Choosing Joy in the Whirlwind

One of the hardest things I’ve had to do recently is keep smiling. Life hasn’t been easy, and some days have felt heavy. But even in the middle of it all, I’ve found reasons to smile.

I’m not ignoring the reality around me, I call it ‘ostriching,’ but I promise that’s not what I’m doing. I just know that my problems don’t get to steal my joy. And truthfully, holding on to that smile has taken work. Serious work.

From the start, I had to surrender my worries to God. I had to name my stressors and create distance from them. I leaned on my accountability partners- a wise, steady friend (Mrs. I), and an incredible community (The SABI CORE). I built routines that helped me stay grounded. I rediscovered myself, rebuilt my mindset, and slowly let go of fear.

I can’t share the full story yet, because I know this isn’t the end. But I’ve learned some deep truths along the way, and I think you should know them:

• Nothing lasts forever. Storms come, but they pass. Embrace each season for what it brings, even the hard ones.

• Your strength is tied to what surrounds you. My family and friends held me up with prayers, messages, financial help, and quiet support. Let me just say: sometimes, the best friends God gives us are the ones we’re related to.

• If you don’t know what you want, everything will look like what you need. Stay focused. Don’t chase noise. Know your calling and walk boldly in it.

Have there been moments when fear gripped me so tightly I couldn’t see clearly? Absolutely. But did I stop trusting that God hears me? Never.

Image created using ChatGPT

When I feel myself slipping, I remind myself of His promises. I pray. I sing. I recite His word out loud, over and over, until peace returns. Has the prayer been answered yet? Not always. And honestly, I don’t have all the answers. But here’s what I do know: God hears.

Sometimes He says, “Yes.” Sometimes “No.” Sometimes “Not yet.” And as hard as it is, I’ve learned not to fight those answers. Trusting Him, even when I don’t understand, has saved me from a lot of unnecessary storms.

I’ve decided that no matter what happens, I will not let anything steal my joy.

That decision has changed everything.

It’s one thing to believe that all things will work out. It’s another thing to choose joy even while you wait for those things to manifest. That means stepping away from people who try to “comfort” me by drowning me in fear. That means noticing what triggers my spiral and refusing to stay in those spaces. 

I protect my peace. I guard my joy. I fight for my sanity. And I keep smiling, not because life is perfect, but because I’ve found my anchor.

P.S.- 

I started a #60SecondsWithEma series on TikTok where I speak daily on life and how to make the best of it. I also started a #DataIn60Seconds video on X (former Twitter), providing bite-sized lessons designed to help entrepreneurs reflect, rethink, and refine their approach to growth through better data use. Tell a small business owner who needs help with their data!

Lately, I've been singing Adura along with Tomisin, and wanted to share this with you. It’s been a prayer and a lifeline.