Welcome back to the most heartwarming and uplifting time of the year – “Joytember!” A movement that began two years ago with the simple yet profound goal of spreading joy and positivity throughout the month of September.
When I think back to where it all began in September 2021, and we were amidst some of the most challenging times we’d encountered globally and as individuals, I take a moment to reflect that it was also the month that my mum had a heart attack. I’m delighted to share that today she is thriving and would be the first to say that starting Joytember played a role in her recovery. It provided a positive distraction in the face of an incredibly tough time and allowed me to draw on my resilience and strength to be there for her, even though she was 1300 kilometres away. That’s the power of Joytember!
So, as the calendar turns to September once again, it’s time to dust off your smiles, open your hearts, and immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of Joytember.
Rediscovering the Magic of Joy:
In a world that can often feel fast-paced and demanding, Joytember serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and tap into the simple pleasures that make life truly memorable. It’s a month-long celebration that encourages us to prioritise joy, laughter, and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. By aligning ourselves with joy, we pave the way for a more positive and fulfilling life.
Live in full colour this Joytember.
Creating a Joyful Home:
The Joytember movement begins within the walls of our homes, where the magic of joy can truly come alive. It’s time to transform your living space into a sanctuary of positivity. Embrace the power of positive entertainment by curating a list of funny and heartwarming movies and TV shows that brings a smile to your face. Fill the air with the melodies of uplifting music that resonates with your soul.
Creating joy at home this Joytember starts with a happy heart and funny movies…or maybe funny pictures of dogs at the movies.
Embracing Playfulness:
What better way to infuse your days with joy than through the spirit of play? Dust off those board games and engage in friendly competitions that create lasting memories. The act of playfulness not only ignites laughter but also fosters a sense of connection among loved ones. As you gather around the table to play, remember that it’s not about winning, but about the joy of being together. Some of my fondest memories as a child were playing Monopoly and UNO with my Nan for hours. I’ll bet you have some cherished memories of playing cards or board games with loved ones too.
Embrace playfulness this Joytember with board games and fun.
Nature’s Embrace:
Joytember coincides with the changing seasons, making it the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. Mother Nature has a unique way of replenishing our spirit and reminding us of the wonders that surround us. Take leisurely walks, have picnics in the park, or simply bask in the sunlight. Sitting with a cup of Pukka tea in the sun is one of my ultimate self-care moves. Let the beauty of the natural world be a source of inspiration and joy during this special month.
What better way to bring out your better nature than in nature this Joytember.
Pursuing Passions:
Joytember encourages us to prioritise activities that ignite our passions and light us up from the inside out. It’s a month to reconnect with hobbies and interests that often take a back seat in our busy lives. Whether it’s painting, dancing, cooking, or writing, allocate time to do what makes your heart sing. By nurturing your passions, you are nurturing your own sense of joy and fulfillment.
It doesn’t matter what your passion is, Joytember is when you unleash your inner creative.
Spreading the Joy:
One of the most beautiful aspects of Joytember is the ripple effect it creates. As you embrace joy in your own life, you naturally radiate positivity to those around you. Cue the collective “awwws.” Share your Joytember experiences with friends and family, inspiring them to join in the celebration of joy. You can also extend your reach by participating in acts of kindness and spreading smiles to strangers.
Life can be what you make it. Let Joytember bring the sunshine into your world.
As the curtain rises on Joytember 2023, let us embark on this month-long journey with open hearts and contagious enthusiasm. Let joy be the guiding light that illuminates every corner of our lives.
In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, Joytember serves as a cheerful reminder that no matter the challenges we face, the power to choose joy is always within us.
So, embrace the joy, align with your heart’s true desires, and let the magic of Joytember infuse your life with love, laughter, and boundless happiness.
To give you some inspiration here are the activities I got up to last September (many of which I’m planning to do again):
- Enjoying quality time with my family.
- Watching comedies including all the Happy Madison movies, re-runs of Friends and Rules of Engagement (in place of thrillers and movies that spike my cortisol levels). Yes, I am a massive David Spade fan. Aren’t we all?!
- Taking regular walks in nature and along the beach.
- Sitting in the sun watching my kids play at the local skatepark with no agenda, no focus on time, and no worries.
- Reminiscing as I sort through my old electronic photographs.
- Playing board games.
- Smudging and tidying my house to get that extra fresh spring feeling.
- Pampering myself with a facial while enjoying a salt bath with essential oils.
- Continuing my new approach to clean, healthy eating. (Side note, I’ve lost 12 kg in 11 weeks and I’m feeling fantastic! Tune into the episode “Saying No to Say Yes: Letting Go and Weighing Less” on Kris and Shaz in The Mother of All Roles Podcast on Spotify and iTunes to find out how I did it.)
- Hiding from the kids in an impromptu game of hide-and-seek (which is always hilarious).
- Following my bliss by working on passion projects such as my writing course and writing workshop. (This is one writing workshop you won’t want to miss if you’re ready to write your book or just get a tonne of writing tips.)
- Doing random acts of kindness.
- Connecting with others who were keen to participate in Joytember and lift the vibe.
- Taking time in the morning for meditation, movement, and mindfulness.
What would you add to your “Joytember” list? Feel free to leave a comment.
Join the conversation on social media:
#Joytember #goodvibesonly #happyhappyjoyjoy #followyourbliss #wecouldalldowithalittlemorejoy
#bringthejoy #bethejoyyouwanttoseeintheworld
A huge thank you to Chery Austen for the original inspiration to bring more joy into my life at a time when most of us were struggling to make sense of the world.
