I spent so much of my life shut down from the abuse of my childhood. I didn't have friends and I didn't have connections with people.

When I am around someone who is a joy stealer, I say to myself, I only have to deal with you for an hour. That person has to deal with thinking that way every moment of their lives.

We are all drawn to problems and solving problems. Joy doesn't demand our time. So we have to mark that time on our schedules. That's the only way you are going to get it. Five minutes, three times a day in your schedule. That's doable.

God has joy for you right now.

My definition of confidence is how you feel about yourself, and not letting the external world define you.

It's your life... why not fill it with as much joy as possible?

You have the strength to push back against what others are making you think or do. You use that muscle of confidence. In the same way, joy is from the inside out, and not letting the things on the outside define you.