Choosing to Live Joyfully: Life Be Lifin’, But I’m Still Here!
- Juli "Candi" Long
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 13
A Moment of Reflection
I was scrolling through my phone the other day, looking at videos and pictures from the past year, and something hit me—I really lived in 2024. Like, for real. I laughed louder, moved differently, and let joy lead me in a way I never had before. And you know what? It felt good.
But here’s the thing—2024 wasn’t perfect. There were struggles, setbacks, and moments that had me questioning everything. Life was still “lifin’,” as it always does. But this time, I didn’t let the bad win.
Instead of sitting in the sadness, drowning in the disappointments, or letting negativity dictate my story, I made a decision:
I was choosing to live joyfully—even when things weren’t perfect. I realized that overcoming struggles and finding joy wasn’t about waiting for life to stop throwing curveballs; it was about deciding to create happiness anyway.
Why Negativity Feels So Heavy
It’s wild how negativity works. You can hear 30 good things about yourself, but that one negative comment? That’s the one that sticks. The one that plays on repeat in your mind, making you forget all the love, all the progress, all the good surrounding you.
As someone who has battled depression—seasonal, postpartum, and everything else they’ve tried to label me with—I know firsthand how overpowering sadness can be. It grips you. It convinces you that the weight of the bad will always be heavier than the light of the good.
But in 2024, I made a choice: Choosing to live joyfully wasn’t optional—it was necessary.
Choosing to Live Joyfully: Overcoming Struggles & Finding Joy in 2025
I don’t know if there was a single moment that shifted everything for me, or if it was a series of small awakenings. But at some point, I looked around at my life—all the ups and downs, all the friendships I’d lost, all the things I thought I’d never get through—and realized:
I’m still here.
No matter how hard life tried to knock me down, I was still standing. And if I was going to be here, I wasn’t going to just survive—I was going to live joyfully. Not just exist. Not just coast through the days. But fully, unapologetically embrace joy, despite the struggles.
The ‘Outside, Outside’ Era – Without Breaking the Bank
Listen…when I say I was outside, outside in 2024? BABY. I was OUTSIDE. But let me be clear—choosing to live joyfully didn’t mean spending a lot of money.
Social media will have you thinking that living your best life requires luxury trips, expensive dinners, and designer everything. I’ve been there, scrolling, wondering, How much did that cost? How much is that trip? How much for that experience? And in this economy? Chile, outside is expensive!
But what I realized in 2024 is that overcoming struggles and finding joy isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about making the most of the moments you’re given.
I was outside with my kids, creating memories that didn’t require a passport or a fat bank account.
I was outside with my church family, pouring into my spirit and my community.
I was outside meeting new people, building new relationships, and stepping into spaces that stretched me.
Being outside doesn’t mean being reckless with your money—it means being intentional with your time.
Choosing to Live Joyfully: Overcoming Struggles & Finding Joy Through Passion
Another thing that made 2024 so special? I got back to doing what I love. I stepped back into my passion for hosting events and bringing people together—something I had put on hold while battling depression and just trying to make it as a mom.
One of my biggest highlights was relaunching Ms. iCandi’s Dinner and a Movie, an event series that brought people together for curated movie nights with themed experiences. It wasn’t just about watching a film—it was about community, nostalgia, and creating moments that felt special. And the best part? It was a success.
For so long, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. But stepping back into event hosting, storytelling, and curating experiences reminded me that my passion never left me—I just needed to reclaim it.
And in 2025? Oh, I’m choosing to live joyfully, even louder. More events. More creativity. More me. Because when you reconnect with what you love, when you stop waiting for the perfect moment and just do the thing—it feels damn good.
Overcoming Struggles & Finding Joy: My Journey to Choosing to Live Joyfully
Let’s be real—bad things are still going to happen. Life doesn’t just suddenly become perfect because we choose happiness. But what can change is how much power we give to the bad.
I refuse to let the hard moments define my entire story. I refuse to let negativity be the loudest voice in my head.
Instead, I’m choosing to live joyfully: overcoming struggles and finding joy in the small moments, in the laughter, in the love that surrounds me.
And in 2025? Oh, I’m doubling down. More love. More laughter. More movement. More moments that remind me that I’m alive.
Because tomorrow isn’t promised. But today? Today is mine.
What About You?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start living—for real, for YOU—this is it.
🌸 Choose joy.
🌸 Make the memory.
🌸 Book the trip.
🌸 Laugh louder.
🌸 Dance in the kitchen.
🌸 Tell your people you love them.
Because life isn’t about avoiding the bad—it’s about choosing to live joyfully and making sure the good has a fighting chance.
So what are you waiting for? Drop a comment and let me know—how are you choosing joy in 2025?
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