About Nine Joy Street

Why Joy?

Joy is a feeling of pure happiness that means different things to different people.

To some it’s the belly laugh of a child, blowing bubbles on a summer day, or helium-filled balloons escaping into the sunset. To others, it’s watching a lightening storm, feeling understood, or getting toasty from a crackling fire’s warmth. To me, it’s friendship, experiencing new cultures, and the tide going out and coming in while washing sand over my feet.

The great news is that we don’t have to have some huge event, travel to far-off lands, or spend any money whatsoever to feel joy. Finding joy in life’s moments and memories simply requires taking notice of what makes us feel joy, showing gratitude for it, and doing things that make us happy.

So why joy? Because feeling joy leads to happiness. And I think this world could use a little more happiness. Don’t you agree?

What is Nine Joy Street?

My belief is that recognizing and appreciating all of life’s moments—the ups and the downs from the past, present, and future—increases our joy. As Brene Brown says,

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”

Nine Joy Street gives me a place to capture the joy I find in life’s moments and a way to inspire others to do the same.

Specifically, Nine Joy Street is a gratitude practice, focusing on recognizing and appreciating past, present, and future moments. I like to think of it as:

• Part Reverse Bucket List (gratitude for past memories)
• Part Mindfulness (appreciation for present moments)
• Part Life List (looking forward to and having hope in future moments)

It also:

• Provides how to’s (tips and tools for increasing joy through gratitude in your life)
• Encourages sharing (community and collaboration about cultivating gratitude and finding joy)

How Did I Choose the Name Nine Joy Street?

Nine is my favorite number. Joy is what I’m trying to achieve in life and what I’m sharing on this blog. And street reflects my favorite past time: road tripping with my family. I think of Nine Joy Street more like a journey than a destination and I hope you’ll join me as we find joy in life’s moments and memories.

To learn more about the process and to join the movement, head on over to the “Join the Movement” page.