Why Joy Is Hard to Receive — And Why It’s What Your Heart Needs to Heal #190
Is joy easy for you to give… but hard to receive?
So many women pour out love, care, and celebration for everyone else —
yet when it comes to their own joy, something inside quietly shuts down.
In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a tender birthday story from her own life —
a moment when receiving joy felt unsafe —
and how Jesus gently invited her into healing, delight, and emotional restoration.
You’ll discover why receiving joy feels so hard for so many of us, how to reshape our nervous systems for health,
and how Jesus wants to rewrite those tender places with His love this Christmas.
Through Scripture, emotional wellness insights, and a beautiful Advent soul care practice,
you’ll learn how to take steps to healing,
rewiring old beliefs, and experiencing God’s delight in a personal way.
Key Takeaways:
Why giving joy feels easy — but receiving joy feels risky
The neuroscience of “protective inhibition” and how childhood stories shape our ability to receive love
Why healing requires new emotional experiences
How one simple soul care practice of chosen joy can rewire your brain toward peace & delight
Breath Prayer:
Inhale: You delight in me, Lord
Exhale: Quiet me with Your love
Scripture
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:29–31
→ Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love at mysoulcareschool.com
→ Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store
→ Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com
Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.
Connect with Bonnie:
Join the Soul Care Newsletter:
https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe
Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray
Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd
Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:
@thebonniegray
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
