Find your inner spark again—even when life feels heavy.
It’s time to take control of your happiness with small yet intentional changes that add more joy to each day.
You’re ready to choose happiness and find what lights you up (whoo-hoo!).
But you often find yourself asking, “Is that even possible (or sustainable) in a world like this?”
You’re standing at a crossroads—somewhere between hopeful and “okay, I’m kinda freaking out.” You’ve heard people say that happiness is a choice, but honestly, it doesn’t always feel that simple to you.
Maybe you’re just starting out, with endless possibilities ahead—but instead of feeling excited, it feels overwhelming. Or maybe you’re an empty-nester, and the peace and quiet you SWORE you’d love once your kiddos were grown and out of the house now feels…too quiet. Or hey, perhaps you’re somewhere in between—craving more fun, more purpose, more you in your life, but totally unsure where to start.
You’re tired of mindlessly scrolling, soaking up everyone else’s anxiety and negativity, and feeling stuck when you know there’s gotta be more out there for you. You’re ready to rediscover your inner joy, shake off the insecurity or hesitation that’s been holding you back, and build a life that feels good. A life that feels like you were meant to live.
And this time, make it stick.
Welcome to Poised & Lively. Let’s make life feel fun again.
The Joy Journal
How Kindness Fuels Happiness
WOW!!! Unbelievable … small acts of kindness, like smiling at a stranger or holding the door open for someone, can create ripple effects of positivity for you and for others. Have you ever had a stranger, walking by, give you a glance paired with a beautiful smile?...
Happiness for Years to Come
Did you know that happiness is something you have full control over? It’s something you can improve and develop while you are going through your daily life. Many believe that happiness comes from our outside environment but actually it can be created from within...
Meaningful Work Post (Test)
Test writing!!
30-Day Mental Health Journal Prompts
Grab our free 30-Day Mental Health Journal Prompts PDF to reflect, recharge, and find more joy in your daily life.
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Check Out My Top Blog Categories
You’re not here for generic self-help advice—you want tips and insights that are actually relevant to your situation. I’ve got you! I’ve organized my blog posts into a few specific categories to make it super easy to find what you’re looking for.
Say goodbye to the expensive self-help section at your local bookstore. Everything you need to live a happier, more intentional life is right here.
Hello, I’m Yvette!
I’m here to change the way you think about happiness.
I have to be honest—I was that kid growing up. The one who was always smiling, always upbeat, always finding something to be excited about. Looking back, I realize I had no clue what it felt like to struggle with depression, anxiety, or any of the mental health stuff that can make life feel really hard.
So when early menopause hit, whew—it was like someone flipped a switch, and I was suddenly on the opposite side of what I’d experienced my whole life. My hormones were all over the place, and I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I was miserable… and even worse, I was scared I’d never feel happy again.
Doctors offered medication, but something about that route didn’t feel right for me. So I made a choice: I was going to tackle this head-on, in my own way.
I kept reminding myself: “Happiness is a choice.” And even though that felt impossible some days, I kept showing up—experimenting with new habits, shifting my mindset, and doing the inner work to pull myself out of the feelings I’d been drowning in. And guess what? It WORKED.
That’s why I’m not here to give you the same tired advice you’ve gotten your whole life.
“Just get over it.”
“Relax—you’re overreacting.”
“Don’t worry, it’ll all work out.”
Nope. Not me, not my vibe.
But what I AM here to say is that happiness isn’t just something you stumble onto—it’s something you do. And I’m here to help you take action so you can start feeling lighter, brighter, and more like you again.
Let’s do this!