Joy is actually older than Courageously Living.
I started #FindJoy in January of 2021, after realizing people wanted something easy to smile about especially since COVID was still going strong.
Joy’s First Picture at Como Park
So why keep going and why have her part of Courageously Living?
A few reasons come to mind:
- People have told me how much they like Joy, even if they don’t “like” the post, (but it really does help me see engagement, when you like her posts! 😉 )
- Personally, I’ve been doing a lot of caregiving these last few years and going out and taking pictures of Joy has been a bright spot in my world.
- Courageously Living mainly focuses on topics that people don’t want to talk about until they have to. Joy adds a bit lightness to Courageously Living overall.
- Caregiving and Grieving are hard. It’s hard to find things to even smile at, so having Joy just be in their feed can make someone’s day.
- Several of Joy’s pictures are taken in nature, numerous studies have found being in nature can reduce cortisone the hormone that triggers stress. Sometimes people can’t get out to nature themselves, especially if they are caregiving, but Joy can bring a tiny bit of nature to them.
Where has Joy Been?
A few links are provided if you want to visit some of Joy’s favorite spots. 🦦
Colby Lake Park
Carver Lake
And more! (Joy is incredibly careful to not disrupt plants or vegetation when she picks her spot to get her photo taken)
Joy also loves posing for random holidays to brighten someone’s day
Frankenstein Day
National Homemade bread Day
National Coffee Day
International Tea Day
Small Business Saturday
(Joy still came out on Friday in favor of a local shop for Small Business Saturday)
Currently Joy’s posts aren’t sponsored or use any affiliate links. However, contact us if you have an idea. #FindJoy comes out on Fridays.