Jemma's Tales
Living An Authentic Life With Real Joy
January 04, 2018
New Year in our home is off to a pretty healthy start, we are focusing on the value of real and joy. Today I am sharing the PERK project and also my focus word for 2018 (joy) as well as some of my thoughts with you on coping and life. I am not an expert in these theories, I just know what works for us most of the time. We are a real family with real life struggles searching for acceptance, love, kindness and happiness just like everyone else. So, my sincere hope is that I can pass on a little love and goodness to you! After all, we are in this real life together.
When one is a youngster real is home, Mom, Dad, friends...
When one is a youngster joy is derived from toys, playing, dessert...
As an adult we begin to discover that real and joy are a bit more complicated and that learning to discover ways to hold onto both can be a bit more challenging than when we were a youngster. In fact being genuine and joyful in our daily lives requires an intentional mindset. I am not a Preacher so I don't want to preach to you, I just want to share what is in my heart and that is this; real, joy comes from living an authentic life, loving yourself, accepting yourself, being enough for yourself and walking with God.
This might sound selfish, but it really isn't. It's owning who you are and not looking to others to feel the voids or validate your life. This is accountability at it's finest. Because truly you are enough, you were made to be just exactly who you are. We are all fighting the same battles of looking, wondering, and needing.
Being real and joyful require as much of a dedication as walking those 3 miles everyday, lifting weights, passing up on that slice of pie. Choosing a quality lifestyle is just as much of a commitment as a diet, prayer, and exercise. Being genuine and joyful are a choice.
Believe In Joy!
The reality of life is that joy sometimes comes from things that just can't be seen until you do believe in them. Seemingly dried, dead bulbs, planted, loved, watered, tended to, turn into magnificent blooming plants!
Those wonderful, colorful, imaginative, intangible dreams-never ever give up on them! They are an inner working of your uniqueness and a vital part of the marvelous soul that you are. Dreams are placed in your mind for a reason, listen to them and follow your heart.
Remember how easy it was as a child to be joyful...reclaim that delightful and real child back again! We can do this together!
Don't wait to reclaim the real you, the joyful you, until the time seems "just" right.
Because the "just" right time is right now!
You will never be younger than you are today.
Thank you for joining Poofing The Pillows and I for our third week of The Perk Project.
We invite you to share your thoughts today and your posts on Kindness on Monday, January 15th for a linky party.
Interested in more inspiring posts? You might enjoy these two subscriber favorites!
Thoughts From The Bean Lady
Mama Chris and Her Tea Set
Oh, don't forget to subscribe to athomewithjemma!
You'll want to receive my custom calendar, and a plan of action for each month, as well as sneak peeks and discounts for my online shop!
Wishing you a weekend filled with real joy!
When one is a youngster real is home, Mom, Dad, friends...
When one is a youngster joy is derived from toys, playing, dessert...
 |
| REAL JOY |
As an adult we begin to discover that real and joy are a bit more complicated and that learning to discover ways to hold onto both can be a bit more challenging than when we were a youngster. In fact being genuine and joyful in our daily lives requires an intentional mindset. I am not a Preacher so I don't want to preach to you, I just want to share what is in my heart and that is this; real, joy comes from living an authentic life, loving yourself, accepting yourself, being enough for yourself and walking with God.
This might sound selfish, but it really isn't. It's owning who you are and not looking to others to feel the voids or validate your life. This is accountability at it's finest. Because truly you are enough, you were made to be just exactly who you are. We are all fighting the same battles of looking, wondering, and needing.
Being real and joyful require as much of a dedication as walking those 3 miles everyday, lifting weights, passing up on that slice of pie. Choosing a quality lifestyle is just as much of a commitment as a diet, prayer, and exercise. Being genuine and joyful are a choice.
Believe In Joy!
The reality of life is that joy sometimes comes from things that just can't be seen until you do believe in them. Seemingly dried, dead bulbs, planted, loved, watered, tended to, turn into magnificent blooming plants!
Those wonderful, colorful, imaginative, intangible dreams-never ever give up on them! They are an inner working of your uniqueness and a vital part of the marvelous soul that you are. Dreams are placed in your mind for a reason, listen to them and follow your heart.
Remember how easy it was as a child to be joyful...reclaim that delightful and real child back again! We can do this together!
Don't wait to reclaim the real you, the joyful you, until the time seems "just" right.
Because the "just" right time is right now!
You will never be younger than you are today.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Thank you for joining Poofing The Pillows and I for our third week of The Perk Project.
We invite you to share your thoughts today and your posts on Kindness on Monday, January 15th for a linky party.
Interested in more inspiring posts? You might enjoy these two subscriber favorites!
Thoughts From The Bean Lady
Mama Chris and Her Tea Set
Oh, don't forget to subscribe to athomewithjemma!
You'll want to receive my custom calendar, and a plan of action for each month, as well as sneak peeks and discounts for my online shop!
Wishing you a weekend filled with real joy!
A wise and wonderful post, Jemma. I do believe that we must be kind to ourselves before we can be kind to others and that we all have a duty to contribute goodness and joy to the world. It is following up on this belief that is the challenge, especially when faced with negative forces, as we all are every day. We are all works in progress and can only do our best so part of the process is to forgive, ourselves and others.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Dearest soul, I have to find the "subscribe" button because I don't want to lose you again.
ReplyDeleteYour post is speaking to my current move toward a truly new year.
First of all, your post is a reminder that we ARE connected, and that your message here seems perfectly timed. Out of all the ideas and inspirations you could have chosen, you chose this one, the path that I am currently re-treading.
You know that I've been on this trek of wanting to be a poet with great photography skills. With these high-minded goals come unrealistic dreams until, and I mean UNTIL as in possibility, we decide what we're going to actually do to make all things possible. My husband and I were talking the other day about a book I'm currently reading about the life of a poet. Journaling is essential, but I've never been one to dedicate myself to a journal where I write just anything. I've tried that, and I've failed, for I need a purpose to write. After some discussion, I decided that my journal would be my blog. However, my identity on my Castles Crowns and Cottages blog is one that I want to keep intact. I've now created a Wordpress blog, but it's private. It's where I find joy. It's were I can be REAL. I decided that I can now let go of worrying about my readership on Castles, whether they'll drop me because my poetry is not for them, etc....I've also realized that I am a great DREAMER. I know how to fly, in the figurative sense, and I'm also not afraid of "flying." But, nothing will get done in the air. Now it's time to land, and my new blog, where I can already feel a freedom, is where I'm Learning to Land.
Your post speaks to the reality that we CAN make joy a reality when we put what is in our minds straight to our hands and start to write our stories out on everything we do. Thank you for confirming my new path. Much love to you.Anita
Jemma, this exactly what I've been striving for...real joy in who I am, not in some ideal the world has. It's been hard; I am a people pleaser and want other's approval. I've had to back off of social media for that very reason. Most importantly, I am having to trust God to supply the approval, etc. It's a journey, step by step God is leading me. I appreciate these post so much!
ReplyDelete😊Cecilia
I love the PERK project. And loving Real and Joy. Real -- Oh, boy! Getting real is realizing that it's almost Twelfth Night and the house still looks like Christmas Eve! I have bags and bags of stuff lined up to go downstairs to be stored and no one but me can tell I've done anything. To be honest, even I am having time seeing what is down! The big tree comes down on Twelfth Night or right after and that will help, though I drag my feet on it because I so love the lights!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and greetings from the Deep Freeze, though not so snowy (yet) as the Bomb Cyclone region. I know it's cold down there too, so keep cozy!
Beautiful post Jemma. Joy is such a great word and also a great expression of a feeling. Joy can be found in the littlest things to big life things. So this is a great word for your new year. Finding a little joy in your heart each day would be the most precious gift. Each day we get is a gift and I think making the most of each day in a positive way is truly the meaning in life. Your post really touched me and has me thinking. Thank you sweet friend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
Jemma, being real shows me I am in need of a walk with the Lord every minute of the day! When I am in tune with Him, Joy is a benefit but also a choice! Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and inspiration dear friend! You are a treasure❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat very special words you have shared here today, Jemma. You are such an inspiration and special friend to me. Yes, today is the day to be filled with joy. It's so easy to want to wait until everything is just right to feel joy, but your lovely reminder to feel joy right here, right now is a blessing to hear today. Your white roses are so pretty, and isn't that the cutest miniature tea set? I hope the new year is being good to you, dear Jemma, and thank you for this wonderful reminder. : )
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and photos.
Is there some way the font could be
darker? I am having a challenge
reading it all the way through because
of this and would truly like to read all
you have to say.
Thanks so much. Stay toasty and warm on these cold winter nights.
Jemma, I just feel blessed that you would share this sweet little project with me. We are two peas in a pod when it comes to the mushy side of life. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post for the start of 2018.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading the comments as well, and I thought Amalia's reply to you was excellent.
Enjoy the New Year and enjoy the weekend ahead.
All the best Jan
What a lovely post, Jemma. I chose me as my word of the year, because I need to intentionally focus on what I hope to attain. Joy and authenticity are two of those things on the list. You're right, getting there takes focus and intention and I hope to be able to dedicate time for a little of both this year.
ReplyDeleteGood morning! Joy is something I want more of this year. It is elusive far too often by my own doing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your ❤️
Jemma, I have been following you for some time now. But I want you to know that I just love your new calendar and can't wait for next month's to come out. Thank you so much for your efforts. My youngest daughter's middle name is Joy and she and your calendar both bring me joy today.
ReplyDeleteEvery word here is truth and so inspiring! As scripture says, the truth will set you free. Comparing ourselves to others just robs joy. Being who God created us to be every day is the key.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words spoken Jemma! When we are at peace with ourselves and with the Lord, our lives take on an aspect of joy that will affect every part of our lives. Praying the Lord blesses you and your family richly in this New Year :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I read this today. Loved it. I love keeping it real. I am afraid that many hide behind the masks because of fear dear Jemma. Fear of what other's think, fear us being unaccepted, fear of not being good enough, thin enough, pretty enough, smart enough and well my list could go on and on. I am bubbly right now reading yours and Stacy's post on Keeping it real! This has truly inspired me for a post! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeletehttp://kosmetikana.pl Just wished to express I'm just thankful that i happened on the website!
ReplyDelete