My Heart is Full of Joy
My heart is full of joy! I’m still wearing the smile I wore last Monday night at my first book launch back home in Georgia. Yes, the number of friends and family who filled the upstairs room at the Harris Arts Center overwhelmed me. But what really filled my heart with joy was their engagement, enthusiasm, and genuine support. I saw the love in their eyes as I spoke, interrupted myself, lost my train of thought, and bounced from one story to another. They laughed with me, not at me, when I scanned the crowd, recognizing more and more faces.
What I thought might be a nice little get-together turned into something so much more—a celebration of family, friendship, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Family and friends from so many of my circles filled the room. Fellow writers, gym buddies, former students and teachers, parents and grandparents of students, and neighbors sat (or stood) listening to me babble about my travels and my childhood dreams to ride my bike and become an author. The love in the room came from my sister Sandi, who, along with my brother, inspired the dream, but also from friends of friends who hadn’t even met me. It was an emotional evening from the moment the first guest walked into the room until I signed the last book over two hours later.
The energy overwhelmed me. Having so many people there made the struggle worth it. Thank you to all who helped to make the launch of Finding Joy in the West a success. And thank you to those who will continue to support me as I write my next book, Finding Joy in the East.
Writing is hard. I have much to learn. But on the flip side, I’m traveling, riding my bike, and writing about people I meet and places I visit. That’s what I have wanted to do since the third grade. I’m living my dream. Riding and writing fill my heart with joy.
So, tell me . . . what fills your heart with joy? What is your dream? Are you living it? If not, figure out what is stopping you and find what fills your heart with joy.
*Photo by David McEntire
May 1, 2025 @ 4:53 pm
You have inspired me to share. Joy, for me, comes from recognition of truth in the words I put on paper or canvas, or rocks, or anywhere letters are welcome. Calligraphy has been my art and soul and focus for more than 45 years now. It’s the words that are important. They speak, sometimes softly, often gently, sometimes loudly. My part is to get your attention so that you read these incredible words that can change a life, heal, nudge, anger, soothe, inspire, but hopefully always bring fresh thoughts and purpose. As you know, it is truly the words that make the difference, just as the spirit in which they are presented frames them. We get to do that incredible work and reap the joy that comes from our efforts. That’s joy!
May 2, 2025 @ 4:35 pm
Beautifully said, Ardie! You are a woman with many gifts. So happy you are using your gifts. They have brought me joy, for sure.
May 1, 2025 @ 5:56 pm
Joy, watching you take off with your book talk and book signing was and is a thrill for me. I’m very proud of you, as is your family and friends. Keep up the good work with God’s blessings.
We love you,
Janice
May 2, 2025 @ 4:37 pm
Thank you, Janice. I appreciate your continued support.
May 2, 2025 @ 3:48 am
It’s amazing that two Northrop graduates have authored and released books within months of each other and I purchased both!! I haven’t started either because I am 3 books in to a series of 8 and I am enjoying this particular author too! But looking forward to reading both of my new books back to back!!
May 2, 2025 @ 4:47 pm
Oh, wow! Annette. Thanks for buying my book. I hate to admit that I don’t know who else just published a book.
I’m going to get to talk to the children at Washington Center Elementary in August. Can’t wait to see how things have changed like we got to see at Northrop.
May 2, 2025 @ 9:12 am
I am so excited and happy for you Joy! Ever since I first met you as a new blueberry customer, I knew you were a driven woman and I’m grateful you are also my friend!
Looking forward to making it to your next book signing! Keep up the dream because now it is a reality!
May 2, 2025 @ 4:51 pm
Cheryl. So honored to be your friend. You and David are remarkable. Unfortunately for you, most of my events are going to be on Saturdays. I will be at Adairsville Elementary School next Friday, May 9, 2:30-4:30. Maybe you could catch me there. I will only be signing books and talking with folks at that one, but it would be great to see you.