What a great, honest interview. I totally related when you said you were sensitive. As a full-time blogger myself I’ve had several “sensitive” moments and my husband just keeps telling me I need to grow thicker skin (not always the easiest). Keep up the amazing work.

Thank you so much for sharing so openly. I’m not even finished listening, but I needed to pause and tell you how much I appreciate your advice of not trying to be everything to everyone. This is a very relevant topic for me at the moment in both my freelance business and my personal life. Thank you for this little nugget 🙂

It was great listening to it. All the best for all your endeavors.

awww, thank you! 😉

I felt like you were pulling the thoughts straight from my brain when you were talking about how sensitive you are. My feelings are easily hurt too (even though I know the theory of people affect you only if you let them) I used to cry every time my feelings were hurt, whether by family, friends, or a bully. I bottle stuff up. my friends used to think I was chill about everything because I never open up (because I haven’t been asked!). I like hearing praise.
But I think just acknowledging that I’m sensitive has been so freeing, and there is a lot of stuff that I don’t consciously take too personally anymore. I let myself feel the sting, and then let it go. I still stand up for myself when someone is being sexist or racist or something else that isn’t just about me, but if it’s someone deliberately trying to hurt me because they’re insecure, I’m getting a little better at letting it go.

I just listened to this over my morning coffee and just wanted to say thank you! Thanks for being so inspiring, encouraging and honest. There was so much I needed to hear, especially your experiences with juggling family and work as right now, I’m definitely feeling the struggle with juggling my 8 month old daughter, the blog and my business! So thanks Joy! I feel a little more reassured and inspired to keep at it till I find out what works!

Hi Joy! Just listened your interview and became very touched by your words… I am from Brazil, and I am a huge fan of you. I admire, am inspired by your blog every day. I have a blog and I would like you to know that you were my biggest inspiration for created it. And I am pretty sure that there are lots of others like me around the world. Love you!

Great interview, Joy! Thanks for being so open and honest about your business and your personal life. Really enjoyed it!

Thank you so much Sarah!
Joy

I wanted to finish listening before writing a response. First of all, I admire your honesty and also your ability to be vulnerable. It’s not easy having an online identity as it makes it susceptible to criticism, so mad respect for that. You talked about everything for in a time in my life when I need it. I have put a pause on blogging to care for my newborn son, but I miss it so much. Hearing you makes me realize how much I love it, but also it reminds me I made the right choice because there is nothing more important than family, right? Thank you for being a daily inspiration.