I Stopped Before I Did Something I Would Regret

 Humility, Wisdom, and Letting Go of Pride

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you all are having an amazing day today, and I hope nobody steals your joy. Welcome to MaryamsjoyfulLife. It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m super excited to be here with you all. God is good!

Today, I want to talk about humility. Humility and flushing away pride.

Recently, I had a difficult experience with someone very close to me — a family member. During a conversation, there were misunderstandings, hurtful words, and disrespectful things said that I honestly never expected to hear. It hurt deeply because this was someone close to my heart.

At first, I was ready to respond publicly. I filmed a whole video about the situation. I talked about how I felt, expressed my frustration, prayed during the video, edited it, and got everything ready to post.

Have you seen my latest vlog?

But before I hit that “post” button, I paused.

I started asking myself some hard questions:

Am I proud of this video?

What am I truly trying to gain from posting this?

Will this help anyone?

Or am I simply trying to satisfy my ego?

How will this affect the people I’m talking about?

Is this coming from wisdom… or from anger?

And when I sat with those questions, I realized something important:

I didn’t need to post the video.

The truth is, I was acting out of hurt, anger, pride, and emotion. I realized that just because I have a platform doesn’t mean I should use it to react emotionally. Sometimes pride makes us feel like we need to prove a point, defend ourselves publicly, or expose people just because we can.

But wisdom tells us to pause.

Wisdom tells us to think before we speak.

Wisdom reminds us that not every battle deserves an audience.

I realized that making that video would not bring me peace. It would not heal me. It would not make my life better. It would only temporarily feed my emotions, and later I probably would have regretted it.

So I chose differently.

I decided there are some things I can handle privately and quietly. Some decisions don’t need an announcement. Some healing happens in secret. Some boundaries can simply be set without broadcasting them to the world.

Now, if there’s ever something I truly feel led to share in a mature and wise way — something that could genuinely help others — then maybe one day I will. But I refuse to speak from a place of spite, bitterness, or emotional heat.

I want to lead with wisdom.

The Bible says wisdom is profitable to direct. And that’s exactly what I want guiding my life — not pride, not anger, not ego, not revenge.

Sometimes wisdom sounds like: “Just wait.” “Don’t react yet.” “Don’t let your emotions control you.” “Don’t let pride make decisions for you.”

And honestly, sometimes wisdom says: “Let them.”

If they misunderstand you, let them.

If they think they’re winning, let them.

If they want to talk, let them.

But you?

You stay focused.

Do not waste your precious energy trying to prove yourself, get revenge, or show people you’re stronger. Use that energy to actually become stronger. Use it to grow. Use it to heal. Use it to protect your peace and your joy.

How often do we allow people — people who don’t even live with us, people who may be miles or continents away — to control our happiness and steal our peace?

We cannot keep doing that.

We have too much to be grateful for to allow emotional connections, drama, and negativity to consume us.

I’m learning to keep my focus and be more reasonable because I don’t want anybody to steal my joy — and I also don’t want to be the one who steals my own joy through emotional reactions.

So today, I want to encourage you with something I heard from Mel Robbins in her book The Let Them Theory:

“Let them.”

Let them think what they want.

Let them misunderstand you.

Let them underestimate you.

And you? You continue becoming who God called you to be.

Lead with wisdom. Choose humility over pride. Choose peace over proving a point. Choose healing over emotional reactions.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. You all are amazing, sweet, and lovely people.

And remember: Don’t let anybody steal your joy.

Remember the Goodness of God

 What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are y’all doing today? I hope y’all are having an amazing day today, and I hope nobody steals your joy. Welcome to MaryamsjoyfulLife blog. It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m so excited that you chose to stop by and spend some time with me.

God is so faithful, y’all.

The last three weeks have been filled with celebration, laughter, and gratitude in my home. First, my daughter Zoe turned eight years old. I’m so grateful to God for blessing me with her beautiful life. Then two weeks later, my son Le'Veon turned ten years old. God is so amazing. Every time I think about my children — Le'Veon, Zoe, and my baby Laila — my heart becomes overwhelmed with gratitude.

I remember what God did for me when He blessed me with Le'Veon, then Zoe, and now Laila. I remember the prayers, the hope, the waiting, and the love. God has truly been faithful through every season.

I just want to remember the goodness of God all the days of my life and stay humbled whenever I think about the blessings He has given me. I’m grateful for His mercy, His faithfulness, divine protection, guidance, and good health over my children and my family. God is so good.

You guys, it is so important for us to remember what God has done for us because it is easy to forget. This world is filled with negativity, distractions, fear, and wickedness. The enemy wants us to focus on what is not working instead of remembering everything God has already done.

Sometimes when things are not going the way we want them to, we begin to feel discouraged. We can start feeling like life is unfair simply because we don’t yet have the thing we are currently praying for. But that is exactly how the enemy distracts us — by pulling our focus away from the goodness of God.

Instead of remembering how God brought us through difficult seasons before, we become consumed with what has not happened yet.

But when we intentionally stop and remember the goodness of God, something shifts inside of us.

Gratitude grounds us.

Gratitude humbles us.

Gratitude pulls us back into the present moment.

Every time I sit and think about what God has already done in my life, I notice a change in my spirit and even in my body. I feel warm in my heart. I feel peaceful. I feel present. It keeps me from floating into stress, frustration, comparison, distraction, and negativity. It reminds me that God has always been there for me.

Today’s vlog is really about this:

Gratitude and Remembrance

Remember what God has done for you.

Take yourself back to that moment when God answered that prayer you once cried over. Remember the breakthrough. Remember the healing. Remember the open door. Remember the blessing that you now have and may have become so used to.

Sometimes we become stressed out over the next thing we want while forgetting that we are currently living in prayers God already answered.

That realization alone is enough to humble us.

So let’s not allow our current desires and needs to distract us from what God has already done. Instead, let those desires push us closer to God in gratitude. Sit with the same God who answered before and thank Him again.

Because if God did it in the past, He can do it again.

The God who blessed you before is still faithful today.

The God who carried you before will carry you again.

The God who opened doors before can still open doors now.

So today, remember the goodness of God. Be grateful for the goodness of God. Give thanks knowing that whatever it is you currently need, the same God who did it before will do it again.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

And always remember:

Don’t let anybody steal your joy.

How Journaling Healed Me: Finding Hope in the Darkness Through Faith|| Unshakable Faith Series – Part 3

 

What’s up wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

I hope you’re having an amazing day today…
And I hope nothing is stealing your joy.

Welcome back to the Unshakable Faith series.

Today is Part 3, and we’re talking about something powerful that helped transform my life:

Journaling through pain, loss, and heartbreak.

You Can Rise Again

Before we go deeper, I want you to know this:

• You can rise again
• You can win again
• You can live again

Your story is not over because of a setback.

In fact…

Every setback can be a setup for a greater breakthrough.

Watch episode 3. Linked above!

My Darkest Season

When I lost my baby 11 years ago…

It was one of the darkest, most painful seasons of my life.

After leaving the hospital, I was heartbroken.
Planning a funeral felt unreal.

I didn’t know what to do.

So I prayed.

Even when it felt heavy…
Even when I felt like I couldn’t carry the pain…

God was still there.

When Your Strength Isn’t Enough

There were moments when I felt like I couldn’t go on.

Like the weight was too heavy to carry.

And the truth is…

In my own strength, I couldn’t.

But I wasn’t relying on my strength.

I was relying on God.

Because where your strength fails…
God’s strength carries you.

When Words Fail… Write

There were times I didn’t even have the words to pray.

So I let my heart speak.

And then something changed everything…

Someone sent me a journal.

Inside that journal, I began to write.

What I couldn’t say out loud…
I wrote down.

How Journaling Helped Me Heal

I wrote things like:

“God, my heart is broken.”
“This hurts so much.”
“I don’t understand why this happened.”
“But I trust You.”
“I believe You will restore me.”

And something powerful started happening.

The more I wrote… the lighter I felt.

• The pain began to lift
• The heaviness started to fade
• Hope slowly returned

Journaling became a release.

Journaling Is a Healing Tool

If you’re going through pain right now…

I want to ask you:

Have you tried journaling?

You don’t need anything fancy.

Just:

• A notebook
• A pen
• Your honest thoughts

Write exactly how you feel.

Don’t filter it.
Don’t hold back.

As you write…
you release.

Don’t Just Write Pain—Write Vision

Here’s what changed everything for me:

I didn’t just write about my pain…

I also wrote about my future.

Even when I felt broken, I wrote:

• “I will be happy again”
• “I will have healthy children”
• “My life will be restored”

I began to speak life… even in the middle of death.

Speak Life Over Your Situation

There’s a powerful truth:

You may see dry bones…

But God sees life.

Just like in the story of dry bones being brought back to life…

What looks dead in your life right now…

Can live again.

So start speaking it.
Start writing it.

My Testimony of Restoration

Today, I can look back and see what God has done.

I now have:

• Three healthy, beautiful children
• A full life
• A restored heart

Motherhood has been one of my greatest blessings.

And it all started in a place of:

• Prayer
• Pain
• Journaling
• Faith

Even When You Don’t Feel Faith… Keep Going

There were moments I didn’t feel like I had faith.

I felt broken.

But I kept:

• Praying
• Writing
• Hoping

And slowly…

I began to feel:

• Stronger
• Lighter
• More hopeful

God was working in me the whole time.

All You Have to Do Is Show Up

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

Just:

• Show up
• Pray anyway
• Write anyway
• Trust anyway

Even if you feel like nothing is happening…

Something is happening.

Your Story Will End in Victory

Right now, it may feel like:

• Pain
• Loss
• Confusion

But that’s not how your story ends.

Your story ends in victory.

Everything you’re going through right now…

Is working for your good.

Final Encouragement

Let me leave you with this:

Your dry bones are coming back to life.

Healing is coming.
Restoration is coming.
Breakthrough is coming.

Don’t let anyone…

Steal your joy.

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for being part of this journey.

If this touched your heart:

• Share it with someone
• Leave a comment
• Come back for the next episode

There are 6 parts in this series… and you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.

With love,
Maryam

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Trusting God in the Process

 

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Trusting God in the Process

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and that nobody has stolen your joy. Welcome to Maryamsjoyfullife! It’s a beautiful day, and I’m truly excited to share this message with you.

Today, I want to talk about something we’ve all experienced at one point or another—those seasons in life when everything seems like it’s not working according to plan.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely ready? You had everything lined up, every detail mapped out, and you reached out to the right people—or at least the people you thought were right. You put in the effort, did your part, and truly believed everything would fall into place… only for it not to work out?

It’s frustrating. It’s confusing. And honestly, it can feel discouraging.

When you’re in that kind of season, it can feel like things are unnecessarily hard and complicated. You may even start questioning yourself—“What did I do wrong?” or “Why isn’t this working?” And on top of that, when people you expected to support you aren’t on board, it can make the whole experience even more stressful.

But here’s something I’ve learned in those difficult moments: God has a plan.

Could it be that the thing you’re pushing so hard for isn’t what God has for you? Could it be that there’s something better waiting—something greater than what you imagined? Sometimes we get so laser-focused on our version of how things should go that we miss the bigger picture.

And that’s where we have to shift.

Instead of stressing, instead of forcing things to happen, this is the time to seek God. Pray. Be still. Trust Him.

Don’t allow setbacks, delays, or even naysayers to steal your peace. I know—it’s easier said than done. I’ve been there, and it’s not a good place to be. But there is power in surrender.

Give it to God.

Trust that His plan is better than yours—because it truly is.

In moments like these, I encourage you to go deeper spiritually. Spend time in prayer, and if you’re able, consider fasting. There is something powerful about denying the flesh and focusing on God. Whether you start with three days or work your way up to seven, even setting aside certain hours each day to fast and pray can bring clarity, peace, and breakthrough.

When you quiet everything else and focus on Him, amazing things begin to happen.

Remember, when things aren’t going your way, it’s not a sign to give up—it’s a sign to draw closer to God. Shift your perspective from frustration to gratitude. Thank Him even in the waiting, even in the uncertainty.

Because He is working—even when you don’t see it.

So today, I want to leave you with this encouragement:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him—and He will direct your path.

Hold onto that truth.

And no matter what you’re facing, don’t let anybody—or anything—steal your joy.

With love,

Maryamsjoyfullife

When Words Fail: How to Trust God Through Loss, Pain, and Heartbreak|| Unshakable Faith Series – Part 2

 

What’s up wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

I hope you’re having an amazing day today…
And I hope nothing is stealing your joy.

Welcome back to the Unshakable Faith series.

Today, we’re talking about something real…
what to do when words fail you in seasons of loss, pain, and heartbreak.

When Words Fail… Sit With God

There comes a moment in life where…

You’ve prayed.
You’ve cried.
You’ve tried to explain how you feel…

But you can’t find the words anymore.

That’s where I found myself.

I was praying for:

• Healing
• Restoration
• A miracle

But the answer didn’t come the way I expected.

And in that moment…
words failed me.

Understanding Your “Night Season”

The Bible says:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

But let’s be honest…

When you’re in the night season, it doesn’t feel temporary.

It feels like:

• This pain will last forever
• This heartbreak will define your life
• This darkness is all there is

Your night season might look like:

• Losing someone you love
• A broken relationship
• Unexpected heartbreak
• A devastating situation you didn’t see coming

And now you’re left trying to understand it…

But nothing makes sense.

The Weight of Emotional Pain

Emotional pain is heavy.

It’s not something people can always see…
But you feel it everywhere.

In your heart.
In your body.
In your thoughts.

I remember feeling:

• Empty
• Alone
• Broken

Even when people were around me…
I still felt alone.

You Are Not Meant To Do This Alone

One of the biggest lessons I learned is this:

You cannot heal alone.

Yes, you need to:

• Pray
• Cry out to God
• Seek His presence

But you also need people.

You need:

• Community
• Support
• Prayer from others

Don’t let pride or shame isolate you.

Isolation will only deepen the pain.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Sometimes the hardest thing to do…

Is to say:
“I need help.”

But hear me clearly:

There is no shame in needing support.

God created us for community, not isolation.

Reach out.

Call someone.
Text someone.
Ask someone to pray for you.

Even I had to do it.

I would say:
“Please pray for me. I can’t do this on my own.”

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

You may not understand why this happened.

You may not like what happened.

But there is something powerful in saying:

“God, I don’t understand… but I trust You.”

Because the truth is:

• God still has a plan
• God still sees you
• God is still working

Even in the pain.

Let Go of the Need to Suffer

Sometimes we hold onto pain…

Because something inside us feels like we should suffer.

But that’s not God.

That’s your ego trying to keep you stuck.

God wants to:

• Heal you
• Lift you
• Restore you

But you have to be willing to let go.

Give Yourself Grace

You are human.

And it’s okay to:

• Cry
• Feel broken
• Feel confused

Even the strongest people have moments of weakness.

Give yourself grace.

Don’t shame yourself for feeling.

God Can Turn It Around

What the enemy meant for harm…

God can turn around for your good.

I’ve lived it.

Today, I am:

• A mother of healthy children
• A woman restored
• A testimony of God’s faithfulness

But it started in one of the darkest seasons of my life.

---

There Is Still Hope for You

If you feel like this is the end…

It’s not.

God is still in the business of:

• Healing
• Restoring
• Rebuilding

You just have to:

• Keep praying
• Keep trusting
• Keep reaching out

You Can’t Do This Alone

If you want to grow stronger through this season…

You need to take a step.

Reach out to:

• A trusted friend
• A church
• A prayer group
• A community

You were never meant to carry this alone.

Final Encouragement

Let me remind you of this truth:

If God is for you, who can be against you?

This is not the end of your story.

God has a plan.

And even now…
He is working behind the scenes for your good.

A Prayer For You

I pray that God:

• Heals your heart
• Strengthens your spirit
• Brings peace to your mind
• Restores everything you’ve lost

Your breakthrough is coming.

Your healing is coming.

Your restoration is coming.

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for being part of this journey.

If this spoke to you:

• Share it with someone who needs it
• Leave a comment
• Stay connected

And don’t forget to check out Part 1 of this series.

With love,
Maryam

The Moment I Lost My Way (But Didn’t Lose My Faith) Unshakable Faith Series – Part 1

 

What’s up wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

I hope you’re having an amazing day today—and more importantly, I hope nothing is stealing your joy.

Welcome to the very first post in my Unshakable Faith healing series. This is a six-part journey, and today I’m opening my heart to share something deeply personal… the moment I lost my way.

Almost 11 Years Ago… Everything Changed

Almost 11 years ago, my life took a turn I never expected.

I was pregnant with my first child, and I was filled with excitement. Becoming a mother was something I had always dreamed about. I imagined the love, the bond, the joy of raising my child.

But at the same time, I was going through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

I was dealing with:

• Financial struggles
• Delays in my legal documents
• Uncertainty about my future
• Waiting for an opportunity that never came

Every single day, I would check the mailbox, hoping that the document I needed would arrive… but it never did.

And yet, my pregnancy became the light in that dark season. It gave me something to hold onto. Something to believe in.

Watch the first episode on my podcast posted above

A Joy That Turned Into a Storm

Because I didn’t have the financial means, I couldn’t afford proper prenatal care. I simply did the best I could and trusted God through it all.

When the time finally came to give birth, something felt off.

The doctors noticed an irregular heartbeat.

What was supposed to be a joyful moment quickly turned into fear, confusion, and desperation.

My baby was born with a severe heart condition—something rare and devastating. They called it Timothy syndrome. Despite looking perfectly healthy on the outside, internally she was fighting a serious battle.

And suddenly… everything changed.

The Fight, The Faith, and The Pain

Those days were some of the hardest of my life.

I felt:

• Broken
• Isolated
• Afraid
• Confused
• Empty

I kept asking God, “Why is this happening?”

But even in the middle of that pain… I still prayed.

I still believed in miracles.

I still held onto faith—even when my heart was breaking.

The doctors did everything they could. We spent days in the hospital. Then weeks. Procedures were done. A pacemaker was placed. There were moments where it looked like things were getting better.

And I held onto hope with everything in me.

The Day My World Stopped

But then… the unthinkable happened.

At just 7 weeks old, my baby passed away.

One moment she was there… and the next, she was gone.

I remember screaming, rushing to the hospital, praying for a miracle. I wanted God to rewrite the story. I wanted to be one of those testimonies where everything turned around at the last second.

But that wasn’t my story in that moment.

My heart was shattered.

When Faith Is Shaken… But Not Lost

The doctors told me something that could have broken me even more.

They said it might be genetic.
They said it could happen again.
They said I might never have healthy children.

But I refused to accept that as the final word over my life.

Even in my grief, I made a decision:

I would not let this be the end of my story.

Yes, my faith was shaken…
But I didn’t lose it.

Instead of asking “Why me?” over and over again, I chose to say:

“God, let Your will be done—but You still have the final say.”

If You’re In a Dark Season Right Now…

I don’t know what you’re going through today.

Maybe your heartbreak looks different:

• A relationship that fell apart
• A betrayal you didn’t see coming
• A loss that left you empty
• A dream that didn’t happen

And now you’re wondering where God is.

I want you to hear this clearly:

God has not forgotten you.

Even when it doesn’t make sense…
Even when it hurts deeply…
Even when the outcome isn’t what you prayed for…

There is still a bigger story being written.

---

My Restoration

Today, I stand as a testimony of God’s restoration.

I am now a mother of three healthy, beautiful children.

No disease.
No complications.
No trace of what once tried to break me.

God restored my joy.
God restored my hope.
God restored my motherhood.

And if He did it for me…

He can do it for you.

Hold On

If you take anything from this, let it be this:

• Hold on to God
• Trust Him with your pain
• Be honest about your grief
• Don’t pretend it didn’t happen
• But don’t let it define the end of your story

Your pain is real.
But so is your healing.

A Prayer For You

I’m praying for you right now—that the same God who healed my heart will touch yours.

That He will bring peace into your confusion…
Strength into your weakness…
And light into your darkest moments.

You may feel lost right now…

But you will find your way again.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for being here and allowing me to share my heart with you.

If this touched you, share it with someone who needs it. You never know whose life your share could change.

This is just Part 1 of the journey.

There is so much more healing ahead.

With love,
Maryam

What’s Up, Beautiful People — Let’s Talk Healing 💛

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I truly hope you’re having an amazing day and not letting anything or anyone steal your joy.

It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m so excited to be here with you.

Today, I’m beyond excited to share something very close to my heart — my brand new series on the Shape Your Face Podcast called “Healed.” This series is all about healing… real healing. Not just talking about it, but actually walking it out.

This isn’t just something I put together casually. This comes from a real place — a place of brokenness, pain, and deep loss. There was a time in my life when I felt completely shattered. But God…

God stepped in and restored me in ways I could have never imagined. He blessed me with healthy children, and today, I get to experience the joy of motherhood with a grateful heart. That alone is a testimony.

And that’s why I created this series.

I know there are so many of you out there going through things — silently, painfully, and sometimes feeling unseen. I want you to know: you are not alone. I see you. I understand you.

The “Healed” series is my way of walking alongside you. Think of it as me holding your hand through your healing journey — step by step — sharing the exact practical steps I took that helped me move from brokenness to restoration.

This is not just inspiration… this is guidance. This is real-life application.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’ve linked the currently available episodes below so you can dive in and start today.

And if this blesses you, please don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs it. You never know whose life it could impact.

Thank you so much for being here with me. I love you all.

Have an amazing day — and remember…

don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy.

Be blessed 💛

Leave Them In Your Past

 

MaryamsJoyfulLife Blog – Don’t Let Anybody Steal Your Joy

What’s up, my wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I truly hope you’re having an amazing day. Even if things feel a little off or a little heavy, just know—you are still welcome here, and I’m so glad you showed up.

Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife! Today is a beautiful day, and I’m so thankful you’re here with me. You all are incredible, and I’m excited to share what was placed on my heart.

So today, while I was live—praying and encouraging people on my YouTube channel—this thought came to me, and I knew I had to share it:

People who constantly try to remind you of your past… belong there. In the past.

Let that sink in.

There are people who will bring up the things you’ve already outgrown. Not because they’re celebrating your growth, but because they want to keep you tied to a version of yourself that no longer exists. They’ll remind you of your struggles, your mistakes, your lowest moments—not to uplift you, but to pull you back down.

And honestly? I don’t even care to understand why they do it.

Because here’s the truth: they belong there.

Think about the world we’re living in today. Look at how much progress has been made. We have the ability to connect with people across the globe, to encourage, to build, to create—right from our phones. We have access to knowledge, tools, and opportunities that generations before us could only dream of.

Why would we choose to go backwards?

That’s like seeing all the blessings, growth, and advancement around you and saying, “You know what? I’d rather go back to the Stone Ages.” That makes no sense.

But that’s exactly what some people are doing emotionally.

They’re choosing to stay stuck in their past—holding onto pain, replaying failures, clinging to hurt—and then trying to spread that same heaviness to others. They want you to feel what they feel. They want you to carry what they carry.

But listen… nobody has time for that.

I don’t want to live in pain.

I don’t want to sit in brokenness.

I don’t want to be surrounded by people who refuse to grow.

I want to be around people who are living, building, creating, and finding joy. People who see the beauty in life. People who are moving forward, not looking backward.

And more importantly, that’s the kind of person I choose to be.

So today, I want to encourage you:

If you are around people who constantly drag you back into your past… let it stay in your past.

You are not your mistakes.

You are not your lowest moments.

You are not the pain you went through.

You made it through—and that matters.

Don’t allow anyone to make you feel like your growth doesn’t count. Don’t let anyone convince you to live in a place God already brought you out of.

Some people choose to stay broken. Some people choose frustration. Some people choose to remain stuck.

Let them.

But as for you—choose joy.

Choose peace.

Choose gratitude.

Choose growth.

Choose life.

Because the truth is, we are emotional beings. What you focus on, you will feel. So if you keep focusing on what broke you, you’ll keep feeling broken. But if you focus on where you’re going, on what you’re building, on the blessings in your life—you’ll begin to feel that too.

I’m grateful for my past. I’ve learned from it. I’ve grown from it.

But I’m not living there.

And I refuse to let anyone pull me back into a place I’ve already been delivered from.

So today, make a decision—for you.

Surround yourself with people who are moving forward. People who are goal-oriented. People who are creating something meaningful. Not people who complain all day, feel entitled, or spread negativity everywhere they go.

This life is about choices.

You can choose to be free.

Or you can choose to stay stuck.

But don’t ever let someone else’s choice to stay stuck become your burden to carry.

Protect your peace. Guard your joy. And don’t let anybody steal it.

The “Farm Fresh” Lesson: Finding Joy in the Little Things

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and that you’re not letting anything—or anyone—steal your joy. Welcome to Mariam’s Joyful Life. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m so excited to be here with you!

Today, I want to share a story that still makes me laugh every single time I think about it.

A couple of years ago, the kids and I were reminiscing about when my sweet man first came into my life. The very first time he came to visit, he showed up with two brown eggs in his hands. Yes—two eggs! He had them carefully wrapped in a paper towel and said, “These are farm fresh eggs. You can’t get any better than this—straight from the farm.”

Now listen… the way he said it, I just knew he had stopped at a farm on his way to see us. In my mind, I pictured him pulling up to a little countryside spot, picking out the freshest eggs straight from the chicken coop, and bringing them over to make us breakfast. I thought, “Wow… this man really went the extra mile!” It added so much charm and thoughtfulness to how I saw him in that moment.

Fast forward to sometime later—we’re talking, laughing, and somehow those eggs come up again. And that’s when I find out…

Those “farm fresh” eggs?

Came from Walmart.

Yes. Walmart.

He had taken them out of the carton, wrapped them up, and brought them over like they were straight from the farm. When I tell you I was shocked! I said, “Wait a minute—what do you mean? I thought you stopped at a farm!” And he just laughed and said something like, “Yeah… the Walmart farm!”

Y’all… I could not believe it. All that time, I had this whole story built up in my head. Meanwhile, he thought he was joking or being playful, and I took him literally. Looking back now, it is one of the funniest things ever. The kids laugh, I laugh—it’s just a whole moment.

But you know what? There’s a lesson in that.

How many times in life do we take things too seriously? How often do we assign heavy meaning to something that was meant to be light, playful, or even humorous? Sometimes it’s not that deep—but we make it deep. We let our emotions get charged over things that were never meant to weigh us down.

That little “farm fresh egg” moment reminded me that life doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Sometimes, we need to go back to that childlike joy—the kind where you can laugh easily, let things roll off your shoulders, and just enjoy the moment. Not everything needs a strong reaction. Not everything deserves our stress or frustration.

Instead, what if we chose lightheartedness?

What if we looked for the humor?

What if we allowed ourselves to just laugh?

Life flows so much better when we do.

So today, I want to encourage you: make it a habit to find at least one or two things each day that make you laugh—really laugh. Let joy be intentional. Let it be part of your daily rhythm.

And if you’ve been feeling a little too serious lately, I hope this story brought a smile to your face and reminded you to lighten up just a little.

Thank you so much for spending time with me here on Mariam’s Joyful Life. Have a beautiful day—and remember…

Don’t let anyone steal your joy. 💛

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

 

There is something truly magical about the kitchen. Between the busy schedule of recording podcasts, managing travel plans, and keeping up with the kids, life can get a little hectic! Whenever I feel the weight of the world starting to press in, I head straight for my mixing bowls.

I am so excited to share this recipe with you all today because of how easy it is to make. For me, baking is so much more than just putting food on the table; it’s a way to stay grounded. When I’m kneading dough or measuring flour, it truly helps me release stress and tension.

I absolutely love how I feel after trying a new recipe, and that feeling even gets better when the recipe turns amazing. There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of golden, flaky biscuits out of the oven and knowing you created that magic from scratch!

Watch the video above to see the steps come together!

Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 12–15 mins | Yields: 8–10 biscuits

What You’ll Need:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

6 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

3/4 cup cold buttermilk

Steps to Success:

Heat it up: Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Mix the base: Whisk your flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together.

The "Crumb" Work: Work that cold butter into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Fold it in: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.

Create those layers: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Fold it over itself 5 or 6 times (this is the secret to the fluffiness!). Pat it down to 1-inch thick and cut your rounds.

Bake: Place them on a baking sheet (let them touch if you like soft edges!) and bake for 12–15 minutes.

I really want you to try it and come back and share your experience with me! Whether you eat them with honey, jam, or a little fried mackerel on the side, I want to hear how they turned out for you.

Take some time for yourself this week, get in the kitchen, and breathe.

Don't let anyone steal your joy!

Get Ready: When Your Breakthrough Comes Better Than Expected

 What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people? How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and holding on to your joy, no matter what season you’re in. Welcome to my Unjoyful Life blog. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m truly excited to share this moment with you.

Today, I want to talk about a powerful feeling—the one that comes when something new and exciting suddenly happens in your life.

When Everything Suddenly Changes

Have you ever been in a season where nothing seems to go right?

A season where you feel stuck, overlooked, and left behind?

You’ve been praying.

You’ve been hoping.

You’ve been fasting.

You’ve even cried your heart out.

And still… nothing.

Meanwhile, it feels like everyone else is getting their breakthrough—but you.

And then suddenly… everything changes.

Something shifts.

Something you once prayed for—something you even gave up on—finally shows up.

But not just that…

It comes back bigger. Better. Greater than anything you imagined.

Imagine This Moment

Pause for a second and really think about it:

How would you feel if your prayers were answered today?

What if the thing you thought would never happen… happened?

What if it didn’t just come—but came back greater than you ever dreamed?

Would you feel joy?

Overwhelming gratitude?

Excitement that you can’t even put into words?

That moment is real. And it’s possible for you.

Prepare Your Heart for More

Today, I’m asking you these questions for a reason:

Get your mind ready. Get your heart ready.

Because it can happen. And it will happen.

The Bible reminds us:

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7

Sometimes, we don’t receive because we stop asking.

But today, I encourage you: Keep asking. Keep believing. Keep going.

Even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough

You may feel like it’s not working.

You may feel like giving up.

But don’t.

Because what’s on the other side of your faith could be greater than anything you’ve ever imagined.

Open your heart again.

Believe again.

God has something extraordinary waiting for you.

Faith Changes Everything

The Word says:

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Even when you don’t see it—trust it’s already working.

Even when you don’t feel it—believe it’s already happening.

Because all things are working together for your good.

Every delay.

Every closed door.

Every tear.

It’s all aligning for something greater.

Expect More Than You Asked For

So today, I want you to shift your mindset:

Expect the breakthrough

Expect the miracle

Expect the opportunity

Expect your prayers to be answered

And not just answered…

But answered better than you ever imagined.

A Prayer for You

I’m praying for you today:

Blessings upon blessings.

Favor upon favor.

Miracles upon miracles.

Celebration after celebration.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Stay Connected & Be Part of the Journey

If you enjoyed today’s message, make sure you subscribe, follow, and become part of this growing community. This space is here to remind you of who you are and to prepare your heart for what God is doing in your life.

You are not forgotten.

Your breakthrough is coming.

Your testimony is on the way.

Support the Vision

There are also ways you can support this journey.

We’re currently working on an exciting new chapter—purchasing our first home, a place where even more meaningful and uplifting content will be created.

If you feel led to support this vision, you can donate through our campaign and be part of this beautiful new beginning: http://gofund.me/e2e6ff48c

Thank you so much for your love and support.

And remember…

Don’t let anybody steal your joy. 💛

Stop Expecting Yourself From Others: Protect Your Peace and Joy

 What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

How are you all doing today? I hope you’re having an amazing day and not letting anything steal your joy. Welcome back to I’m Joyful Life—it’s a beautiful day, and I’m so grateful to be here with you.

Today, I want to talk about something that quietly steals our peace more than we realize… expectations.

The Trap of Expecting Yourself From Others

One of the fastest ways to become discouraged, frustrated, and emotionally drained is expecting people to be exactly like you—to think like you, respond like you, and handle things the way you would.

The truth is… they won’t.

And when they don’t, frustration creeps in.

I’ve experienced this personally. Even with something as simple as asking my kids to wash dishes or clean the table a certain way. No matter how clearly I show them, they still do it their way. And yes—it can be frustrating.

But then I have to pause and remind myself:

I’m the one stealing my own joy—not them.

They’re learning. They’re growing. And they are not me.

Grace Changes Everything

This is where grace comes in.

When we try to mold people into our exact image, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment. But when we allow people to be themselves—to grow in their own way—we create space for peace.

Give people:

Room to learn

Room to grow

Room to be different

Because the same way it took you time to become who you are, it will take them time too.

When People Don’t Show Up for You

Now let’s be real—sometimes it goes deeper than small frustrations.

Sometimes you’ve been there for people. You’ve supported them. You’ve carried their burdens.

But when it’s your turn… they don’t show up.

And that hurts.

It’s disappointing. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s okay to feel that.

But here’s the truth that will protect your peace:

Just because you show up for others doesn’t mean they will show up for you.

Shift Your Expectation

Instead of expecting people to repay you, shift your expectation.

Give from your heart—but don’t depend on people for your reward.

Trust that God sees you. Trust that God will provide. Trust that the right people will show up at the right time.

Because they will.

Not always the same people you helped—but the right people.

Choose Joy Over Control

Trying to control how people act, think, or respond will only drain you.

So today, release that pressure.

Tell yourself:

I don’t need everyone to be like me

I don’t need everyone to understand me

I don’t need everyone to show up the way I expect

I choose peace. I choose joy.

Let people be who they are. Let yourself breathe. Let grace lead.

Final Encouragement

We’re all human. We all fall short sometimes.

So instead of holding people to impossible standards, give grace—just like you would want grace in return.

Today:

Show yourself grace

Show others grace

Let go of unrealistic expectations

And protect your joy at all costs.

Support & Share the Love 💛

Thank you so much for spending this time with me—I truly appreciate you.

If this message blessed you, please share it with your friends and family. You never know who needs this reminder today.

Also, if you’d like to support Maryam’s Joyful Life, we are currently raising support to purchase our first home and create a beautiful space and studio to continue creating and inspiring.

Every contribution means so much, and your support is deeply appreciated.

👉 Support here: http://gofund.me/e2e6ff48c

Thank you again for being here.

And remember…

Don’t let anybody steal your joy.