A Dose of Joy


A Dose of Joy

There are few things I enjoy as much as a really good laugh.

You know the one. You try to finish the story and can't get the words out. Or something catches you so off guard that hours later you're chuckling to yourself at a red light.

On most days I am laughing at myself, literally.

Just this week, I realized what a hot mess I can be, overthinking things I have absolutely no power over in the current moment. So I'll create an even more unrealistic scenario in my head and bust out laughing at the absurdity of my own mind.

I've come to treasure those bursts. They interrupt whatever else is going on and pull us right into where we are. Suddenly we're enjoying the people around us, the ridiculousness of what happened, and ourselves.

Honestly, I think God knew we'd need that.

Stomachs that hurt at the end of a conversation. Inside jokes nobody gets but us. Being human gives us endless material.

Some seasons ask a lot of us. All the same, a dose of joy usually finds its way in. In those moments, we get to release some of the weight.

I pray we never get too busy to notice.

Wherever this week takes you, I hope you find a few reasons to let out a cackle or two. And if your own thoughts start running wild, feel free to join me in finding the humor in it.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

This Weeks Reflection

What had you giggling recently?

Who always seems to bring that side of you out?

Life can get heavy.
We are allowed to let loose and find the joy within the moments.

Until next time,

Nicole Z.

P.S. Join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter tomorrow!!🎉The laughs we've shared over the years are some of the best in my lifetime.

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Shameless Voices

Shameless Voices is for the unedited individual who is learning to embrace who they are while intentionally growing into who they're becoming. Expect honest stories, faith, purpose, personal growth, and the occasional uncomfortable truth. All meant to remind you that you don't have to have it all figured out to show up authentically. Real Stories. Honest growth. Faith & purpose. The truth looks good on you!

Read more from Shameless Voices
Close-up of a tender green seedling breaking through dark soil, its four leaves catching the light.

Remember That Dream You Planted? I write my newsletters in real time and chose Wednesday intentionally. With that said, it's been a busy week on many levels. Maybe at some point, I'll lean more towards automated delivery. I've been planting seeds lately. I've planted many throughout my life and have been blessed to see them come to fruition. The harvest depends as much on the seed as it does on the faith required to believe in the fullness of it. This is my third newsletter in a row on faith....

Concerts In The Car Quick update: I'm still not on the beach, in the Caribbean. "No Woman, No Cry" did get blasted in my car a time or two, and I may or may not have been singing along at the top of my lungs, with other drivers looking over at me having my own concert session. Last week I shared my personal frustrations, which allowed me to take a step back and reflect. Walking into this week, I would remind that version of me that through all of my adversities, God has never failed me yet....

A serene, top-down view of a river cutting through a vibrant forest with changing seasonal colors.

Are You There, God? Last week I touched on joy. This week, well, quite frankly, I'm finding myself feeling frustrated. I've reached my creative plateau. I'm throwing in the towel. Saying farewell. Okay, not really, but that's how I feel. I've put in some time being absorbed, and now I have these completely absurd thoughts creeping in. Is that you, God, or am I crazy? Either could be true at this point. Ever been called to something you don't feel qualified for? Let's rephrase. Ever thought,...