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Finding Joy

Words that uplift and empower | Hand-made Lettering Art & Blog by Joy Adan

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Inktober Prayer Prompts

2 October, 2020 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

List of 31 Catholic Prayers to form as "prompts" for creative art as part of Inktober 2020

I’ve never participated in the Inktober Challenge, but have wanted to for years. This year I thought I’d be up for it, but I struggled with the list of prompts and all the other October prompt lists I found on Instagram were either Halloween or Fall-focused. I’m not really into either. So, as the clock neared midnight on the 30 September, I jotted down a list of 31 prayers I’ve

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So much to (un)learn

11 June, 2020 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Digital drawing with shades of brown in the background. Words say: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou" © Joy adan 2020

To truly celebrate our differences, we need to understand and appreciate our differences. That can only happen if we listen to and learn from the people whose perspectives and experiences are different from our own.

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Simbang Gabi – The Best is Yet to Come

24 December, 2019 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

This morning Mr 7 and I woke up at 4am and made our way to simbang gabe. When I was young, the novena of dawn masses held in the 9 day lead up to Christmas were just as much a part of my family’s tradition as putting up the Christmas tree and wrapping presents. We’d pile into my parent’s Prado in the early morning darkness, the air cool and muggy,

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So blessed, I can’t contain it

10 July, 2019 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Photo of delegates at the CYP Lifted Retreat 'Dare to be Different' 2019

As I knelt in the hall during Adoration last Saturday, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude. It charged through my body and left me sobbing. I realise now what it was: profound gratitude for every single moment that God has had a hand in over the last 20 years.

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Starting (again)

12 January, 2019 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Blacktown Arts Fund 2018 - Prize Giving - Joy Adan - Photo Credit: Joshua Morris

Happy new year, dear reader! I hope the first few weeks of 2019 have brought you a renewed sense of energy and focus. Even though it’s always hard to sustain that enthusiasm, using it to propel you into something new (or, as is the case with me, pick up or return to something old), is a great thing. Just take it step-by-step. Well, that’s what I’m telling myself anyway. Never

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7 ways to start writing (and stop procrastinating)

11 April, 2018 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

I recently went to a writers group meet uo where we each confessed the lengths to which we go to put off writing. We then shared some ideas on how to combat that bad habit. Here are some of them. | Image: Library books on a shelf | Text: 7 ways to start writing and stop procrastinating

I recently went to a writers group meet uo where we each confessed the lengths to which we go to put off writing. We then shared some ideas on how to combat that bad habit. Here are some of them.

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Am I still a writer if I’m constantly struggling to prioritise it?

12 March, 2018 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Every single time I want to write, I have to battle the side of me that tells me there are other, more important things to do. In the same boat? Here are 5 things to remember to help win the battle and just start writing.

Every single time I want to write, I have to battle the side of me that tells me there are other, more important things to do. In the same boat? Here are 5 things to remember to help win the battle and just start writing.

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Taking Stock – January 2018

21 January, 2018 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

"One day, or day one?" A handmade brush lettering quote I made in 2017 for a friend who wanted to start kicking some goals

New year, new blog post! Finally! I’ve been um-ing and ah-ing about what to write, given it’s been several months since I last made an appearance here (not counting the making and selling of items on the shop, of course). I didn’t want to write the a big cliché “setting goals for the new year” or “how to kick goals this year” pieces – mainly because I didn’t have anything particularly

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10 must-eats and 7 must-dos at the Night Noodle Markets, Sydney

14 October, 2017 By Joy Adan Tagged With: date night, places to eat in Sydney Leave a Comment

Puffle Bulgogi Beef and Philly Cheesesteak | Night Noodle Markets 2017

Good Food Month’s Night Noodle Markets have returned to Hyde Park for another year, and for two glorious weeks, we have some of the city’s best Asian-inspired food in one place (i.e. in my belly!). Here are 10 things we tried and loved: If you’re planning to check it out in the next few days (it finishes on 22 Oct), here are my tips to make the most of your

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Finding my way | My testimony from The FaithFeed (June 2017)

13 October, 2017 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

The Faithfeed Parramatta | Institute for Mission | Testimony by Joy Adan, June 2017

Back in June, I was invited on The FaithFeed to share how my faith has evolved and the role that it plays in my life. In the lead-up to their October event, they’ve published the full video of my talk. Appearing on The FaithFeed was no easy decision; getting up in front of any crowd is always daunting, but it’s absolutely terrifying knowing something incredibly personal will be recorded and

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Carving out a creative career

24 August, 2017 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Brené Brown has an awesome mantra, which I’ve adopted: “Courage starts with showing up and letting yourself be seen.” As a creative person, I find myself constantly battling between the voice that tells me I’m not good enough and the voice that tells me I’m too big for my boots. In those moments, I remind myself that courage starts with just showing up and starting. Once I've done that, everything gets a bit easier. Here are some of the lessons I've learnt on my journey as a writer.

For a long time I was convinced that a “creative career” was an oxymoron; surely exercising creativity was something one did in their spare time and not something to be mistaken as an acceptable or sustainable occupation. It took almost three decades for me to realise now how ridiculous that is, but I got there. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by one of my friends to take

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When reality really bites | Battling next-level post-holiday blues

10 August, 2017 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

View from Diamond Head Tower, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Suite 1561

It’s almost noon on a Thursday and my “work day” is only just beginning. I’d like to dream that I’m starting late because I’m still very much in holiday mode, was able to enjoy a sleep-in, and have simply tumbled out of bed after a gloriously refreshing rest, and am now sitting at my laptop in my pyjamas, holding a mug of hot coffee, and my fingertips itching with lots of

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Hi

Joy Adan

I'm Joy. I'm a 30-something, storytelling, coffee-drinking, book-devouring, ocean-obsessed freelance writer, brush lettering enthusiast, speaker and content producer. You'll find some of my stories and art here, along with my advice about attempt at balancing the creative career + family life hustle.

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At the end of each year I go through our memory ja At the end of each year I go through our memory jar with a grateful heart and reminisce and reflect... and though this year had many twists and turns we weren't prepared for, I know there are lots of things to be thankful for... perhaps even moreso. Many of the best things can't and wont ever be captured on camera or in words.

But my thanks goes to all who rode the highs and lows with me and my family, to the many unseen heroes who kept us safe and kept our community strong and healthy. To those who gave what little they could and those who have sacrificed a lot... thank you. From the bottom of this very full, undeserving but entirely grateful heart... thank you. ❤❤

#2020 #thanksforthememories #perfectlyimperfect
Words to take into 2021. ❤ Words to take into 2021. ❤
Merry Christmas friends and family! May your heart Merry Christmas friends and family! May your hearts be fuller than your bellies, even though our guest lists are shorter this year. ❤
A post for all the teachers celebrating the end of A post for all the teachers celebrating the end of term and end of what has probably been the craziest year of your career. 

Thank you for the love  and dedication you've shown for kids under your care, for giving our kids your many, many extra hours and late nights, your creative out-of-the-box solutions for virtual lesson plans, and your bottomless patience and incredible courage. 

May you enjoy a well deserved break and the peace of knowing your legacy grows in the hearts and minds of those you've taught, guided, counseled and nurtured this year. 

Thank you. ❤
Day 1 of our Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) Novena: Mr 8 Day 1 of our Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) Novena: Mr 8 joined me for 5am Mass this morning. I got really emotional driving into the car park and seeing it was almost full. And as we walked through the doors, I heard singing in the church. Singing!! It seemed that almost every X in the church pews had someone standing by it... the church looked FULL. It's been so long since I've experienced Mass like this - it felt like coming home. 😭😭😭 

If you are looking for a way to prepare your heart for Christmas and turn your focus from buying presents to a experiencing a heavenly presence, then I highly recommend finding a place that celebrates simbang gabi. Last year, I wrote a bit about what this Filipino tradition means to me and my family (check it out at findingjoy.com.au/simbang-gabi). When I wrote that, I had no idea what 2020 would have in store. But even after this truly crazy year, I feel God's hand in all of it. If there's anything 2020 has taught me it's that love transcends distance. We have the capacity to show love and be loved even when those we wish for dearly can't be seen, felt and touched. 

My peace comes from knowing even when I don't see Him, feel Him or understand what's going on... God will always be my Father, and I am forever His child. This is what I celebrate at Christmas. The divine entering the human world.. and changing what we know of love forever. 💜

Image: A square Christmas card propped against a Christmas tree. The card has a midnight blue sky and purple hills. In the sky the words “Peace on Earth” are written in white lettering. 

#FilipinoTraditions #ChristmasTraditions #ChristmasPreparations
I think custom calligraphy orders have been my fav I think custom calligraphy orders have been my favourite thing to make this year - especially when the person commissioning gives me creative license. It was an honour to create this for a very special couple. 💙

Image: The Prayer of St Michael brush lettered in blue ink on a white A3 sheet, with a blue border and painted blue and silver leaves on the top right and bottom left corners.
Friday festivities courtesy of a lovely delivery f Friday festivities courtesy of a lovely delivery from @boomforrgpeople and @missnoblemelbourne
It felt a little bit like I was in Santa's worksho It felt a little bit like I was in Santa's workshop when I was making these Christmas gift bags last weekend. ❤

Order yours now at findingjoy.com.au 
Final date for Christmas orders is 15 Dec (Express Post only). Marsden Park pick up orders must be placed by 20 Dec. 

#shopsmallbusiness #smallbusinessaustralia #loveaustralianhandmade
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Words that uplift and empower

Decorate your home or celebrate a special occasion with words that uplift, inspire and empower. Buy an original, hand-painted brush lettering print or order your own custom-made piece. SHOP NOW.

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