Hey brilliant being,

I know it's been months since I popped into your inbox. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is more taxing than recovering from my surgery. My brain couldn’t string together a coherent sentence and I just wanted to hide from any additional demands. I gave myself permission to let go of responsibilities so I could recharge my batteries. And hey, it worked!

As we step into 2025, I'm excited to reconnect with my community of ADHD entrepreneurs, therapists, and creative professionals. After a much-needed winter rot and holiday break, I'm delighted to share my journey and insights with you.

The word "joy" came to me during a New Year’s yoga class, where I visualized planting a seed for the coming year. What I saw wasn’t a little tiny seed, but this giant cacao seed. It symbolized my need to reconnect with sweet activities that bring me joy, like music festivals, painting, and traveling, even in the darkest times. In 2024, I physically and emotionally lost the ability to do these things that make life enjoyable and meaningful. Then I “forgot” how to cultivate joy in my life. Despite challenges like my surgery and Hurricane Helene, I'm determined to empower myself to prioritize joy, regardless of uncertain world circumstances.

Finding the magic in the mundane. Joy is not just happiness; it's about savoring the present moment and finding meaning in life's simple pleasures. Whether it's the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning or the silly positions my dogs find relaxing, joy is about discovering magic in the mundane. Joy is about being fully present, appreciating the beauty in the world around me, and nurturing the connections that enrich my life. It's a reminder to prioritize self-care and to seek out the moments that bring genuine peace and a smile to my face. the past year, I've realized the importance of reconnecting with the people and activities I love, like painting, playing silly games with friends, and going to weird art and music shows. These are the things that nourish my creativity, prevent burnout, and energize me to do the unique labor of being a therapist (in this uncertain, hellish world).

In the spirit of joy, join me in my 7-day Morning Joy Challenge designed to energize you and promote a peaceful day. This challenge will help you

✨ Boost your mood with practices backed by science

✨ Increase your focus with Mindful Hypnosis

✨ Create a blissful morning ritual for self-care and burnout prevention

Special Bonus: The Joy Challenge includes 30 days of free premium access to my favorite meditation app, Aura! I use it every morning and night for my meditation practice.

I hope this inspires you to cultivate joy and make it a priority in your life. Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling New Year!

Stay golden, brilliant beings

💖 Dr. Liz Slonena