The Joy Journal | Vol. 2
Your monthly dose of joy | Trust Your Journey
I recently spoke with 60 students about my journey to becoming a business owner. When I began to prepare, I didn’t feel I was qualified to share anything since I am still learning so much. I thought back to when I graduated from college and what I said I wanted to do when I grow up. My dream was to help connect people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds to learn how to thrive in business together. But I had no clue what career path would help me achieve this dream. Fast forward 24 years and I can’t believe the many steps I have taken to get me where I am today.
Never would I have thought that I would run my own business, travel the world, and experience different cultures the way I have. It has all been a gift. It reminded me once again that nothing in life is a mistake. Every setback and every achievement are necessary to get you to where you need to be.
This month as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, we think about all the blessings we have received over the year. Speaking to this class made me start counting the blessings of my hardships. Becoming an entrepreneur was never a desire of mine nor did I expect that 90% of the time doors will close before they ever open. I have seen people living in the worst circumstances with very little have more joy than many of us. Traveling allowed me to see this on a regular basis. It also helped me to realize that although my dream was to connect people to different cultures, it was more important to bring people together to help one another thrive. Starting a business requires you to be open to anything, to learn as much as possible, and most importantly, to be vulnerable.
This holiday season, I am grateful for the courage to take the road less traveled by this Indian girl who didn’t do what society expected of her. I am grateful for the support of family and friends. I am grateful for the difficult paths that did not make sense, but that led me to where I am today. I am grateful because, today, those paths have led me to each of you.
As we reflect on this season of Thanksgiving, be thankful that nothing in life is a mistake because it will all be used for your good, if not better. Trust your journey.
Joyously yours,
Adele
Christmas is coming and we have the best gift for the traveler in your life – packing cubes! We know, it’s not the most glamorous, but they are so handy and completely change the game for that two-weeks-in-a-carry-on lifestyle.
Check out these beautiful water-resistant, breathable packing cubes from Away!
We’re partial to the green ourselves, but they come in several colors…
Partners & Places
This month's partner spotlight is on Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. One of our clients recently stayed here during their time in Rwanda. The staff are known for their incredible hospitality. Before a gorilla trek, they place gaiters around our legs. When you return from the trek, they remove and clean the gaiters, boots, and socks – and they offer delightful foot massages, which are very necessary after a long day of trekking! The lodge is also beautiful, surrounded by lush and peaceful grounds.
Photo from Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Ladies' Layover
Hygge Thanksgiving from TJJ Host Rebecca
Nope! It’s not a typo!! As we work our way toward Thanksgiving, I want it to be Happy and Hygge for you!! Hygge is a Danish word and concept (pronounced “HOO-gah”) that is all about coziness and comfortable conviviality which engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. Kinda sounds like ‘retreat’ doesn’t it?! It’s about intentionally slowing down as the world goes into holiday warp-speed, and walking through it all in a state of “retreat”. Slowing down now is particularly important for next month.
Reflect: What do you do to add cozy Hygge vibes to your life? We’d love for you to share them with us!
Take Action! Need a little hygge help? Try some of these ideas:
• Take a mental health break
• Be here and now – turn off the screens
• Turn down the lights and bring out the candles
• Spend time with your tribe
• Give yourself a break from trying to do it all
Spending time with your tribe is super important. We all have multiple tribes in our life and finding a new one always brings a sense of JOY and fulfillment - very hygge, wouldn’t you agree? You’ll be sure to find a new tribe when you join us on a TJJ Women’s Retreat. Can you have Hygge in Africa with women you’ve just met - yes, you can! Let us show you how – learn more about our women's retreats!
