Stella Reddy's Story of Hope

Discovering joy in your life is essential!

Even the smallest things, like sunshine, can evoke a sense of happiness when you learn to appreciate its beauty. Take a moment to focus on something you love to observe and embrace its many facets, and you’ll find yourself truly enjoying it.

The picture above incorporates everything that brings me joy, from the sunshine to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the many boats and ships that travel upon it.

Living in the breathtaking scenery of Newfoundland and Labrador has been a significant part of my journey, allowing me to engage with nature and cultivate joy simply by stepping outside. Cultivating joy is not an automatic process; it takes time and dedication, and I have been determined.

It has taken me a couple of years to reach a point where joy feels instinctive once again, and my life has become significantly happier as a result.

Optimism:

I have always been an optimistic person. Although there were times when challenges made me lose sight of that optimism, it always returned. I’ve faced tough times, but I’ve learned that, through all my experiences, I can weather any storm and come out stronger.

The joy of life is still there for me, and I remain confident that I can overcome any hardships that lie ahead. I’ve survived a house fire, bullying from tenants in the workplace, and battling cancer for 24 years, severe Arthritis, Mental Health challenges, alongside dealing with severe nerve pain from stenosis since 2015. I am resilient, and I refuse to let negativity prevail.

I’ve endured significant challenges and emerged somewhat unscathed, reminding myself that I’m still here, fighting to reclaim my joy in living.

Resilience:

Resilience has blossomed within me through my life experiences. I refuse to give up, even in the face of adversity. The toxicity I’ve endured from certain individuals has motivated me to understand the negative emotions I experienced and to learn from them.

I sought knowledge and insight, educating myself about toxic behaviours, which has prepared me to protect my mental health. Just as I invested time in understanding my physical health, I have also taken the initiative to learn about toxic personalities, allowing me to make informed choices regarding my emotional well-being. This knowledge has reaffirmed that I need not worry excessively.

Gratitude:

Gratitude is a daily practice for me. Recognizing and appreciating the abundance in my life has transformed my perspective. I am thankful for my surroundings, my supportive husband and family, and for having left behind a troubling situation in Ontario.

I cherish the natural beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador, the acceptance I’ve received from the community, and the encouragement from fellow bloggers. Practicing gratitude helps me appreciate all that I have, including myself.

Generosity:

After returning to this area, I volunteered at the SPCA, where I found our cat, Hope. Contributing my time to help animals brought me joy and helped me reconnect with my community.

Interacting with people who came to adopt cats allowed me opportunities for exposure therapy, to combat my fear of people I had recently developed. I continue to volunteer and look forward to new opportunities as the seasons change.

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness has been one of my most challenging yet rewarding practices. Learning to live in the present and focus on my surroundings, rather than being consumed by my thoughts, required dedication. Accepting my reality was vital to truly living.

By concentrating on where I am and who I am with, I have discovered profound joy in everyday moments. I’ve transformed emotional pain into acceptance, realizing that my feelings are fleeting thoughts, not representations of reality. Embracing the present has allowed me to enjoy experiences like fishing, berry-picking, and even washing dishes, making every moment more vibrant.

Humour:

Finding humour in the negative actions of toxic individuals has been liberating. Their misguided attempts to portray my personal life amusingly reveal their ignorance. Their assertions that I’m “going crazy” are laughable and serve as a reminder of the absurdity of their behaviour.

Knowing that authorities understand the impact of bullying has given me peace of mind. No one else is engaged in such a smear campaign against me, and I choose to focus on positivity rather than their unfounded allegations. Onwards and upwards!

I hope this article resonates with you and inspires you to cultivate joy in your mental well-being. These lessons have profoundly aided me on my journey of self-discovery, helping me embrace the joy of living my life to the fullest!