Hello Everyone,
Welcome to our another edition of Meet The Champs Series with Louise Pistole, the brilliant author behind the transformative book, “Discover Your Joy.” With her insightful guidance and profound wisdom, Louise has touched the lives of countless readers, helping them unlock the power of joy and live a more fulfilling life. Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the mind of this exceptional author and exploring the inspiration behind her work. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and embrace the beauty of joy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as an author?
Louise: For the last 40 years, I have felt that I wanted to write a book and even received encouragement from friends. Many years ago, I did write a children’s story and read it to several groups but never published it. There was one other book I started but it lost its way during my time of distress. When I retired a few years ago from a career in finance, I finally had the time to write and pursue publishing.
What inspired you to write Discover Your Joy?
Louise: At my lowest point in life, I was divorced and living on my own for the first time ever. I was working long hours in a stressful career. I was totally responsible for supporting myself and I wasn’t sure I could do it. My life was one big ‘worry zone.’
I have journaled for more years than I can remember. During this low point in my life, my journals were written from the standpoint of a victim because that’s what I felt I was.
There was too much darkness in the shadows of life. My internal light had flickered and grown dim. My joy light was almost out.
One Sunday morning, my minister spoke about joy and the verse in
1 Thessalonians says, “Be joyful always.”
The topic of joy resonated with me. I started reading and studying about joy. Soon, I realized my journaling was taking on a joyful attitude. It was fun to read my journal entries instead of the drudgery I used to write about.
I saw the possibilities of living a joyful life, and as I reconnected to my internal light, I knew I could shine again!
The big ‘aha’ from my studying and writing about joy came ten years later when I used my journal entries to publish a daily inspirational book titled Discover Your Joy.
How would you define joy, and why do you think it is important for individuals to discover and cultivate it in their lives?
Louise: Unlimited joy is our natural default emotion. It is life-changing and all-encompassing. We came into this world as joyful beings and are on planet Earth to bask in that joy and expand our joy outward into the Universe.
Being in a joyful state has many benefits to us individually. It releases feel-good hormones into our bodies and helps to relieve stress. You’ll feel more positive, loving, and kinder and become the best version of yourself.
One of the most significant benefits is a sense of connection. You’ll feel more connected to yourself, those you care about, and the world around you.
What are some common obstacles or challenges people face when trying to find joy, and how can they overcome them?
Louise: Many people do not know where or how to seek joy in their lives. First, we must decide that we want to live a joyful life and commit to choosing joy every day. Find one person in your life who is the happiest and most positive. By spending time with people like this, you will soak up their joy. Joy is definitely contagious and you can glean from others.
Writing in a journal, using affirmations, or hanging up notes to remind you to seek joy are all great ways to tap into your source of joy.
Start with looking for a ‘moment of joy’ each day. It can be something as simple as someone smiled at you or you saw the sunrise. Hold on to this moment and remind yourself of how it made you feel.
In your book, you mention various strategies and exercises to help readers discover their joy. Could you share some of these techniques with us?
Louise: Choosing joy can be different for everyone but here are a few suggestions of ways to incorporate joy into your life.
- Express gratitude on a daily basis.
- Spend time with positive-thinking people.
- Take time for yourself.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Eat well, drink water, and exercise.
- Get out in nature and soak up all the goodness.
- Read a devotional or inspirational book every morning. Then spend time in prayer or meditation.
How do you believe joy can positively impact other areas of our lives, such as relationships, career, and overall well-being?
Louise: As you become more joyful, you are also more grateful, loving, and resilient. All of these carry through our relationships, career, and even our health. A positive person is more likely to see the good in situations, reach out to other people in need, and take care of themselves.
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, how can individuals prioritize joy and make it a consistent part of their lives?
Louise: Prioritizing joy means choosing joy every day. A friend wrote to me and said she has led a blessed life and would not think she needed to choose joy every day. After reading Discover Your Joy, she realized we must make this conscious choice in order to continue to live in joy.
Our world today is fast-paced and stressful. In order to have a peaceful heart and soul, we must take even five minutes each morning to center ourselves and balance our emotions. A brief prayer, meditation, or inspirational reading sends us off into this big world armed with gratitude and joy!
What advice would you give to someone who is currently struggling to find joy and fulfillment in their life?
Louise: First is to start journaling. Write about how you are feeling, what you are struggling with, or what do you want in your life. The longer you write, it starts to uncover pain points. At some point, you will likely start to see positivity creeping into your writing. Keep on writing. The Joy Connection is coming!
How do you envision the reader benefiting from reading Discover Your Joy and implementing its teachings?
Louise: These daily readings are designed to inspire and encourage women to unlock the secrets of joy and inner peace. I want to fill the reader with hope so they can find their way out of darkness and back to joy and light.
Reader Favorites says, “A quick read, Discover Your Joy is an encouraging resource when needed most with positive words, reminders, and advice that will help spark a bright light even on a dark day.”
What are some key takeaways or messages that you hope readers will remember after reading your book?
Louise:
- Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy.
- There is light after your darkness. There is joy after your pain.
- Living a positive life will create a shift within you and point you to the joy you crave.
Are there any upcoming projects or books that you are currently working on?
Louise: After publishing Discover Your Joy, I released a second book, Experiencing Joy Through Gratitude. My next project is a book about living a meaningful life. It’s had quite a few starts and stops. Now I’m finally in a place to move forward and bring this book to my followers.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an author for you personally?
Louise: I have enjoyed inspiring and encouraging women to seek joy and to use it to live their best life. The multitude of messages I receive reminds me that we all need encouragement in our lives, and I’m honored that so many people have found their inspiration through my writing.
Is there anything else you would like to share or any final thoughts you would like to leave with our audience?
Louise: I like to use quotes and affirmations in my daily life. It’s an easy way to remind myself to be joyful and grateful. Here are two of my favorite quotes from my books.
Great joy can be found in the simple pleasures of life.
The road to inner peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment starts with gratitude.
As we conclude this enlightening interview with Louise Pistole, we are reminded of the immense power of joy and its ability to transform lives. Through her book, “Discover Your Joy,” Louise has not only provided us with practical tools and techniques but has also shared her own experiences and wisdom, reminding us that joy is within our reach. We hope that this interview has sparked a newfound curiosity and inspired you to embark on your own joy-filled journey. Remember, as Louise beautifully puts it, “Joy is not a destination; it is a way of life.”
About Louise
Louise is a JOY-fanatic! She brings her Southern charm and joyful inspiration as she encourages others to discover their own joy no matter where they are on their journey.
With her writing, coaching, and speaking, Louise offers encouragement and inspiration to women worldwide. Using both practical wisdom and Biblical truths, she guides others to seek what they are missing in life and to become the best version of themselves.
Know more about Louise On her website:http://www.LouisePistole.com, Amazon Author, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
No Comments