We all have those “Oy” moments. For me, it’s personal: my sister’s battle with cancer, growing up in Israel with very little money, cleaning homes to buy clothes, and coming to the USA with just $600, a single suitcase, and no coat in the chilly Portland December. Life was tough.
A Flight to Joy
And even recently, my original flight to Israel was canceled. Oy! But I did not let it be my reality! I flew to Dubai and from there a flight to Israel. I made it! When I finally made it to Israel after a series of cancellations and unexpected detours, the joy was overwhelming. Israel is a place where, upon landing, the entire plane claps—a celebration of life and resilience.I was there for my niece’s wedding—a pure joy. Yet, just two days before, news broke about the tragic murders of six hostages. It was a stark reminder of how closely Oy and Joy can live side by side.
Dancing Through Adversity
On the way to the wedding, we drove through streets filled with demonstrations, an Oy moment. But at the wedding, despite everything, people were dancing, celebrating life, and choosing joy. And that’s when it hit me—our entire existence swings from Oy to Joy. Oy is a part of life, but joy is a choice.
The WIN Technique
So, how do we choose joy even in the face of adversity? One practical tool I’ve implemented is the WIN technique, which stands for “What’s Important Now.” It helps to shift focus to the present moment and find gratitude in what we have, even amidst challenges. This doesn’t mean ignoring the Oys. Instead, it’s about acknowledging them while maintaining a 3:1 positive to negative ratio in our thoughts. Joy isn’t about being jubilant all the time; it’s about finding those small moments to celebrate.
Championing Joy
My family, for instance, is a pro at celebrating in the midst of Oy. Whether it’s a wedding after tragedy or dancing in spite of protests, we find the moments to cherish. I invite you to become the Champion of Joy! I believe there are no coincidences—only opportunities. The Hebrew language supports this notion. In Hebrew, there’s no word for coincidence. The word we actually use Mikreh, which means happened from God!So, if you’re reading this, it’s no accident! The real question is, what will you do with this moment? Opportunities arise from every choice we make.
This is a theme I explore deeply in my upcoming book, Choosing: The Six-Step Playbook to Making the Right Choice for You. Each choice shapes our future realities, leading to more choices and new opportunities. What choice can you make to champion your joy? Start by believing you are a champion. The Hebrew word for human is “Adam,” derived from two syllables that signify both the spiritual and the physical, embodying the champion spirit within us. Here are the Four Steps to Championing Your Joy which I highlight in my newest keynote!
Four Steps to Championing Your Joy
- Believe in the champion within you.
- Think like a champion—be aware of your thoughts.
- Feel like a champion—our thoughts influence our emotions.
- Act like a champion—take steps that reveal the joy within your spirit.
So, back to joy- my question for you today is, what can you celebrate right now, no matter how small? Now, go do it! PS: If you enjoyed this email, don’t keep me a secret- please share it and always connect if you have a need for a speaker!
As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want t
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
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