The Surprising Path Back to Joy #201
Have you been pushing through something important… but without joy?
Sometimes we do all the right things — show up, work hard, stay responsible — and yet something still feels heavy. What if joy isn’t a luxury add-on to life, but a signal your soul needs to pay attention to?
In this episode, Bonnie shares the powerful story behind Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu’s decision to step away from skating — and how her return reveals something essential about wellness. Together, we explore what Psalm 23 teaches about restoration, why joy matters more than achievement, and how returning to “green pastures” can change the way you make decisions.
You’ll also learn how singing familiar hymns can calm your nervous system and become a simple, powerful practice for peace.
Key Takeaways
Why joy is not optional for true wellness
How striving without joy increases emotional burden
What science says about joy, singing, and nervous system regulation
A simple question that can help you rediscover your “green pastures”
Breath Prayer
Inhale: The Lord is my Shepherd…
Exhale: I shall not be in want…
Scripture
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters.”
— Psalm 23:1–2
→ Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:
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Breathe Rest with Jesus:
A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises
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Breathe Joy with Jesus:
Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's Promises
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Praying the Psalms for Wellness:
A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your Hear
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/
Alysa Liu Interview Quotes
US Figure Skating: https://usfigureskating.org/news/2026/2/20/national-team-figure-skating-liu-reigns-golden-in-milan.aspx#:~:text=I%20want%20to%20be%20a,I'm%20super%20stoked%20for%20that.%22
→ Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com
Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.
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