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Finding Joy

Words that uplift and empower | Creative Experiences and Art by Joy Adan

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Catholic Quotes to save on your phone

13 April, 2022 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

Here is a collection of Catholic quotes I’ve lettered (sending lots of love to the lovely community at Our Lady of the Angels in Rouse Hill who inspired this collection with our Created in His Image retreat). Create more than you consume Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on. – Pope Emeritus Benedict

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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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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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🇵🇭🇦🇺 #Writer, #brushcalligraphy #artist, speaker, podcaster, book hoarder. Mum. #Lettering, creating & stumbling through life @findingjoyau

Finding Joy | Joy Adan
Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 today! So so so blessed to introduce a group of incredible women (and their beautiful kids!) to @findingjoyau and the joy that comes with exercising our creativity. 💕

Oh yes... and I'm moving/switching up my Insta. You'll find me sharing more of my art/lettering/how-tos and all things making and creating over here 👉👉👉 @findingjoyau so give this lady a bit of love (and a follow). 

xoxoxo
Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigg Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigger for many people, myself included.

I've found this to be especially true within migrant families and communities I've worked with - rest was not an option for lots of people because it was literally a matter of work now to survive, otherwise you die.  

I know that the absence of that "threat to survival" puts me in a very privileged position. I also know that even though the pressure to survive at any cost might be gone, the expectation to overwork and overcommit still weighs heavily and still demands sacrifice - from women especially. Thankfully, I (and many in my generation) have the added privilege of better education - we now know that failure to rest when our bodies and minds need to rest leads to poorer long-term health outcomes.

So a few months ago I turned down opportunities to do amazing work with amazing companies. Instead, I decided to hit "pause" and put my health and my family first. The past 2-3 years have been a bit of a fiasco. I really had to make a call about where to spend my time and energy, and I knew that if I wanted to keep giving my best in anything - work, home or community - I needed time out before taking on new or additional challenges.  

It was (and still is) terrifying, and it took me a good few months to truly "switch off". Once I did I became so grateful that taking a break meant being able to slow down and breathe, to focus on home and health, to enjoy agenda-free days with my kids, to take the foot off the accelerator, to embrace creativity, connection and serving my community... you know, things that too often get chucked on the back burner. 

I share this because I want to normalise people taking a break when they need a break. It might just be a short break in a busy day or week, it might be a career break. Point is... we all need rest, and we should NEVER feel guilty for wanting some downtime or pausing to reprioritise, refocus or recover. 

No one else should get to determine what "success" or "productivity" looks like/means for you. 💕
Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors today! Whipped out the watercolours and acrylics after lunch and just enjoyed some down time, playing with colour, experimenting with texture and stamping mint leaves... and discussing the fact pink is not an actual colour according to science (and then had to assure them that pink did still exist... But apparently it is just something our brains made up? What?!). 

Painting really is therapy for me. There's something primal and grounding about the activity that helps me enter a completely different space mentally and emotionally. And so it was nice to be able to offer this as a method of play and recreation (and to experience it myself).

Tip 1: Watercolours are a far less stressful way to introduce paint to little ones - find cheap non-toxic washable paint and don't stress about mixing all your colours - it's part of the fun. Embrace the mess. 
Tip 2: I have been reusing the same blue dollar store table cloth to protect our dining table for 4 years. We wipe it down with paper towels or baby wipes at the end of a painting session, and wrap it all up abd shake it off outside after a play dough session. It's getting a bit holey but it does the job. 
Tip 3: Use a clothes horse to peg up and dry paintings as kids finish them. It's pretty satisfying seeing all their pictures hanging up and shining in the sun.

🌞🖌🎨🙌🏽💕
To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through her to-do list before the end of the day... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she's cleaning/working/playing/exercising/cuddling/learning/teaching/disciplining/guiding/supporting/giving/loving as much as she can/should... you are enough.

To the woman who can never keep up with messages and voicemails and always forgets to reply... you are enough. 

To the woman doubled over in pain because her body isn't agreeing with her and she can't access the support she needs... you are enough. 

To the woman who is run ragged... you are enough. 

To the woman who knows she shouldn't probably eat that/buy that/say that... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she should apply for the job when she doesn't meet all the criteria... you are enough. 

To the woman who wonders if her contribution to her home or her community will ever get the recognition it deserves... you are enough. 

To the woman who is tired of searching for a place where she is respected - not just for what she brings but who she is... you are enough. 

To the woman wishing days like this weren't so exhausting... you are enough. 

To the woman who fears (or has been told) she is intimidating (instead of confident), outspoken (instead of articulate), too soft (instead of empathetic), power-hungry (instead of hard-working), lazy (instead of balanced)... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering what her worth is when so many are seen, recognised, paid and promoted before she is... you are enough. 

To the woman feeling uncertain, afraid, exhausted, frustrated, alone, restless... you are enough. 

To the woman who hopes and works hard for a better world for the future, wondering if we'll ever get there... you are enough. 

The world needs you, whether you're ready for battle or ready for rest. The world needs you, whether you're certain or still seeking. The world needs you as you are, because you are unique and irreplaceable. You are worth celebrating, today and everyday. 

You are enough. 

--- Tag a sister who needs reminding. ❤ xoxo

#iwd2022 #internationalwomensday #sisterhood
Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season fo Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season for millions of Catholics around the world. The road to our usual church was blocked yesterday due to floodwater, but thankfully some the rain eased and I could make it to morning Mass today. 

This week the skies are heavy, as are the hearts of many who have lost their homes and their peace - whether due to war or natural disaster. And so I pray. I pray because I know I need to ask for God's grace and mercy - I know I am so small and unable... but when He guides me I can see more clearly where to serve, how to help, where to channel my energy, time and resources... 

When it's all too much and I am unsure, this is the place I can return... knowing that the time I spend in His presence empowers me in a way no human eye can see.

If there is something you would like me to pray for, especially this Lent, let me know (you can shoot me a message too), and I'll bring it to our Father with love. ❤❤

#Lent #Lent2022
Went to Mass this morning after a very restless ni Went to Mass this morning after a very restless night. The Gospel was about a man who had brought his child to the disciples asking them to heal the child from convulsions that would often put him in physical danger. The disciples were unable. Here's part of the the conversation Jesus had with the father: 

"Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' 

'From childhood,' he replied 'and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.' 

'If you can?' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.' 

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!'" For the full Gospel, see Mark 9:14-29

Yes, this Gospel is a reminder that anything - and everything - is possible for anyone who has faith. But, as Fr Redmond pointed out this morning, it's also about believing that our faith has the ability and opportunity to grow. Faith isn't a one-off grace or gift we get once. It's a seed that is planted, it is something we can nourish and nurture. It is something that can wane when challenged or ignored. 

Simply put, faith is something we shouldn't take for granted. Faith required prayer, action and desire on our part.

That exclamation from a father desperate to do whatever he can to save his son is a prayer. It is a cry for help to God, asking him to increase and strengthen his faith. "Help the little faith I have!" he pleads. 

O Lord, that I may be humble enough to come to you and request the same when my faith is too small and I put limits on your grace. Help the little faith I have.

ID 1: An open page of a dot grid journal. The words “I have faith. Help the little faith I have” are lettered in pink ink. A pink Pentel Brush Sign Pen lies on an angle in top right corner. 

ID2: A golden tabernacle is in the centre of the frame. On either side are embroidered images from Bible stories.

.

.

.

#FindingJoy #JoyAdanWrites #PursuitOfJoy #PerfectlyImperfect #PracticeMakesProgress #CalledToCreate #CreativePractice #CreativeEntrepreneur #CatholicCreative #BibleLettering #Journal
Consider this permission to slow down. ❤ ID: Op Consider this permission to slow down. ❤

ID: Open page of a notebook with lilac hand-lettering that says “Don't rush to the urgent at the expense of the important”. A lilac @pentel_australia brush sign pen lies on top the page beside the writing.
I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “S I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “Surface Pressure”. It's one of many truths in the song, but I love this one in particular because people who know their worth & dignity tend to light up the room. 😉

Meanwhile, we've just ended 1 week of iso.. which we spent listening to the @encantomovie soundtrack on repeat and playing Super Mario and table tennis for hours on end. Thankfully, COVID symptoms were mild and shortlived, the boys maintained good spirits, and I managed to squeeze in painting as down-time over the weekend while everyone else slept. Now to declutter my desk and get back to business.......

ID: An open page dot grid notebook lies on a wooden desk. The left page is painted with blue, gold, brown and green watercolour flowers around the border. In the centre is navy blue lettering, with the words “I move mountains, I move churches, and I glow coz I know what my worth is.”

#ink #handwriting #catholiccreatives #qotd #pentelbrushpen
Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever y Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever you are, whoever you are, may you rest in the knowledge that not only are you made to love others, you are made to receive and worthy of being loved also. 

Image: Framed image of the quote “Love is, therefore, the fundamental vocation of every human being. - St John Paul II - Familiaris Consortio” lettered in blue foil and sitting on a wooden shelf surrounded by green plants. 

#LoveIs #Vocation #Calling
#StValentinesDay
Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of weddin Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of wedding bliss!! Big big love to my Toasties @kate_samways @sammyjkerr and cuzins4lyf @philipjamolin @simmyyyy 

You both chose parts of John 15 for your ceremonies. ❤ Praying you always remember that your love for each other comes straight from the same Love that powers every good thing in this universe... that whenever you hear music that moves you, marvel at the mountains, feel the sunshine on your skin, ride the waves, or stop in awe or wonder, you remember that a spark of those beautiful things isn't anywhere as big and powerful as the spark that brought you to the one you chose to enjoy your days with. And that through every magical moment, big or small, joyful or sorrowful, that your love for each other remains powerful and complete. 🥂💕🥰💕❤
“Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will no “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.” - St Augustine

Been reflecting about this one a lot over the past few weeks... about the agency we too often forfeit or conveniently forget when change demands effort and intention. We're invited to be co-creators, to be cooperators... but that in itself is both power and a responsibility (yep, just got all Spiderman on you, whoops) 😝.

I lettered this one while watching the morning surfers at Flynns Beach. The waves came in fast, strong and big that day. And the thing that kept popping into my head was the determination of the surf students as they made their way out. We can't control the waves... another power beyond us does that. But we do have to consider when we start kicking or when to jump on the board if we want to ride the waves. 

🌊
I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the sewing machine I bought during the last lockdown. The first thing I did was “fix” a fitted sheet (by sewing a seam on the wrong side, but I mean it still fits on the bed so... It's technically fixed). And because I'm an impatient person, I jumped right into making a half-circle skirt with remnant fabric (thanks Google) and then stuffed it up by adding a pocket without really planning ahead. Because why would I even bother making clothes if they don't have pockets??

You know my love for imperfect things (the pocket kinda faces the wrong way and there's a random seam next to the pocket that makes it bunch up) 😂 but WHATEVER. It fits (*just*😝), the pocket is functional and I am wearing it today because I can. Lol. 

#WhatAmIEvenDoing #SewWhat
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Words that uplift and empower

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