It was an early morning, and I was heading to meet a client. My trusty coffee cup was filled to the brim with hot coffee - delicious and comforting, my usual pick-me-up. Normally, that first sip is my moment of peace. But not that day. I left the house without the lid to the coffee cup (that’s another story).

As I hit a railroad crossing, the coffee launched into the air, landing everywhere. My blouse, the dashboard, the air vents, the seats - nothing was spared. Heavy cream and coffee dripped into places I didn’t even know existed in my car.

Years ago, this would have sent me into a tailspin. I would’ve muttered angrily, shown up late, and let that frustration cloud my entire day. But this time? I laughed. Seriously. I laughed.

Yes, the situation was messy. Yes, it was inconvenient. But instead of spiraling, I paused, assessed, and asked myself: What’s in my control right now?  I grabbed napkins to dry my blouse, threw on a blazer to hide the stains, and got back on track. I arrived on time, met with my client, and cleaned my car later that day. Crisis averted, joy intact.

Here’s the thing: joy isn’t something that just happens. It’s something we choose, cultivate, and protect. When we allow external events to dictate our mood, we give away our power.

Think about it: how often do we let small inconveniences - traffic, a rude comment, or a tech glitch - derail our day? It’s easy to slip into frustration, but when you step back and shift your perspective, you realize those moments don’t have to define your day.

Protecting your joy means asking yourself:

• Is my reaction helping or hurting me?
• What can I learn from this?
• How can I approach this differently next time?

These questions might feel simple, and they are powerful tools for reclaiming your peace.
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Protecting your joy isn’t a one-time decision - it’s a daily practice. Here are a few tools to help you stay grounded, no matter what life throws your way: