Make Joy from Sh*t

Learn the art of making joy from sh*t. Discover how to find joy in any situation and transform your life in an empowering, liberating and happy way!

When I told my partner I wanted to name my painting completed on the Lionsgate portal on 8/8 (8 August) Making Joy From Sh*t, he replied, ‘That’s not very positive.’

But actually, it’s the opposite. Learning how to find joy in disappointments, setbacks, and even trauma is a spiritual superpower.

Make Joy from Sh*t is also the working title of a new self-empowerment book I’m creating. Sign up for my newsletter if you’d enjoy receiving free excerpts and hearing more about my creative inspirations.

You look like Edna Everage

Just last night, I was remembering how my mother used to criticize all the colorful clothes I wore. “You look like Edna Everage“ she once said meanly. Dame Edna Everage, often known simply as Dame Edna, is a character created and performed by late Australian comedian Barry Humphries, often known simply as Dame Edna. Edna had violet hair and cat eye glasses (“face furniture”) and wore colorful dresses.

I don’t have violet hair, and I don’t wear ‘face furniture’ but I do wear colorful clothes. Why? Because wearing black (like my mother did) makes me look washed out and feel flat and depressed. Wearing color on the other hand, is anti-aging as it’s flattering and the colours boost my mood.

Continuing to wear color and upping the ante by wearing even more color is how I make joy from my mother’s shitty comments. One of the other benefits of wearing color is the joy it brings to others, including prison officers, when I was working as a Transformational Leadership coach in the bowels of Rimutaka Prison, one of New Zealand’s highest security prisons and home to some of the most violent criminals.

“You look like an exotic flower,’ a prison guard called across the prison yard. “Thank you for brightening my day.”

How do you make joy from sh*t? I’d love to know.

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