It has been a challenging couple of years for practically everyone, so if you’ve been having difficulty finding positivity and joy in your life, it’s understandable. There’s good news: Studies show that focusing on positivity can help get your joy back, so don’t forget to remind yourself to pay attention to the little things that bring you happiness. To that end, we asked some amazing Indianapolis-area women what inspires joy in their lives, and here’s what they said.
EUNICE TROTTER
DIRECTOR, BLACK HERITAGE PRESERVATION PROGRAM
INDIANA LANDMARKS
INDIANALANDMARKS.ORG, @INDIANALANDMARKS
What brings you joy?
Finding Black heritage in Indiana that I didn’t know existed. So little research has been done to uncover Hoosier Black heritage, and when it is found, that find gives me profound joy.
JACKIE RODRIGUEZ
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, INDIANA HUMANITIES
INDIANAHUMANITITES.ORG, @INHUMANITIES
What brings you joy?
Authentic connection with others is what brings me the most joy these days. It was during the lockdowns of the pandemic that I realized just how essential my relationships are to my emotional well-being. In today’s day and age, the convenience of instantaneous communication sometimes has us take for granted the sense of community that we build when we take time to connect with family over a shared meal or with friends during a night out. There’s something remarkable that happens when people come together in person that can’t be replicated digitally.
TIERRA SIMS
PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT INDY CHAMBER
INDYCHAMBER.COM, @INDYCHAMBER
What brings you joy?
Learning different things about other cultures brings me joy. I joined the Latin dance community four years ago and have loved traveling to events, learning new styles, and making new friends along the way.
MEAGAN JOHNSON
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, INDIANAPOLIS WOMEN’S CHORUS AND OWNER, MEAGAN JOHNSON STUDIO
MEAGANJOHNSONSTUDIO.COM, @IWC_SINGS
What brings you joy?
I find joy anywhere there is a meaningful and rich connection. Making powerful, life-giving music with the wonderful singers of Indianapolis Women’s Chorus brings me great joy, as does working with my Alexander Technique and voice students, celebrating their insights and growth. I find deep joy immersing myself in nature in Indy’s beautiful parks and natural areas, and of course the nourishment of joyful relationships with my loved ones.
NOELLE SNIDER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, WOMEN4CHANGE
WOMEN4CHANGEINDIANA.ORG,
@WOMEN4CHANGEINDIANA
What brings you joy?
I find joy every day when I take a moment to slow down and appreciate my surroundings and the people closest to me. It never fails to brighten my day by taking an extra five minutes to be intentional, whether it be sipping my coffee, writing in my journal, or walking my dog to a local coffee shop.
FAITH BLACKWELL
OWNER OF FAITH BLACKWELL PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
@FB_PHOTOG_ART
What brings you joy?
Spending time with close family and friends. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, just being together, laughing and making memories is what I care about the most.
SUSANNA TAFT
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DEVELOP INDY
INDYCHAMBER.COM, @DEVELOP_INDY
What brings you joy?
When I hop on my Honda Metropolitan scooter and zip through downtown, I smile like an absolute goof. On a scooter I feel like I see Indianapolis in a new and inspiring light. I feel more connected with my surroundings, and I am reminded of all the people and projects that make Indy amazing. It is absolutely invigorating (and just plain fun).
ERICA SCOTT
OWNER AND OPERATOR OF FLY’S NEST VINTAGE
SHOPFLYSNEST.COM, @FLYSNEST
What brings you joy?
Engaging with my community and being able to give back to others. I hope to have left an imprint and impact with everyone I come in contact with.
TAYLOR BAMGBOSE
ARTIST AND CERTIFIED LIFE COACH
TAYLORBAMGBOSE.COM, @TAYLORBAMGBOSE
What brings you joy?
Deep, vulnerable conversations. I love getting past the small talk and into the real, often messy and paradoxical, facets of being human.
CHRISSY VASQUEZ
ACCOUNT MANAGER AT AVANT HEALTHCARE
AVANTHC.COM, @ASUSUGAH
What brings you joy?
If I keep my eyes, heart, and mind open, a lot brings me joy. Specific things include a tropical beach vacation, Dave Matthews Band concerts, and my dogs. My dogs provide such unconditional love, and they are always happy to see me.
NANCY LEE
ARTIST AND OWNER OF NANCY LEE DESIGNS
NDESIGNSMETAL.COM, @NANLEEDESIGNS
What brings you joy?
Laughing with family is the best. Texting my sisters in our family slang, or FaceTiming with our granddaughter and hearing her say “GiGi.” Then, alone time in the studio, making something of my own design. Also, going for walks.
LAVANYA NARAYANAN
WRITER
@LAVIPOP94
What brings you joy?
Sipping a cup of black coffee, spending time with my friends, and sitting on my patio outside of my apartment in India all bring me a sense of joy, of calm, unmatched by any other experience. It’s all about the little things, really.
TONI NEELY
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS AT INDY CHAMBER
INDYCHAMBER.COM, @INDYCHAMBER
What brings you joy?
Being on life’s journey with my partner of 16 years is number one, which of course, spills into spending quality time with family and friends. The other thing that fills me up/brings me joy is making a difference for others as a trainer in the Diversity, Inclusion & Equity space. Sharing your story and listening to others share theirs builds a level of connection, empathy, and trust like nothing else.
JENNIFER CHAPMAN
FOUNDER OF JUST COMMIT COACHING
JUSTCOMMITCOACHING.COM, @INDYLIFECOACH
What brings you joy?
Sitting quietly with my cup of coffee, having a meal with a good friend or family member and enjoying great conversation and sharing laughs, sitting on a patio with my husband and pup, or traveling to a place I’ve never been before.
Stephanie Groves is the Executive Editor of Indy Maven, and she finds joy in spending time with her daughter — and puppies.
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