Encouragement: the heart of our mission.

I think each of the 4 of us were called to this business for different reasons, and each brings a different gift. I would shrivel and expire if I had to do what Simone has taken on- the endless phone calls and discussions with all sorts of people. Angie manages all the business side of our endeavor and keeps us going. Julia can take a painting off my wall and come back with a gorgeous appreciation pack designed, and ready to replicate in 48 hours. For me? I love the creation of art and searching out beauty all around me. From noticing of a tiny clover bloom in the lawn down the street, to the laugh lines on a loved one’s countenance, I search for beauty and encouragement everywhere.

Close up of a clove blossom.

For me, the reason for this whole multi-branching collective is to bring encouragement and connection to everyone we encounter. Encouragement comes from the old world French- “encoragier” meaning to make strong or hearten. Every human soul needs encouragement and connection. Journey to Joy Boxes is one way of spreading encouragement through our world. The boxes are a wonderful gift of encouragement and connection from giver to receiver. I love that we crafted these gifts in a way that blesses small businesses and artisans, too. I am passionate about adding to our Journey to Joy Boxes a way for the recipient to send encouragement to others after opening all the gifts. I’m working on creating postcards to add after the last gift so the receiver can become the giver as well! One of the best ways I have found to turn a hard day around has been to offer others help and support. In giving we receive, and that encouragement strengths each of us, and our world as a whole- one smile, one postcard, one gift at a time.

Zinnia blossom