Lessons I’m Learning (and Deepening Into)

Every year on my birthday, I carve out space to reflect.

It’s not about having it all figured out—if anything, it’s about meeting myself where I am and honoring what’s been unfolding.

This past year has brought a mix of stretch, surrender, magic, and meaning—and I wanted to share a few of the lessons I’m continuing to learn (and deepen into).

As I reflect on my journey, I’m feeling deeply grateful. Grateful for the lessons, the growth, the magic. Grateful for every step that’s brought me here. Even grateful for the contrast that I may not have chosen but also supported a lot of growth and deepening.

So in true Joy Club fashion, I’m not just blowing out candles—I’m celebrating the alignment of my energy, my mission, and the powerful ripple of Joy we’re co-creating together. Here are some of the biggest lessons from the past year of this wild & beautiful ride:

Celebrating My Energy and Joy

This year I fully embraced my role as a Joy Educator and Mentor, with my business flowing in alignment with Joy as my currency. Every step I take in sharing my Joy, from facilitator programs to speaking engagements and podcast launches, serves as a testament to my belief that Joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a daily practice and a business strategy. I’m not just celebrating achievements - I’m celebrating the alignment of my energy with everything I’m creating. This is what I’m here to not only practice, but teach (we will be doing both together in The Joy Nest!!)

The Power of Alignment and Trust

I’ve learned the immense power of alignment—when I stay rooted in my truth and trust the process, amazing opportunities flow effortlessly. Trusting the timing of my business, like releasing things that weren’t working, focusing solely on things that felt Joyful. Relieving the pressure, launching The Joy Journey Podcast, re-branding Jillian Schecher and launching The Academy of Joyful Living - these were really big things and I feel so peaceful with all of them in the world! I know more than ever that Joy is the true magnet for abundance—and as I align with what truly feels good, everything falls into place without resistance.

AFFIRMATION: My highest alignment is the most powerful tool in attracting what I desire!

Visibility is Abundance

Visibility—whether through speaking, the podcast, or social media—is a powerful source of Joyful abundance for me. I embrace visibility as a potent tool for creating meaningful connections, expanding Joy and attracting aligned opportunities. The more I share my authentic voice, the more I create space for abundance to enter my life, both financially and energetically. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! LOL

AFFIRMATION: My Joyful, aligned presence attracts the most amazing opportunities and people who align with my mission.

Self-Care, Energy Protection, and Surrender

I’ve implemented some crucial shifts in my life this year—prioritizing self-care, balance, and vibrancy. I recognize that the energy of the CEO is foundational to the health of my business, and by tending to my own well-being, I’m not only fueling my growth but also inspiring others to do the same.

I’m also learning to release the need for perfection—embracing imperfection as a source of growth. By allowing myself to be messy, I’m giving myself permission to take inspired action, knowing that mistakes are a stepping stone to expansion. I give myself grace.

AFFIRMATION: I do less but with greater intention, attracting aligned people and opportunities.

Connection is the Heart of My Life & Business

Connection is everything—the way I show up for my clients, my team, my family, and even strangers is at the core of my success. Relationships are where the magic lies, and through fostering authentic, meaningful connections, I’m building a supportive community that expands Joy collectively.

AFFIRMATION: As I continue to expand my reach, I’ll do so with a focus on creating reciprocal, supportive relationships that are rooted in shared purpose.

The Balance of Planning, Flow and Aligned Support

I’m honing the dance between planning and flow, learning to trust my intuition and release the need for control over every detail. I’m embracing spaciousness in my schedule, focusing on balance, enrolling the right support and calling in those who want to expand Joy with me.

AFFIRMATION: I attract mutually beneficial, empowered and reciprocal relationships that feel nourishing in life and business.

Life’s Contrasts + The Messy Middle

And, as we all know, life’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It isn’t just about celebrations. In the last couple of months, we've lost three family members, and honestly, the grief alongside the recent medical challenges with Lily have been quite challenging. I share this because I think it’s important to tell the truth about how hard life can feel. And sometimes I also feel alone. With all the amazing things unfolding, it has simultaneously been a time of surrendering and trusting and showing up every day because my mission fuels me.

Yes, life is beautiful, and it’s also complex. I can feel myself deepening into the Joy work and finding that while I can hold space for the beauty in life’s contrasts, sometimes things just f*cking suck. There I said it;)

AFFIRMATION: I practice Joy so that I can feel as sturdy as possible while life does what it does around me.

Embracing Joy as the Foundation for Abundance

Ultimately, I’ve learned that Joy is currency—it’s the fuel for everything I create. When I prioritize my own Joy, it radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that attracts opportunities, clients, and abundance into my life. Joy-based living is at the heart of my leadership, and I'm actively showing others that success is not just about achieving—it’s about aligning, celebrating, and enjoying the process.

AFFIRMATION: The more I invest in my Joy, the more I receive in return.

Moving Forward

This year, I am calling in more alignment, simplicity, reciprocal connections, and overflowing energy. The space, capacity and presence to notice the simple in between moments that I know are actually really big.

I’m excited to move into our dream home, light up the world with our Joy Facilitators, rock some amazing stages, welcome in new members into The Joy Nest community.

Most importantly, I’ll make space for my Joy daily, soak up the love of my family and serve from a place of overflow, knowing that when we create space for Joy and alignment, everything flows with ease…

Let’s Keep Expanding Joy Together

If this reflection sparked something in you, I invite you to take a breath and ask yourself: What’s one thing you’re ready to release? And what’s one thing you’re ready to call in?

Then come share it with us inside The Joy Club—my free community of Joy Warriors where we support one another in living lives rooted in Joy, alignment, and meaningful connection. You’ll receive weekly Joy Messages straight to your inbox, plus access to our private Facebook group full of like-minded humans who are here to rise and shine with you.