Choose JOY!

By DeeAnn Jeremiah, Certified Life Coach and Life Mastery Consultant‍ ‍

Human beings think approximately seventy thousand thoughts per day. 80-90% of them are either negative or habitual in nature. With the barrage of negative influences, we are fighting an uphill battle. Humans are also some of the only creatures who have metacognition, which means we can think about what we are thinking about. We can notice what we are noticing. We can choose what we would like to focus on. With enough awareness, we can change our thoughts. And we must do so to save our sanity!

Let’s face it, our world is filled with bad news at every turn. From “breaking news” to social media shared posts with a diatribe of toxic comments, we are faced with negativity and fear wherever we turn. With no shortage of suffering in the world, our hearts are wrenched with either sorrow or guilt for not feeling sorrowful enough. What is a person to do?

We must change our thinking! Scientific research is catching up with what mystics and spiritual gurus have known for centuries. Our hearts and minds are precious. The wise tune into good and God for clarity and sanity. An ancient Proverb says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Another New Testament scripture (Philippians 4:8) says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Even Buddha emphasized “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” It’s a good idea to train our thoughts. But how?

There is a profound but simple formula which is quite transformational. As I coach clients, I find it’s the linchpin of change. Thoughts produce feelings. I can suggest your favorite beverage, pet or loved one and a smile comes to your face. Your countenance softens. You feel more expansive and even excited.  Or I can say, “Did you hear what just happened?” Your heart might race as you grab your phone to see the latest turn of events on the world stage.

Those feelings cause actions. You make a phone call to a loved one. Perhaps you drive to the closest Starbucks to get that beverage I brought to your mind. Or maybe you make a donation to a cause that you just read about. When there is bad news, you are either kinder to the next person, or perhaps short in tone because you feel agitated and fearful.

Lastly, those actions cause results. You get that contract because of your positive energy and sunny disposition. The next answer is a “yes” because you feel expansive and generous. Or maybe you grumble at your family when you get home because you were incensed because someone cut you off in traffic.

Actions cause results. Yet most people say something or someone else caused their behavior and therefore, their results. Many people spend years rehearsing and nursing old results with a blame mindset. It keeps people stuck, often for years.

If you follow the logic of the Results Formula, it’s your thoughts which cause your results. And results don’t lie. Yes, there are difficult circumstances, situations and conditions in life. But it’s your response to each that makes the difference between a vision driven outlook or a condition focused viewpoint. People can remain locked in fear based or even a scarcity mind set for a lifetime. Yet we have one precious life to live!

These emotions and our results have a tonality to them, a particular frequency which affects our cortisol levels and even our heart health. So many physical ailments are a result of sustained high levels of cortisol (bad thinking), which is directly affected by stress and fear.

On the other hand, one of the highest frequency emotions which can change the chemistry of our body is JOY. Peace is another high frequency emotion. Again, thousands of years ago, scripture lists among the top “fruits of the Spirit” as love, joy, and peace among others.

Do you feel stuck in a negative mindset or trapped in a circumstance pulling you into a downward spiral? You can pivot—right now. Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose… and a long exhale out through your mouth. Repeat this a few times. Feel your body begin to soften as it shifts from fight-or-flight into rest, restoration, and creation.

Next, bring to mind something—anything—that sparks gratitude in you. A laugh shared with a friend. A moment of peace watching the sunset. The warmth of someone’s hand in yours. See it. Feel it. Let it wash over you. Stay there. Linger. That feeling is JOY. And it changes everything.

Joy isn’t just an emotion—it’s a force. It resets your nervous system, transforms your thinking, and sets you on a higher frequency where better results are born. With JOY in your heart, the next conversation, the next decision, the next step forward is infused with light and possibility.

So today—right now—make the powerful choice. Choose JOY. And watch your life begin to change.

mom approved Healthy snacks

By Dori Boyd

School is out and summer is here, and if you’re anything like me—a busy mom juggling two little boys—you know how important it is to keep healthy snacks on hand. Between camp drop offs, activities, vacations and the occasional meltdown in the car seat, I need snacks that are nutritious, easy to grab, and kid approved.

Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping a stash of go-to options saves time, keeps my kids fueled, and prevents me from reaching for less healthy choices in a pinch. The best part? Every single snack on this list is available on Thrive Market, my favorite online grocery store for healthy, affordable staples.

Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, stocking the pantry, or planning after-camp fuel-ups, here are my top categories of healthy snacks your kids (and you!) will actually love.

Crunchy Snacks

protein-packed picks

Fruit-Forward Favorites

After Camp or School Energy Boosters

Better-for-You Sweets

Back-to-school can feel overwhelming, but healthy snacking doesn’t have to be. Stocking up on these mom-approved, kid-loved snacks from Thrive Market has been a game changer in our house. It saves me trips to the store, keeps my pantry full of options I can feel good about, and makes busy days just a little easier.

If you’re ready to simplify snack time and feel great about what you’re feeding your family, click HERE to get an exclusive discount on your first Thrive Market order when you become a member. Your future self (and your kids’ lunchboxes) will thank you!