Meet Edie Higby

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Edie Higby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Edie, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

The short answer is: from my commitment to Joy.
But not the fleeting, surface-level Joy that comes only when life is easy or comfortable. My resilience was forged, literally, in the fire and flames of grief.

Joy is often mistaken for a luxury, a fleeting feeling reserved for the lucky, the privileged, or special moments. But make no mistake: when Joy is missing, the consequences are not merely personal, they are societal. The absence of Joy ripples outward, manifesting as a national public health crisis. The Deficit of Joy is, unmistakably, a silent epidemic quietly eroding the fabric of our communities, schools, and workplaces.

We see its effects in rising rates of depression, anxiety, bullying, substance abuse, and self-harm. We see it in headlines reporting mass shootings, and in the devastating statistics revealing that 49,316 Americans died by suicide in 2022, with suicide now the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–34 (CDC, 2023). These numbers are not mere data points – they are alarms. They signal a crisis touching families, classrooms, neighborhoods, and the health of our nation. This should warrant our attention.

June 10, 2002 – my brother became one of those statistics.

There are no words to articulate the complex, brutal, unforgiving grief that comes with being a survivor. Navigating the all-consuming grief, guilt, and despair that followed forced me to confront a profound truth: Hopelessness – is the worst possible human emotion, and Joy is not a luxury – it is an imperative, essential to the living human experience.

The Deficit of Joy matters. It IS a silent epidemic, a cancer that will continue to spread unless confronted with intention, science, and proactive care. Yet we rarely speak of Joy as a public health necessity. We measure mental illness, screen for depression, and track suicide rates but we seldom measure, cultivate, or prescribe Joy. This absence leaves us exposed, vulnerable, and increasingly fractured as a society.

As a survivor of losing a loved one to gun violence, I can tell you: that kind of loss doesn’t just break your heart – it shakes every core of your being. It changes who you are, your family…life as you knew it before. There were days when even breathing felt like a decision. I could have stayed in the rubble of unspeakable sadness and overwhelming grief. That kind of grief is debilitating.

But I realized quickly that I could not stay in that dark place. I wanted to be present in my life, regardless of circumstance. I needed to find a way out.

A way back to Joy.

Just “choosing Joy” wasn’t enough. I chose something deeper. I chose to design my life around Joy – not because it was easy, but because it was the only way to keep going.
It became a commitment: a commitment to living life Happy. Even if it meant stopping to cry for just two minutes a day, and scrolling to watch a funny TikTok that made me laugh until I cried again.

Practicing Joy became both my anchor and my lifeline. What began as survival slowly grew into a calling. Today, that calling has evolved into my new book; Joy By Design | Live Life INSPIRED, An Exploration Guide to Practicing Joy & Wellbeing with the Happiness Health Intelligence Model.

As one of the first graduates of the Master’s in Happiness Studies program at Centenary University – Happiness Academy, I learned about Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar’s SPIRE Model. In my work, I have applied my Practicing Joy Theory in extending that model into The INSPIRED Happiness Health Intelligence Model, teaching readers about the 8 Principles of Practicing Joy. The model is grounded science-based evidence and research, and I can’t wait to teach the world about Joy Literacy, HHI and Joy 2.0. This framework is built on 8 Principles of Joy that help us not only survive adversity but thrive through it with resources and tools that guide us through the “Me-Search” and help create a Joy Action Plan.

Joy, for me, is not just a feeling – it is my product. And Happiness? Well, Happiness is my business. Very serious business indeed. And it’s free to anyone who wants it. Because when we look closely at the crises facing our world – mental health struggles, burnout, disconnection, depression, bullying, gun violence – we can clearly see one common thread: a Deficit of Joy.

My mission is to change that. Practicing Joy is my Purpose.

Resilience is not about “bouncing back.” It’s about transforming pain into purpose, turning wounds into wisdom, and choosing to show up for life again and again, regardless of circumstance. When we show up, even when it’s unbearable – that’s what changes things.

My Joy is a ripple effect that touches everyone I meet. Which means: My Joy matters, Your Joy matters, and it requires of commitment of Happiness Health Responsibility for all of us. My resilience is a testament to this truth: even in grief, Joy is possible. Even in despair, love still whispers. And even in the darkest chapters, we can write new stories of light.

I want readers to know that resilience isn’t reserved for the strongest among us – it’s born in ordinary hearts that choose, day by day, to Practice Joy. That choice changed my life. It’s why I’ve dedicated my work to making Joy not just an idea, but a practice, a habit, and a daily discipline and commitment. I would love to see it develop into a public health movement.

So, where do I get my resilience from?

I get it from the discipline of Practicing Joy, the commitment to living life Happy, the courage of love, and the belief that even our most painful stories can become the seeds where Hope takes root.

Fear is a prison with many cells: depression, anxiety, hopelessness. I acknowledge their existence – but I refuse to be a prisoner and live behind their bars. Joy is my freedom; resilience is my escape plan. Each day, I unlock one door at a time with the key of choice, courage, and Joy. I refuse to live in fear or to be a prisoner. So, we must fight! Fight for our lives, fight for our Joy, our Happiness. It is our responsibility, and is something that demands our attention, to find and create space for Joyful living, practices.

Joy is a defiance of fear.

Yet choosing Joy often requires bravery. This opens the door to what I call The Joy Manifesto: Living Life Happy. A commitment to Practicing Joy, and Living Life Happy. Seeking Joy is a courageous act, especially when you’ve faced loss, hardship, or loneliness.

Our past does not define us. The present moment is all we truly have, and our future will be shaped by the brave choices that we make today. The courage it takes to smile again – well, some will just – never know. But, my Hope is that you’ll be brave enough to do so.

We are the creators of our own lives. So let us live with Joyful Expectation and become the architects of our own life’s design, and live life INSPIRED.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m so excited to share the launch of my new book, Joy By Design | Live Life INSPIRED, An Exploration Guide to Practicing Joy and Wellbeing with The Happiness Health Intelligence Model. (Release Date – November 2025).
The book introduces my Practicing Joy Theory and the 8 Principles of Joy = Inspirational, Neurological, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, Emotional, Developmental + Design. This book is the culmination of my personal journey through grief and loss, my formal training in Happiness Studies and as a certified HOPE & Happiness Coach, and my work developing practical, science-based tools to help people thrive in the face of life’s challenges.

The book introduces and includes Practicing Joy Essentials; Joy Literacy 101, HHI = Happiness Health Intelligence Science, 10 MORE Positive Emotions, “Me-Search” Tools & Techniques, Happiness Health Habits, The Joy Value Chart, MVI (Minimum Viable Intervention) Experiments & Integration, 40 Days & 40 Ways of Practicing Joy, and The Practicing Joy Club and so much more!
Alongside the book, I’m thrilled to be launching The Practicing Joy, Living Life Happy Podcast! This new project is a space to explore Joy, resilience, and well-being with inspiring guests, thought leaders, and everyday people who are designing lives full of purpose, positivity, and connection.

Professionally, I’m focused on creating impact in my community and beyond. I’m currently developing a Happiness Health & Wellbeing Charter Initiative in the Inland Northwest, partnering with thought leaders, educators, and community advocates to bring HOPE, Healing, and Happiness Health to our neighborhoods. My goal is to spread Joy Literacy as a vital skill, emphasizing that cultivating Joy is not just personal – it’s a public health imperative.

In addition, I’m committed to contributing to the science of Joy & Happiness Health by conducting research, sharing insights, and publishing papers. My work combines rigorous science with practical strategies, making the pursuit of Joy both accessible and transformative for individuals, families, and communities.
Looking ahead, I dream of having the sponsorship and resources to host large-scale Practicing Joy retreats, where people from all walks of life can immerse themselves in Happiness Health, connection, and transformation. These retreats would be a space to experience Joy in community, learn actionable tools for resilience, and leave equipped to bring more Joy – not just to themselves, but to their families, workplaces, and communities. I dream BIG, and hope to have the resources and sponsorship that and support this work, while creating spaces where individuals can deepen their practice, build resilience, and carry the energy of Happiness Health into their daily lives.

What excites me most is that all these efforts – writing, speaking, podcasting, community-building, research—are connected by one mission: to help people reclaim Joy, resilience, and purpose in their lives. I want readers, listeners, and community members to know that Joy is not a luxury; it is a practice, a choice, a commitment and a life-changing tool we can all access. Anyone can learn how to Design their life with Joyful Living.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are Resilience, Curiosity, and Intentional Joy.

Resilience – was forged in the fire of my grief and loss. It’s the ability to show up for life even when it hurts, to face the darkness and still find a way forward. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to start small. Practice showing up for yourself in tiny ways every day, taking a walk, journaling, laughing even when it’s hard. Because when you’re grieving your not going to “feel” like you want to do something fun, so you have to commit to finding your way back to Joy. Resilience is built in these small, consistent choices.

Curiosity – the willingness to explore, to ask questions, to keep learning – was another game-changer. The permission to be human, and it was okay to not be okay, and being curious enough to question what that looks like. It led me to The Science of Wellbeing & Happiness Health, to understanding how Joy works, to discover the incredible science and research that’s already been done for centuries, and to discovering practices that actually transform the brain and the body. For those beginning their journey, stay curious about yourself and the world. Read, ask questions, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try things that feel uncomfortable. That’s where growth lives. Staying curious is what helps lead us to our Purpose.

Finally, Intentional Joy – the practice of creating moments of Joy even in the midst of struggle – wasn’t just essential, it was magical. Joy isn’t just a feeling; it’s an energy, it’s a discipline, a choice, and a commitment to living life fully. Being Happy takes courage, Having Joy takes practice. My advice: start designing your life around small Joys. Celebrate the tiny victories, laugh, move your body, BREATH, connect with loved ones, and savor the present moment. Now is really the only moment we have and tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.The more you intentionally cultivate Joy, the stronger and more sustainable your resilience becomes.
In the end, these three qualities – Resilience, Curiosity, and Intentional Joy – fuel and feed each other. They’ve carried me through the hardest moments and most challenging seasons of my life – and continue to guide me in creating a life that is not just survivable, but deeply INSPIRED and full of purpose.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I am absolutely looking to partner and collaborate with individuals, organizations, and brands who are passionate about spreading Joy, Resilience, and Happiness Health. My vision is to build a Joy Empire – a network of people, thought leaders, and companies committed to making Joy accessible, intentional, and celebrated in every corner of life.

I’m especially excited to connect with:
• Educators, wellness professionals, and community leaders who want to bring Joy Literacy and Happiness Health into schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
• Researchers and scientists advancing the science of Joy and well-being, helping to translate evidence into actionable practices.
• Artists, authors, creatives, and influencers who inspire hope, healing, and intentional happiness.
• Brands, retailers, and cultural icons who understand the power of influence – from Oprah-level platforms to global retailers like Costco or Target. These partnerships could bring Joy products, curricula, workshops, and experiences to millions, transforming everyday life into opportunities for gratitude, connection, and celebration.

I’m particularly thrilled about The INSPIRED Collection – Designed to Bring Joy, a line of Joy Essentials including Joy Kits, Live Life INSPIRED Project, Connection Cards, Kindness Curriculum, Subscription Boxes, Workshops, and Immersive Experiences. These offerings make the practice of Joy tangible, helping people cultivate resilience, connection, and Happiness Health in their daily lives.

I’m also exploring opportunities for grant funding and sponsorship to bring small, high-impact Joy projects to life. For example, a Live Life INSPIRED – Spread Joy Project, something as a simple wristband passed from person to person – could travel across communities, countries, and even around the world, spreading Joy, connection, and Happiness Health one hand at a time. It’s a simple gesture with the power to create a global ripple effect.

If you’re reading this and feel called to join this mission, through partnership, sponsorship, or collaboration – I would love to hear from you! You can connect with me directly via my website www.practicingjoy.net or through social media platforms. Together, we can spark a movement that spreads Joy, hope, and resilience far and wide – one intentional, joyful choice at a time. My goal is to change the world, spread Joy and teach Happiness Health!

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