The Art of Joy by Lisa Jane Humphries

30/03/2026

Calming the nervous system is a hot topic…

Sharing these simple ways that I calm my own nervous system when I find myself anxious or far from calm is something I hope helps others.

If someone finds something here and it helps them to regulate and find a little calm… it will have a ripple effect.

Our collective calm and kindness is powerful.

I am not a health professional… I do know that a swim in the ocean is not going to treat my mental illness.

I also know from my own experience that these simple things do play a part in me finding small moments of calm and peace.

I truly hope that these glimmers of calm and peace find their way into the hearts and nervous systems of those who need them most 🧘‍♀️

22/03/2026

pictures + words + pictures + words 📸

Finding the small moments of love and light.

Noticing how far I’ve come.

Holding back a little from feeling too much hope.

but… allowing the love and light to really sink in.

Still holding onto fragments of grief and hurt.

Knowing they are fading… knowing they hold wisdom and power.

Noticing that my wounds can be passageways.

Thankful for people, places, purpose ❤️‍🩹

08/03/2026

Since IWD last year I’ve evolved as a woman…

I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen the path that facilitated this evolution.

However, I now know more about the type of woman I want to be… and I know A LOT about the type of woman I don’t want to be.

I’ve been exposed to the best and the worst of women, and for both I am grateful.

Some of the best are in this Reel.
The worst I’ve now energetically farewelled with gratitude for the invaluable learnings.

May all women and girls feel safe, loved and empowered 💖

27/02/2026

Why do I share so much about things that are so deeply personal?

This is why:
“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide”.

Have you ever thought about the invisible load of mental illness?

Hopefully by sharing these intimate glimpses into some of my invisible load… it might inspire a little more kindness and understanding ❤️‍🩹

It’s a lot to carry, and a lot of us are carrying things nobody else will ever see.

It is possible though to carry so much heaviness and also find and feel the glimmers… they are the things that make it all feel a little lighter ✨

If you or someone you love is heavy with the invisible load of mental illness, please know you’re not alone.

I’m here if you ever want to connect or share some of your own story ❤️‍🩹

Trusted sources of professional support are available too:

15/02/2026

glimmers ✨

words 👩🏼‍💻

healing ❤️‍🩹

blooming 🌺

02/02/2026

Lifeline is one of the most important charities in Australia.

Being able to access support when experiencing a mental health crisis is something we all deserve.

I know firsthand how critical this type of support is, and I'm supporting FebFast this year to hopefully ensure Lifeline can continue to be there 24/7 so that no one has to face their toughest moments alone.

All donations to my alcohol free efforts this month will be sincerely appreciated 💕

DONATE HERE:

I'm taking a break from booze this Feb to help Lifeline ensure no one has to face their toughest moments alone.

14/01/2026

It’s that time #2016

Looking back a decade.
Here’s a little glimpse into my 2016 vibe 💕

06/01/2026

An assortment of things, words, humans, captures, gentle goals… guiding me into 2026 💖

05/01/2026

"Ready to feel good again?

Like the days when ideas burst like brilliant fireworks and a creative life felt not just possible, but effortless?

Here's your feel-good serotonin and dopamine menu for writers who want momentum again – without burnout."

If you love words, even if you don't consider yourself a writer... the divine Rose from HeartWriting has lovingly created such a nourishing and creatively, heart led community where you can immerse yourself in her Happiness Menu as we head into the brand new year 🌻

Ready to feel good again? Like the days when ideas burst like brilliant fireworks and a creative life felt not just possible, but effortless? Here's your feel-good serotonin and dopamine menu for writers who want momentum again – without burnout.

02/01/2026

How did I survive 2025?

It shouldn’t have been the year that my mental illness recurred.
It was preventable, yet out of my control.

It asked of me a fight I didn’t ask for.
It asked of me so much.

It took time for me to respond… I was stuck in the sadness, the deep sadness, for months and months.

Slowly I gathered the things I needed to swim through the murky waters of pain, anger, bewilderment, disappointment and grief.

I survived, I didn’t thrive… that is the plan for 2026 🦋

I survived through:

❤️‍🩹 Sheer resilience

❤️‍🩹 Psychotherapy

❤️‍🩹 The unwavering support of my loved ones

❤️‍🩹 Psychiatry

❤️‍🩹 Medication

❤️‍🩹 Psychology

❤️‍🩹 EMDR

❤️‍🩹 Somatic work

❤️‍🩹 Ocean swims

❤️‍🩹 Walking

❤️‍🩹 Reading

❤️‍🩹 Gently learning new things

❤️‍🩹 A simple morning routine

❤️‍🩹 Talking and processing

❤️‍🩹 Writing and journaling

❤️‍🩹 Holding onto hope

❤️‍🩹 Asking for help

❤️‍🩹 Lots of rest

❤️‍🩹 Nervous system nurture

❤️‍🩹 The power of music

❤️‍🩹 Nutrition and movement

❤️‍🩹 Rewriting the stories I told myself

❤️‍🩹 Simple self care practices

❤️‍🩹 Sharing vulnerably

If you survived the unexpected in 2025 and you know in your heart you are destined to thrive… let’s hold each other up as we swim to the surface and reclaim our stories ❤️‍🩹

14/12/2025

Starting to reflect deeply on the year that was…

So many lessons.
So many dark nights.
So many ways to dig deep into healing.

The lessons are abundant with ways to stretch, grow, forgive, SURRENDER ❤️‍🩹

24/08/2025

During times of inner turmoil, the darkest nights of the soul and life's toughest moments... I find that one of the most healing and nurturing things I can do is to give back.

It is why I share so vulnerably, and it is why I choose to support others through the causes that resonate with my own experience and life purpose.

I invite you to consider a donation towards one of the below incredibly deserving and important causes, as a way of showing your love and support for others:

🌺 Women's Mental Health - Liptember
https://www.liptember.com.au/lisa-humphries

🌺 Su***de and Crisis Support - Lifeline
https://www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/lisahumphries54031

🌺 Families living with MS and neurological conditions - MS Readathon
https://www.msreadathon.org.au/fundraisers/lisahumphries

With gratitude and love 💕

Liptember 2025: Make a donation today to support women's mental health