Hello ,

Joy comes from the inside out...

It is much more than happiness (that feeling of gladness that comes from an event or a gift perhaps)...

It is something that is stronger.

How do we feed it? The joy?

Here are a few ways I feed mine that I'd like to share with you.

Simple but powerful.

1. Practicing gratitude- literally writing out and saying thank you for the things I have and refusing the temptation to complain about what I do not
2. Exercise- natural endorphins (happy hormones) are released in the place of exercise. They give a natural "high".
3. Prayers- for strength, for grace, for wisdom, healing and for sustainable joy for my patients and myself.
4. Choosing to laugh- I look for opportunities to laugh. Sometimes it is a lot of work. But with practice I find something to help me relax in the place of laughter.
5. Meditation- I memorize verses and phrases that align with my purpose and existence. Verses that help me navigate the challenges and disappointments that life brings. A big source for me is the Bible. Here's one of my favorites:

Isaiah 41;10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

What are other ones you do? Please share...

As always,

I'm rooting for ya!

In health,

Dr. Tolulope Olabintan

MD FAAFP AAHIVS

Founder & CEO

Livingspring Family Medical Center