Joy isn’t something you earn—it’s something you choose.

Joy is not a reward, it’s a tool. We tend to save fun for 'when the to-do list is finished'—which, for women in our phase of life, is never. Joy isn't a frivolous reward you earn after working yourself ragged; it's a powerful tool that lowers stress, boosts creativity, and prevents burnout. This week, we are ditching the guilt and deliberately carving out time for something that is purely and beautifully inefficient.

Treat fun as a critical, non-negotiable event on your schedule.

The 'Joy Appointment': Look at your calendar right now and block out 30 minutes for something that brings you zero productive outcome, but 100% genuine enjoyment. Maybe it’s listening to an old album, dancing in the kitchen, or looking at art. Treat this Joy Appointment like a client meeting you absolutely cannot miss.

Before we move on, I want to revisit something I shared in a previous issue—Joy Notes—because joy is too important to only talk about once. This is something I’m actively working on in my own life, especially learning that joy isn’t something I wait for, but something I choose and create on purpose.

Revisit the Joy Notes & post them everywhere: Joy Notes

I also recorded a short video sharing more of my personal experience and growth in this area—what it’s looked like to shift out of “I’ll get to it later” and start making space for joy now.

Watch my personal reflection: My Reflections on Joy

If this is something you’re working through too, I’d really love to hear from you—what are you learning about joy in this season of your life? What’s been challenging, or what’s starting to shift? Reply and share with me.

My Joy Appointment: What is the specific, non-productive activity I will schedule time for this week?

My Feeling Focus: What feeling (e.g., lightheartedness, freedom, silliness) will I choose to focus on during that time?

I am worthy of happiness and ease. I make space for joy in my life, knowing that lightheartedness is essential to my sustainable wellness. I give myself full permission to play.

Lord, help me to always be convinced that am worthy of happiness and ease. I can make space for joy in my life, knowing that lightheartedness is essential to my sustainable wellness. Help me to always remember to give myself full permission to play.

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Did this issue resonate with you? Do you know a friend, sister, or colleague in her 40s or 50s who needs a reminder to practice self care? Please share a little dose of wellness with her! All she needs to do is subscribe here to get her own weekly support: Ken Carmel Digital Newsletter

Self Care and Wellness is all about those small, consistent steps that lead to a lifestyle of guilt free time for yourself - you deserve it! For more tips and support to keep you on track, check out our website Ken Carmel Digital.

Until next time,

Kenya Aisha