What do you think the secret to joy is?
- A new car?
- A baby kitten?
- A certain income level?
- A partner who “makes” you happy?
What if I told you… NONE of those things (or anything else you’ve probably thought of) are the real secret to joy?
It’s true—and here’s why:
Joy is a choice.
It’s not something you find outside of yourself. It’s not dependent on people or circumstances.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s something you cultivate from the inside out.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”
—Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
That means, if you’re waiting for people or things to make you happy, joy will always feel just out of reach.
Joy is something you DO.
It’s something you cultivate intentionally, by building your capacity for gratitude and confidence in God.
Now, I don’t mean gratitude in the shallow, “I’m thankful when something awesome happens” kind of way.
Anyone can be grateful when things are going great.
Real gratitude runs deeper than that.
I’m talking about the kind of gratitude that sees God’s hand even in tough moments.
The kind of gratitude that treasures the ordinary, unseen gifts of each day.
The kind of gratitude that whispers “thank You, Lord” even when your prayers haven’t yet been answered.
This kind of deep, Spirit-empowered gratitude is the doorway to joy.
When you cultivate it, you stop depending on others to “make” you happy.
You stop being pulled around by what people say or what does or doesn’t happen.
Instead of saying:
- “I didn’t like that movie.”
- “That party wasn’t fun.”
- “I don’t feel good about how that went.”
- “Why would they say that?”
You begin saying:
- “God, thank You for breath today.”
- “Thank You for what You’re teaching me, even in this.”
- “I know You’re working, even if I can’t see it yet.”
See the difference?
As with every part of the Love Workout Method, joy is a skill.
And just like building muscle, you can grow your joy—day by day—with the right tools.
But here’s the question I want you to reflect on:
What’s blocking your gratitude?
Is it the disappointments? The arguments? The stress and heartbreak?
Whatever it is, you don’t have to stay stuck.
We’ve already created the tools.
They’re right here, waiting for you inside the Love Workout Method.
All you have to do is choose to pick them up.
If you’re ready to grow in joy and gratitude—no matter what’s going on around you—reply to this email with the word “JOY.”
Let’s start building joy from the inside out.
With love and gratitude for YOU,
Ade