Embracing Joy During Transformative Times
Johane Ligondé, author of the book “40-Day Joyous Challenge” believes that one’s state of joy is not simply about being happy. Rather, it’s about being deeply satisfied in all areas of your life.
Joy, she says, is a practice and behavior – an inner state of being.
Johane’s Instagram is a testament to her joy in action. She possesses an alive, effervescent, infectious style that fuels her work as a thought-leader, coach, and self-care evangelist.
Her book is a guide to ultimate joy in all aspects of life — social, romantic, spiritual, and self. In it she’ll show 7 key elements to a joyous life, core practices she affectionately refers to as the “Sacred 7.” Completing the challenges in this Self-Coaching book for each of the 40 days will renew your spirit and leave you feeling accomplished and uplifted.
Recently, Johane was kind enough to share a few thoughts about her life evolution and how it informs her client work through Joyous Leader International, the organization she founded.
What has your own “40-Day Joyous Challenge” journey been like?
I’ve been on a journey of discovering my own inner joy while helping others ignite their own for quite some time. After attending a silent retreat, a dynamic woman I met in a group I was facilitating called the Joyous Vision Community, reached out to me for one on one coaching. At first, I hesitated in agreeing to coach her because of the time investment. I wanted to ensure that she was prepared to do her own self-work. She assured me that she was, so I designed a 40-day plan for her to do just that.
Every night she had homework and experienced success with each exercise. This journal became an offering for those who are ready and willing to do some self-work to ignite their own joy! In other words, it became a daily process for cultivating the habit of joy.
Please offer us a brief overview of your book’s theme and its value to readers
Sure. “40-Day Joyous Journey,” will empower you to become a fiercely Joyous Leader in just 40 days. This book is a guide to ultimate joy in all aspects of life, such as social, romantic, spiritual, and self. You will learn the 7 key elements to a joyous life, core practices that I refer to as the “Sacred 7. Completing the challenges provided for each of the 40 days will renew your spirit and leave you feeling accomplished and uplifted.
Last year was a challenging one for so many of us amid the pandemic, racial justice protests, and political environment. What advice do you have for those who are still struggling to find their rhythm in 2021?
As much as I encourage everyone to do their own self-work, it is equally important for us to rely on Divine power to support us as well. I believe it is crucial for us to find grace in the gap of our wants, needs, and experiences. So I exhort you to make grace a practice through gratitude and connection with others. Because it is so important for us to know that we are not alone.
Tell us a little about your own reading habits? What books are you currently reading?
I am an avid reader of non-fiction texts. Over the years, I have been inspired by Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, John C Maxwell, and Don Miguel Ruiz. I am currently reading A Blessed Life by Robert Morris and The Bible on a year plan.
What do you attribute to your own joyful and optimistic outlook in life?
I attribute my joy to my faith in God, Divinity. As long as I have breath, I have a new opportunity to live.
What sort of sacred, self-care practices help you to achieve this?
In my journal, I outline seven sacred practices that sustain my joy regardless of my external circumstances:
1. Grace your day with gratitude & Prayer
2. Move your body
3. Breathe and meditate
4. Connect with others
5. Laugh out loud
6. Feed yourself
7. Feed others with service