Joy Archives

Finding joy in your life is a big part of the plan.

I believe we have set points, but not of happiness, of joy. I know that even in moments of extreme grief I can feel joy. Joy is a pursuit. Joy is either a focus of your attention or not. It’s kind of like being positive, but it’s different.

Joy is different than happiness. Joy is part of our internal compass. You’ve got to find your own inner joy. It’s a big shift, this focus on inner joy and not outer happiness. I cannot control many of the aspects of my life. I am not always happy. But, I am learning to be always joyful.

A Muse Enters and Leaves

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 1, 2022
Post category:Dating Drinking Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy relationship building Relationships self-awareness sexual chemistry Single-Dad

a muse is a near miss. A woman who I can see potential and hope with. A woman that meets some unspoken standards, and fits some magical equation in my heart.

Father’s Day After Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 19, 2022
Post category:Co-Parenting Divorce Joy Love self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad

This father's day, I wish for family law to recognize the dad as equally important after divorce and start custody negotiations at 50/50 shared parenting.

Listening for Desire and Motivation: Crafting Love that Lasts

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 14, 2022
Post category:Dating Joy Love mindfulness relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Sex sexual chemistry

I need the vital connection and the clear communications to become part of our DNA. Then, when you're "ready and rutting," let's get it on!

Big Love & the Tonic Effect of Being In a Nourishing Relationship

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 13, 2022
Post category:Dating Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Sex sexual chemistry Single-Dad Spirituality

Each day, we just groove. Watching a movie, cooking dinner, walking her dogs, I am happier together with someone who is holding my hand.

Looking to Get a Little Higher: Seeking Elevation & Immortality

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 7, 2022
Post category:Dating Depression Drinking Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

If I can be more conscious of my moments, my intake, and my decisions about rest vs. success, I can be happier with the body I have.

What I Learned About Drinking: The Summer of Love

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 14, 2022
Post category:Dating Drinking Health and Fitness Joy Love relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Spirituality Third Glass Series

I also learned that drinking is not a life path that's going to bring you much joy. And as you get more routine about your nightly start, you get less intentional about what you want to do with your free time.

Big 5 Relationship Questions to Answer Before You Start Dating Again

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 13, 2022
Post category:Dating Joy Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

So let's make a pact, in our next round of dating "work" I want to commit to pursuing only the clear YES women. Everything else is a distraction. If I am interested in a relationship, that's going to take time, patience, perspective, and the right YES woman.

Defining 5 Love Skills: Moving the Love Languages Into Action

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 11, 2022
Post category:Dating Joy Love Married Life relationship building Relationships Self-care

I do rely on Love Languages a lot, but I think we need more than that. We need action and clear commitments to fulfill with our partners. We need to give them the space to miss us. The space to get into their own inner dialogue about dreams and projects. We need to feel our own isolation and how much more vibrant we feel when we are together.