Choose Your Own Adventure!

Hey there, Joy Warriors!

Welcome to another uplifting edition of Jon's Journal of Joy, your weekly dose of encouragement from yours truly, Jon The Encourager! As I sit here typing, I’m chuckling over my latest adventure: attempting to “organize” my garage, which turned into a full-on archaeology dig. I found everything from a broken ukulele to a single rollerblade (where’s its partner?!). Instead of getting frustrated, I blasted some music, danced with a broom, and turned chaos into a party. That’s the vibe I’m bringing you today—let’s find the fun in the mess!

This week, I’m all about choosing your own adventure. Life can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure book, except sometimes it seems like someone else is flipping the pages. Work stress, endless errands, or unexpected curveballs can make you feel stuck in a chapter you didn’t sign up for. But here’s the secret: you’ve got the pen. Every day, you get to make choices—big or small—that shape your story. And those choices? They’re your superpower.

Take my friend Carlos (big props, Carlos!), who shared his story with me recently. He was feeling drained by a monotonous routine, so he decided to shake things up. Instead of scrolling on his phone during lunch breaks, he started reading a book he’d been curious about. Just 15 minutes a day, but it opened his mind to new ideas and got him excited about learning again. That small choice led to him signing up for a local writing workshop, and now he’s working on a short story. One decision, one page turned, and his adventure is unfolding in ways he never expected.

You don’t need to rewrite your whole book to feel empowered. Start with one choice that moves you toward joy. Say no to something that drains you, like an overpacked schedule. Say yes to something that excites you, like trying a new hobby or reaching out to an old friend. Even choosing to pause, breathe, and appreciate the moment you’re in can shift the plot in your favor. You’re the author, and this is your story—make it one you love.

Joyful Tip of the Week: Try the “One Brave Choice” challenge. Pick one thing you’ve been hesitant to do—maybe it’s speaking up in a meeting, taking a walk instead of binge-watching, or texting someone you miss—and do it this week. Write down how it feels afterward. That rush of courage will fuel your next step and remind you that you’re in charge of your adventure.

Our Joyful Journal community is absolutely killing it, and I’m so grateful for you! Your stories from last week had me grinning ear to ear—like Sarah’s epic victory of cooking a meal from scratch (nailed it!) and Raj’s moment of pride when he finished a work project early. Keep those wins coming! Reply to this email and share one choice you made this week that felt good, whether it’s bold or quiet. I’ll feature a few (with your go-ahead) in our next newsletter to inspire the whole crew.

Let’s keep the positivity rippling! If you know someone who could use a boost, forward this newsletter or invite them to join our joyful squad at [Insert Your Signup Link]. For an extra dose of fun, try a “Joy Plot Twist”: surprise someone with a kind gesture this week, like leaving a sticky note with a compliment or treating a coworker to coffee. Share your twist with me—I’m dying to hear how you’re rewriting the day for someone else!

You’re the hero of your own epic tale, and every choice you make is proof of your strength. Keep writing your adventure, keep choosing joy, and know I’m here cheering you on with all my heart.

Love,
Jon