing self care as much as acknowledging consistency is key. Thank you as always Jen❤
I’m not sure why we feel guilty for self care but I fight that tension too so I get it!
Great job!
Jen, you are just the best. I love that you share these ideas with us. There are not things that I hear often so I love these reminders about trying to maintain daily happiness 💙
It's funny how the most important messages so often get pushed to the back! That's always true for me as well. So glad you liked it, Kelley!
I love this I'm in the middle of the chaos now and it is so good to be reminded & learn new ways to make these the best days they can be!
Wow what a great video! Totally in that space of being shot out of a cannon every weekday. For me I focus so much on the weekends when we can slow down as a family. But now I am really inspired to find those little joyful moments during the week that I think I take for granted because I am just so exhausted. Thank you as always Jen for your words of wisdom.
Oh, yes, living for the weekend is for sure I thing! I remember trying very hard to make our weeknights as pleasant as we could. Such a challenge!
This was a much needed video to us all. Thank you for being so open and honest. I also lost my father 13 years ago and the little thoughtful moments are the ones you remember!
It's so true Gina! That is the legacy he left and the one I hope to leave my kids!
Love this and I’m writing down the 5 things to remind myself each day. I have a lot of work to do! I’m close to retirement in a year but I realize after a very busy career that I have taken very little time for me. And, it takes its toll. Time for me and my relationships. Thanks so much for this perspective and these reminders!❤️
Thanks for sharing these tips, Jen! Appreciate you always!
Love this, Jen! Intentional living is something I have really been working on lately.
I appreciate all of the great advice you give. This has become my favorite you tube channel.
That is such a kind comment, Ashlyn! Thank you 🙏
Thank you for sharing your personal stories. I love these tips. I feel like it boils down to self love and self care. As busy moms, it goes on the back burner too easily. Thanks for your encouragement. And side note, that shirt makes your eyes pop! So pretty!
Thank you, Kristen! And let my story be a cautionary tale - I always hope that the young Kim’s of the world can learn this before I did!
Thanks Jen!
My absolute pleasure. Thank YOU for watching!
Omg how much I needed this video right now. No coincidence!
Never is, is it?? Glad you found it helpful!
Jen, thank you so much for sharing! I appreciate your thoughts and ideas as I am approaching 30 and also in the auto immune disease group. It’s definitely been a learning experience in taking better care of myself.
Awesome video Jen!!! Love your channel and videos🧡
Oh thank you so much, Helanie!
I’m here now in my 30’s trying to figure it all
out. Literally wrote things down yesterday with the new moon 🌙 lol. Hopefully the new vides will be on my side. But I agree it’s just so hard to figure it all out. Working, working from home, schools, cleaning, cooking, doing things for me ugh 😩 it’s just so much!!!!
It is. And when you’re in the chaos it’s really hard to see what could STOP to make room for what YOU need but fight for it, Anna! It’s so worth it!
Hi Jen! Great video.
Watching this made us both realize that we do none of the points you made. And the funny thing is that we are fully aware that we need to change these habits even before we saw your video. And we did have a better routine in our previous home. So starting from today we'll make an effort to change. Just as I finish writing this comment at midnight from our bed..... 😜
Bless and give the fur baby's a hug. Goodnight! Sven
I'm happy to serve as a gentle reminder of what you already knew to be true! Night! Sleep well, Friends!
The more I make time to LISTEN to your JOYFUL videos sharing YOUR UNIQUE SELF ..the more it resonates with ME how similar OUR LIFES have been ..yet complete strangers thru the journey …I am little bid older in along the GOLDEN YEARS stage than you…
It’s LIKE LISTENING to MY LITTLE SISTER SELF …I did suffer a personal TOTAL CRASH from non SELF CARE as younger adult; wife, mother and full work schedule ..led to Thyroid Issue in which ..a full TRANSFORMATION of my ( inner and outer routines and priorities ) EMERGED
NOW …experiencing MY BEST INNER SELF and CREATIVE YEARSs 👏👏👑🕊👱🏻♀️🕊👑👏👏
GOD’s LOVING CARES, PEACE, HEALTH and SUPREME JOY ..with YOU and YOUR LOVED ONEs
🎃🍁🍂🍁🎃 GREAT & FUN AUTUM AHEAD
THANK YOU 💚💚💚
Wow! Such good advice. Thank you!
I LOVE this video!! It has totally sparked some ideas for me. My husband and I started taking walks together every day at the start of the pandemic, and it has been good for our bodies- and great for our relationship, too!
Daily walking has been important to most of the great people in the world a d I think we definitely fall into that category
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge INDEED! ☺️
Thank you, Jen! I am in my mid 30s and I am that person being "shot of a cannon" everyday. I need to put some of these tips into motion. You have a new subscriber as of today. 😉
I’m so glad you found it encouraging, Eli!
I would love to hear more about you helped your sons with their learning differences. I’m in the shot out of a cannon phase trying to do it all 😩 but my amazing kiddo is neurodiverse and needs my time
UGH it's a whole thing, isn't it? I've been thinking about a video but honestly it's hard for me to talk about (even though they're now 22!). I'm going to give it some thought!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge thanks Jen - completely appreciate it could be hard to talk about, plus it’s kinda personal for your sons. But any tips or things you found to work would be wonderful to hear. Love your channel ❤️
This hit on so many things I needed to hear! And I feel resistance to each and every one, which for me means I need to be paying particular attention to them! Hey, I do make the bed everyday, so that's a start! And I've been trying to do daily walks, but establishing new patterns of behavior, as you know, can be particularly difficult. But thanks for putting this all out there. I needed to hear it! (And I love the results of your handiwork in your hallway!) Be well!
Thank you so much! i'm so glad it helped. And yes, one out of five aint bad, Friend!😂
I love this so much! Intentionality is so important to a joyful life. ❤️
Love this Jen. I practice daily movement and my therapist encouraged me to keep a gratitude journal where I simply write down a few things I’m grateful for each day … it’s all so important! I’m slowly working on the daily housekeeping 😉 … I’m grateful for you and you videos for sure!
It’s worth the effort and some days are easier than other FOR SURE, Jacqueline! Thanks for watching!
You are always so good kinds of videos. I really enjoy listening to your advice and find it so helpful!
I'm so glad! Thank you so much, Sarah!
Such a helpful video!! Simple tips that could help so many, thanks for sharing!!
Jen, thank you for this! You are saying everything I am thinking or doing or happened to me through the process if dealing with Hashimotos or just being over 50! Many of my us have Hashimotos or thyroid issues I’ll be recommending this video to them. They have been asking me for a video on Hashimotos but I don’t feel confident enough to do that at this point. Thanks for this! I am still dealing in the process of figuring out what I need to do to stay functional daily have years of depression and anxiety changing medication etc. Work in progress ……..always! 😘
💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜🍃💜
Always a work in progress! So true!
Jen, thank you for sharing these and the stories behind them! I loved your sleep daily habit and how it starts with a wind down. Your definition of joy is my experience too. Some of my habits include meditation, gratitude, and caring for my home. I want to do better at my daily intentional movement practice. I sometimes don’t prioritize it when I get busy and I can definitely feel a difference. Love this video - thank you!
It’s so easy to let our bodies take the last priority but it’s so vitally important! Thanks for watching, Jo!
A practice that I engage in is trying to bestow an earnest compliment...I say: "I don't say what I don't see." Then, I usually diminish the discomfort that people feel when receiving a compliment by adding: "Now, you have to worry about what I'm not saying!" This usually gets a laugh!
Wait. What? No living for vacation? Eep. I’m in trouble. We’ll, maybe not? I’m very grateful that my husband and I have been able to work from home since the great unpleasantness began. Seriously, so glad for that. I have started making our bed each morning, which I never used to bother with. I even got a few throw pillows. Not a crazy number of them - just 3. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy my regular jaunts through our bedroom now. It just looks so nice. I also really enjoy prepping the bed each evening for eventually going to bed. It’s like turn down service. It’s something so simple but it gives me satisfaction. And there are other things I do regularly to bring my daily life joy, like daily texts with 2 friends We call ourselves the Go Girls and encourage each other to exercise and eat healthy. We started this back in November because we needed inspiration to get moving since none of us felt comfortable going to a gym. So, it seems I’m not just living for vacation, which is a good thing. I tell you what, though, we’re going on a cruise in mid-August and I’m so excited! Thanks for making me see the details and the bigger picture.
Thanks for sharing Jen. Law of Attraction or however you want to view it is so important - it opens the doors to everything else you mentioned imho.
I agree, Nicole!
Thank you for being you, Jen. This video helped me so much. You have alot of courage to put yourself and your wisdom out into the world, and I am grateful for you sharing.
This really resonated with me! The aha moment was the comment around living for vacations, love the tips around finding sustainable joy versus focusing on happiness. Do you recommend any other resources on finding joy? Would love to explore this topic more.
This is so helpful. Thanks
I just have to say, you are wonderful. You really made me life when you said "I'm telling y'all, I'm kind of a nut" :D All of your videos always bring me such joy. Thank you for being an amazing content creator.
Hi Jen, I just found you. Thanks for sharing your story and daily practice. I can relate on thyroid. I was doing The Miracle Morning during first part of pandemic, but then do parts now and then. Curious about your morning routine?
This video was so helpful. It really spoke to me. Thank you so much! I really feel like we could be friends in real life (not in a creepy way 🤣). One thing I’ve been making sure I do every day since Covid is journal. It helps me so much to express my feelings.
I love this, Jen! Thank you for being so vulnerable in this video
Thanks for watching, Kelsey! We are all in this together!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ain’t that the truth!
Needed to hear this today!
Great habits. I’m a workaholic and being salary doesn’t help. Emails and work all the time. I was even doing schedules while we were at Disney. ❤️😘
Well they say the first step is admitting you have a problem?🤣❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I'm in the get rid of your stuff phase. It's overwhelming. Looking forward to your video on that. My adult children don't want anything I've saved. Argh. I admire this next generation. They won't have so much stuff!
Have you had a Human Design reading? I am betting you are a projector ❤️
I have not but I looked it up and read the description and I would agree with you!
💯👌🏼
I love that title. I need to get rid of things.
Such a helpful video!! Simple tips that could help so many, thanks for sharing!!