Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

After a whirlwind trip through Athens and Croatia, complete with cooking classes, winery tours, and days full of walking, I'm back home, refreshed, inspired, and more convinced than ever of this one truth:

The best way to bring joy into your life and business is to systematize it.

Yep. Even joy can be planned.
Because here’s the thing: joy doesn’t just happen. It’s created, intentionally, one decision at a time.

Why Post-Trip Blues Hit So Hard

Coming back from a dreamy vacation feels like slamming the brakes on joy. You go from cobblestone streets and fresh seafood to laundry, email inboxes, and to-do lists. It’s real, and it’s a thing.

And while I'd love to stay in Croatia forever (trust me), I’ve learned how to recreate that joy in my everyday life. Not by ignoring work, but by weaving joy into it.

Designing a Joy-Fueled Life Starts With Systems

We often think of “systems” as restrictive. But done right, they give you the freedom to live more fully.
Here’s what that looks like for me:

• Travel Systems: I travel often (and intentionally), usually with food and fun at the center. I plan for that. I’ve joined a travel club, scheduled culinary retreats (Portugal with my son in the spring, Lake Como in the fall), and built my calendar to support it.
   

• Business Systems: My business runs even when I’m away. I film weekly videos, work with my VA team to publish content, and do edits from the road. My systems keep me visible, relevant, and I continuously provide value, no matter where I am.
   

• Creative Systems: Ever noticed how a change of scenery unlocks ideas? When I change my environment, my brain lights up. That’s not an accident; it’s a system I plan for.

What About You?

What are the things that light you up? What have you been putting on hold for “later”?

Joy isn’t something you get around to. It’s something you design for.

And your version of joy might look different than mine. Maybe it’s slow mornings with your kids. Or monthly getaways. Or building a passion project you've been dreaming about for years.

Try This Exercise:

1. Write down what brings you joy. Be honest.
    

2. Ask yourself what systems could make it happen more often. That could mean:
    

   • Blocking off Fridays as “no meeting” days
      

   • Automating parts of your business
      

   • Saying “no” to things that drain you
      

3. Take one action this week to move toward more joy. Not later. Now.

Joy is Not a Luxury. It’s a Leadership Tool.

Especially if you’re a health pro, coach, or entrepreneur, your energy is your business. When you feel joyful, your content lands differently. Your clients feel the difference. Your ideas land stronger because they are more authentic.

And in case you needed the reminder:

Nobody gets to the end of life wishing they had worked more. They wish they’d played more. Connected more. Laughed more.

You Deserve Systems That Support Your Joy

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start living, I’m here for it. Book a single session with me and let’s get those joyful systems in place. Whether that’s in your calendar, your business, or your fridge… let’s make it happen.