We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some thought-provoking and some funny. We’ve highlighted a cross section of those responses below.
Bryce Truhlar
In this chapter of my life, I feel truly fortunate to be surrounded by great influences and a supportive team. I’ve partnered with AJG Fashion Consulting to help bring my apparel vision to life, and I’ve been equally grateful for the guidance of seasoned professionals in the industry who have shared their knowledge and insights as I navigate this new world of fashion. Beyond that, I remain committed to self-growth, dedicating time each month to reading one to three books on subjects ranging from business and psychology to economics—continually expanding the foundation that fuels both my personal journey and for my company Helio Menswear. Read More>>
NEIL D’MONTE
In the past three years, I have seen my mother’s health declining. Having her mortality in question is something that I have been secretly and silently worrying about for years. My Dad passed away on 2008 and that has left a huge scar on my heart and also now assuming the responsibility of being the matriarchal figure of our household. Up until the recent string of events with family being separated and my Mom becoming bedridden, I had to man-up and immediately came up here to take care of her and nurse her back to health. Read More>>
Renée Fleuranges-Valdes
I’m truly blessed, and I make it my purpose to live in my joy. Last week was a perfect example—I hosted my niece, her cousin, her childhood best friend, and their six children for our annual week together at my home in Charleston. I cooked favorite family recipes (they scraped the bottom of the pots), lingered over midnight fridge raids, soaked up sun by the pool and beach, and laughed, chatted and played games well into the night. Watching the younger generation connect—electronics forgotten, laughter spilling through the house—was priceless. My heart was full of joy. Read More>>
Helen Buck
This is a must for me. I practice shinrin-yoku—the Japanese art of “forest bathing,” a phrase born in 1982 from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. When I step into the forest, it’s as if I’m crossing a threshold into another world. The air is cool and laced with the scent of pine and damp earth. My fingers graze the rough bark of ancient trees, trace the veins of broad leaves, and sometimes sink into the mossy ground beneath bare feet. Each breath draws in the green, living essence of the woods, a quiet medicine. Read More>>
Thomas J. Bellezza
People. Specifically, I mean people who are willing to laugh a little, eat a little, and explore the randomness of life through conversation. I know. That sounds like a simple answer. And it should be. That’s the point. For me, people are my recharge. Not groups of people. Not the performance of it all, but rather the gathering of a small group of fantastic friends or family. People that change the bad to good with their presence. Read More>>
Sheryl Green
I’ve finally found a morning routine I enjoy!
I usually wake up around 5:30 am… it would be 4:30, but my wonderful husband ushers our rambunctious dogs into the living room so I can sleep later.
Once I’m awake, I do Wim Hof breathing exercises to get myself ready for the day. Then, I make myself warm lemon water and settle down outside (in the sun) with a journal and whatever book (usually personal or professional development) I’m reading at the moment. Read More>>
Chris Jeanguenat
My husband and I took a quick three day trip to Shenandoah National Park, which literally is my favorite place on earth. I look forward to it every year, and we’ve been going for the better part of 31 years. Our last recent trip was exactly what I needed, and always brings me joy. We hiked to a waterfall, picked wineberries and wild blueberries, watched the sunset from Big Meadows, and hiked 21 miles in 2 days. It’s the place where I reset. Any stress that life has piled on is lifted from my shoulders, and left outside the park. Read More>>
Robyn Cohen
When I’m in the work: communing with the audience, breathing in tandem with another actor, fully inside the moment — time disappears. The clock falls away. The noise quiets. My cells rearrange. I drop into something timeless, expansive, and true.
This happens in class, too — when I’m guiding an actor into the marrow of a scene, when the room begins to hum with presence and creative electricity. There’s this click — like the universe turning a key. I’ve seen it in my students. I’ve felt it in myself. We enter a field where nothing else matters — and everything matters all at once. Read More>>
Captain Dwayne Green
From my own experiences, I’ve come to realize that many people find it difficult to consistently choose the right path. For years, I grappled with telling the truth from falsehood. I believe that our relationship with Jesus Christ is where many of us stumble, often getting caught in the cycle of casual sin. Pride and a preoccupation with our own interests only add to this struggle. It’s a tough truth for anyone to confront, and I certainly found it hard to face when I was in the same position. I’m not here to cast judgment; I’m aware of my own shortcomings in this area. Read More>>
Larmani
Lately, joy has found me in the little things—sunlight on my skin, late-night drives with the windows down, and moments of stillness where I can just be. I’ve been reconnecting with nature and spending more time journaling, dancing, and laughing with people who feel like home. As much as I love creating and performing, it’s those quiet, soulful moments outside of the spotlight that keep me grounded and inspired Read More>>
Makena Delaney
Of course! As business owners, we’re often encouraged to be quick decision-makers, but I’m actually a bit different; I tend to think about things…forever. Now, that’s not always a great trait. For example, I still drive a really old car because I just can’t decide which new car I’d love more, and my MacBook is a few models behind because I’m always waiting for the latest and greatest (and then I sometimes forget to upgrade altogether). Read More>>
Leslie Campa
Oh, now this is a magical question indeed…..”When was the last time I felt true joy?” I can easily answer to this……..AT THIS VERY MOMENT! Just the very thought of “True Joy”, even to just speak those words, brings all the happy moments I have had true joy. Alas, I will share a memory, just last weekend, I was performing at an appearance, a child ran up to my fairy self and gave me a hug. She was so excited to see me and then we began to chat about my boots, my dress, my basket and what she likes and where I am from. I gave her all of my attention, it absolutely gave me “True Joy”, to see her light up with every word. This moment was better than ice cream. Read More>>
Lindsey Taylor
Oh gosh, so many things! I feel like I’ve finally entered a season of releasing the impostor syndrome that’s held me back for so long. I’ve started to challenge myself in different ways… primarily putting myself out there on social media in a way I’ve never done before. I’m saying yes to opportunities I would’ve once turned down out of fear of failing. It’s scary, but also kind of exciting to see what’s possible when I stop standing in my own way. Read More>>
Marcha Chaudry
Lately, I’ve found a lot of joy in learning about art collecting. I recently traveled to Chicago with a group from Fountainhead Arts, a nonprofit I’m part of, to visit private collections, galleries, and artist studios. As a beginner, I was intrigued by the experience — hearing artists share their stories, seeing how collectors curate their spaces with intention, and discovering new voices in contemporary art.
It opened up a new curiosity for me. I’ve always appreciated creativity, but this gave me a deeper understanding of how art and storytelling connect. It’s been exciting to explore a world that feels both new and inspiring. Read More>>
Yuki Matsuok
A typical day for me starts around 9 a.m. when I open my shop, “Himejien.”
It’s not just a clothing store — it’s also my art studio and gallery.
I’m an artist and a designer, and I created this space to blend fashion and art in one place.
The fashion I design is rooted in Japanese culture — combining traditional styles with modern elements.
Some items are also inspired by anime and pop culture, making the shop a place where tradition meets today’s creativity. Read More>>
Elka Almeida
The first 90 minutes of my day are truly sacred to me. I wake up around 5:30 or 6am and start with a 20-minute meditation to center myself. After meditating, I take a few moments to practice gratitude and repeat affirmations, setting a positive, intentional tone for my day. Then I read at least 10 pages of a spiritual book that will enhances my day and inspires my teachings. Read More>>
Brittany Holdahl Donahue
Oh, there are quite a few misunderstandings about Stage Combat and Theatrical Thanatology, to be sure! At first glance, people hear “stage combat” and think it’s all about sword fights or choreographed brawls, if not actual violence; or they hear “thanatology” and assume it’s strictly about hospice care or funerals. However, the work we do lives in a much more nuanced space: Stage combat, at its core, is not about violence: it’s about storytelling through movement. Read More>>
Loretta Pena
I feel like I am walking a path most of the time but find myself wandering once in a while. I know that I want and would love to paint for the rest of my life and feel confident that this is it for me. There are some days however, where the negative thoughts creep in and I start to wonder “what am I doing?” Read More>>
