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.

Giving Time: If This Moment is All We Have

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 27, 2021
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce Drinking Health and Fitness Joy Love mindfulness Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

THIS IS MY HAPPY PLACE. Typing words. Imagining I am putting down some information of value.

In the Birthday Cake of the Present Moment You Have Three Choices

life is a three-layered cake - john mcelhenney

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 26, 2021
Post category:Anger Depression Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness Money Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

If we can rise above our present distress and the distractions of our disappointments, we can appreciate all the layers of the present moment. It's all cake. It may not all be delicious. But our attitude about the cake colors every one of our present moments. It's our attitude about the cake we're being served that gives us the freedom from suffering.

Fathers and Daughters: Lessons in Loving Someone

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 25, 2021
Post category:Dating Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

What I am learning this weekend, with my daughter, is that I cannot settle for someone who does not treat me with the love and respect she does. I would hope the same for her, as she moves forward in her life.

Fierce Love – Know What You Are Looking For

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 21, 2021
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love mindfulness Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

That's what we want. Ascendant love. Moving ever higher together. Fearlessly attacking the discord as it arrives unwelcome and unbidden. And we move through it with the other person, knowing they are going to stick around.

Graveyard Whistling: Why Do I Have to Breakup 3 Times to Let Go?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 20, 2021
Post category:Anger Dating Joy Love relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

I need to learn to listen when the woman says, "I am really not looking to be in a relationship."

Seven Signs of a Healthy Post-Breakup Relationship

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 20, 2021
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

Relationships are fun. And now that we have our kids and our independence, we can be more intentional and clear about what we want in our next relationship. It doesn't have to be about marriage, but can be more about learning to love and feel loved again.

Emotional Variability: Healthier Living Through Mindful Awareness

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 18, 2021
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy mindfulness Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

Let's take the darkness in our own lives and forge wonderful lives, wonderful relationships, and wonderful children. We can do this. I have done it. I am doing it every single day. You can do it as well.