Issue 01: Find Your Joy!

It’s been many years since school, but I still remember how I felt before I attended subjects I loved – my heart would go faster and my step would be lighter. I remember feeling buoyed up, joyful and completely engrossed before, during and after. But I imagine I know how Harry Potter felt when the dementors sucked the soul from him, during subjects I hated. I was lucky to have owned these feelings very early on. My dad, an engineer, was disappointed I didn’t want to be an engineer like him, but I felt very strongly that my calling was with people, music, humanities. And so I switched degrees to Psychology, English Literature and Sociology. I’ve never looked back. Today, I use all of my learning – in Human Resources, Poetry Writing, and Music. I was lucky – I found my joy! It took a while, but I got there. This joy has allowed me to connect with like minded people, and find applications in so very many areas.

Have you ever not done stuff you didn’t like? How much time did you spend either covering up, redoing it, and doing it anyway, but on your weekends. Did the results of a rush job bring joy? I guess the point I’m trying to make is, gravitate towards the things that give you JOY! And you will feel more motivated to do the things you don’t like, so you can focus on what uplifts you.

Once you master that, you don’t have to deal with constant stress about NOT doing boring stuff, and can get on with all the stuff you find fun. Not doing the boring stuff means that’s all you’ll be doing, you’ll stress out about it and you won’t sleep well, which will trigger a host of other issues. Give yourself a reason. Find Your Joy!
Debbie

My joy is dogs, board games, pasta, organisation and good design! | Jasmine

It was the most joyful moment of my life – having a dessert with the man of my life on our wedding day. We were laughing so hard because it was the first thing we ate after hours of standing, walking, greeting and shooting photographs on a sunny day. | Ceci

My joy is making people happy and putting smiles on their faces through being an author, radio host and publicity peace ambassador.  | Kimberley

I love to run. Sprinting and coaching my athletes to move functionally is an absolute joy for me | Duane

I find joy in painting and drawing, but also decorating my home and staying at places that have put efforts into such details. Here I am doing a mural at a friend’s art centre in Penang, Malaysia. | Loulou

My joy is singing and songwriting! Here I am at the launch of my first album, Inspired | Debbie

Playing my favorite video game or cycling on my halfbike would be my personal joys! | Q

What gives YOU joy?
Send us a photo with a short description and we’ll add them into our wall of joy! Send your contributions to info@imtacmag.com