As we move into 2025, we are promised a huge year.  Without doubt as with many years historically, there may be times where challenges shift us out of our centre. When this happens, these situations can spiral us down, when we add to these circumstances by letting them steal our Joy. Our challenge for this year: Keep our Joy regardless of how challenging the circumstances, stay in our centre and let the challenges of life flow around us.

Don't Let Life Steal Your Joy

Every single day, we’re presented with opportunities to lose it. Misplaced keys, traffic jams, rude strangers, or unexpected delays can all pile up and derail our mood. But if we want to live in victory, we need to take charge of how we respond to life’s inevitable frustrations. You've probably heard the saying, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond." It’s true. Most of our frustration comes from trying to control things we simply can’t. Some of us walk around thinking, “I’ll be happy if my partner changes… if my boss leaves… if everything goes exactly how I planned.” But let’s be honest—that rarely happens.

Decide Before the Day Begins

The key is to decide before the day even starts that you’re not going to let anything steal your joy. Before you get out of bed, make the choice that no matter what comes your way, you won’t let it shake you. If traffic is worse than usual, your child forgets their lunch, or your schedule gets disrupted—no big deal. You've already made up your mind: This is the day I’m going to enjoy.

Too often, we wait until we’re in the middle of the situation to make this decision. By then, emotions have already taken over, and it’s too late. But if you commit ahead of time, you’ll handle life with more grace and ease.

1. Make the choice: Before you get out of bed, make the choice that no matter what comes your way, you won’t let it shake you. Imagine yourself stepping into a "love suit" where you vibrate love out and receive it back 🙂
2. This is the day I’m going to enjoy. If traffic is worse than usual, your child forgets their lunch, or your schedule gets disrupted—no big deal. You've already made up your mind: This is the day I’m going to enjoy.
3. Commit ahead of time: Too often, we wait until we’re in the middle of the situation to make this decision. By then, emotions have already taken over, and it’s too late. But if you commit ahead of time, you’ll handle life with more grace and ease.
4. Get curious about what is happening: It is scientific fact that we cannot be in stress and curiosity at the same time. Observe what's happening and find someting in that situation that can help you improve.

Joy Isn’t Up for Grabs

Here’s the truth: no one can take your joy. The only way to lose it is by giving it away. People can be rude, circumstances can go sideways, but ultimately, you hold the power. You can choose to stay calm and collected, or you can hand your joy over to someone who cut you off in traffic or didn’t greet you with a smile.

Next time someone frustrates you, try this: pause and ask yourself, “Is this worth giving up my peace for?” Nine times out of ten, it’s not. Imagine breathing into your brain, eyes open or closed, try it your brain really does begin to cool 🙂

A Personal Story

I remember circling a parking lot for what felt like forever, finally spotting someone walking toward their car. I guessed right, followed them, and parked near the front, only for another driver to swoop in and take the spot coming in an illegal direction. My first instinct was frustration. But I caught myself. I thought, “I can give them the spot, but I’m not giving them my joy.”

It’s a small thing, but those small things add up. When you choose not to sweat the little stuff, life flows smoother.

The Joy Filter

Joy acts as a filter for how you experience life. Without it, the smallest inconveniences can feel like major setbacks. With it, even big disruptions seem manageable. When you stop giving away your joy over things that ultimately don’t matter, you’ll notice your days feel lighter, your relationships stronger, and your overall happiness more consistent. Take inventory. What’s been stealing your joy lately? Is it really worth it? Chances are, the answer is no.

Adjust Your Perspective

Many times, the things that upset us are just small bumps in the road. Is it worth losing your peace over, because the remote is missing or your partner forgot to take out the trash? Probably not. Life is too short to be weighed down by things that won’t matter a week from now. I heard a story about a woman with three small kids trying to get everyone out the door for school. It was chaotic, and by the time she arrived, she felt like she had run a marathon. Her husband, sensing her frustration, gently reminded her, “It’s okay to be late five minutes. It’s not the end of the world.” Sometimes we need that reminder—to zoom out and realize what actually matters.

Strength in Staying Calm

It’s not about letting people walk all over you. Keeping your joy is about strength under control. You could retaliate, snap back, or argue, but that rarely leaves you feeling better. Choosing peace is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When you hold onto your joy, you disarm negativity. It’s hard for someone to keep being rude when you’re not. You rise above the drama, and often, it inspires others to do the same.

Conclusion: Take Back the Power

From now on, make the decision: “I’m not giving away my joy.” When someone’s rude, let it slide. When plans don’t go your way, adapt. When small things go wrong, laugh them off.

Each day is a gift. Don’t let temporary frustrations rob you of lasting joy. You are in control—and when you live with that mindset, life feels lighter, fuller, and more rewarding.

Here’s to protecting your peace and thriving, one joyful day at a time.

“You are a master of your energy, a sovereign being who is consciously creating your reality. There’s no need to resist or fear the challenges that come your way—they are simply opportunities for greater growth and mastery.”

- Dr. Suzanne Ravenall

More about Dr. Suzanne Ravenall  B.Msc. M.Msc. Msc.D.

Suzanne works within the field of human potential and is a transformation coach, integrative medicine practitioner, and human performance changemaker. Following great trauma herself, she has dedicated her life to helping people tap into their innate potential to overcome their challenges and step into their power and realize their inner "enoughness".I offer private and group sessions, along with live and self-study training programmes. These are designed to help you create profound changes in your life and positively impact those around you. I’ll guide you in unlocking your most extraordinary self, empowering you to become an unstoppable force.