Embracing the Ordinary: The Unlikely Inspiration Behind “Heart Happy”

Audio By Carbonatix

In a world that often seeks the extraordinary, there’s a peculiar charm in embracing the mundane aspects of our lives. Take, for instance, my penchant for America’s Test Kitchen. While some might consider this a rather dull facet of my personality, I find a unique joy in watching episodes of this cooking show, even those that are fifteen years old. This seemingly mundane interest made me consider what makes us happy and why. It wasn’t episodes of America’s Test Kitchen after all. Instead, it was considering the “test kitchen” of our hearts … and how to master the most important part of our lives, things like prayer and seeking God.

The Genesis of “Heart Happy”

Originally, I intended to pen a book on generosity and hospitality. However, the unexpected arrival of COVID-19 shelved those plans and prompted a period of introspection and prayer about what to write instead. The pandemic stripped away the veneer of busyness that many of us use to cover our unhappiness, forcing us to confront what truly nurtures our souls. It was a journey through layers of pain, shame, and regret, revealing how my busyness had kept God at a distance. The realization that I had the tools to help others find their “happy heart” amidst chaos became the foundation for “Heart Happy.”

Surprises and Revelations

One of the most profound surprises in writing “Heart Happy” was uncovering the many layers that had contributed to my unhappiness. Each chapter unfolded as a revelation of what keeps our hearts separate from God, highlighting the importance of reconciling with these barriers to embrace true happiness.

A Message of Hope and Happiness

The central message I hope readers take from “Heart Happy” is the significance of finding our happiness in the Lord every single day. Amidst chaos, it’s crucial to pause and find God. My own experience taught me that my day—and by extension, my family’s day—suffers if I don’t find my “happy heart” before it begins. The practice of fixing our thoughts on God first thing in the morning can prevent worries, fears, and frustrations from overwhelming us.

The Writer’s Rituals

My writing process is deeply intertwined with my spiritual routine. Waking up early to spend time with my Bible, a devotional book, and a cup of coffee or tea fills my heart with God’s presence, from which my writing flows naturally. This practice, coupled with setting writing priorities the night before, forms the cornerstone of my productivity as a writer.

Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

For those looking to enhance their writing productivity, I recommend adopting a habit of contemplation before sleep to set the next day’s writing priorities. Additionally, embracing the habit of writing messily without judgment in the initial stages can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Overcoming Writer’s Block and Editing

Interestingly, I don’t experience writer’s block, viewing every writing opportunity as a gift. This perspective keeps the creative juices flowing, supported by prayer whenever I’m stuck. My approach to editing is iterative, starting with unfiltered ideas and gradually refining the work into a cohesive narrative.

Persistence: The Key to Writing Success

The journey of a writer is often fraught with self-doubt and discouragement. The most common mistake I’ve observed is giving up too soon. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring months, sometimes years, of persistent effort before yielding anything shareable. The best piece of advice I’ve received, “It takes 20 years to be an overnight success,” serves as a powerful reminder of the patience and perseverance required to achieve lasting success in writing.

In sharing these insights and practices, my hope is that “Heart Happy” not only offers tools for finding joy in the Lord but also inspires readers and aspiring writers to embrace the ordinary, find beauty in the mundane, and persevere in their journey toward happiness and success with God’s help! Find the book here.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

You can join us using your own One Year Bible© (if you’d like to purchase one, you can grab your preferred version using the links below). Or you can print up the One Year Chronological Reading Plan. If you don’t have a copy of the One Year Bible©, we will have the exact passages for the next day in the show notes. You can also subscribe to the One Year Chronological Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.

Join us here.