The Best Kind of Joy

This is the best kind of Joy.

Three cheers to Joy Badler Rabie’s parents who had an intuition that her name would do her justice and describe her to a “T”.

Let me explain.

When I am with Joy Rabie Badler, my shoulders return to their normal, relaxed state. I feel that everything is going to be OK. My gosh, this woman is like a bottle of happiness.

The amazing thing is, I have bever been with Joy in person. I’m talking virtually.

I am patiently waiting for the day when I will be with Joy in 3D. Until then…

Meet Joy Rabie Badler @mrsbiswatchingme. Educator. Child Whisperer. A woman, armed with patience and a bucketful of love. Someone who has found her purpose in life and went with it.

How We Met

There are many things that have upset me during this pandemic, but there are many things that I am grateful for. Meeting Joy Badler Rabie is one of them. The amazing thing is, I am not sure if we would have met if times were different.

How did we find each other? From this post about exercise in the winter. Joy told me that after reading, it was the “kick” she needed to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, no matter how cold it was. All it took was the right winter gear (Thank you @theakiraconcept) and a positive attitude and since then, Joy has not looked back.

You never know who is watching you – and, no pun intended, but what the heck – @mrsbiswatchingme, was watching me!

How lucky was I that Joy was a “mentor” in the book Get Up? And how lucky are we that we get to learn a little more about this miraculous woman and the gift that she is providing for so many?

Who is Joy Badler Rabie?

“There are many facets of Joy Badler.  As far back as I can recall, I defined myself as a teacher. Following my exit from ‘traditional’ teaching, I’d describe myself as a healer.  I am also a mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  I am on a mission to make others happy because that nourishes my soul. “

Why do you call yourself the “Child Whisperer”?

“A parent once described me as ‘The child whisperer’ and when I thought about it, I realized that this IS who I am. I love the authenticity and honesty of children; they’re my main jam. Little dudes give us so many opportunities to reflect upon the human condition.”  

What do you find the most rewarding and difficult part of your job?

“When a kid returns to the nest after I gave them wings. It’s priceless seeing them as kickass adults.  It makes my heart swell when I’m reminded that others had given up, but I encouraged them to hold their torch.  Over 36 years I have witnessed many kids being tortured by adults and reprimanded for behaviour that they are unable to control.  I’m not a believer in ‘tough love'”.

What does your typical day look like?

“Twice a week, I work to support private schools doing professional development on mindset and mindfulness.  We are integrating programs that promote wellness intelligence.  The rest of my time is filled with clients and volunteering. I run groups for parents navigating parenting a child with dysregulation and support clients on a one-to-one basis who are on a journey of healing and self-care.”

“My ‘Bee Kind’ program, is a complimentary weekly service to provide support for exceptional kids whose families are financially unable to cover the costs of therapy to help them grow. I do voluntary work for exceptional children and young adults through the Jewish Community Center.”

How do you unwind after a workday?

“Every day I do something I love to transition from work to home (I work a lot from home).  Usually, I do a brain dump journal for 5-10 minutes.  I make myself a special tea. My latest favourite is ginger, mint, and honey that I drink in my dojo, or in the garden sipping slowly so that I can really enjoy the aroma.  I find time to do mindful knitting for at least a half-hour.  I’m very sensual, I love touchy smelly stuff.  My husband and I spend an hour doing something together.  We are married 32 years and we work at communicating every day!”

Favourite book and/or movie?

“The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Holt.  Also Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. Pooh Bear is one of my favourite characters.  He is by far the most mindful bear known to man because he understands the power of friendship and how to ‘just be’.  He and his friends are very authentic and relatable. I have always had copies of The Pooh books in my classrooms.”

Time to dissect your quote!

“No one should ever be allowed to compromise your integrity, so cut out the ‘people-pleasing’. You have the power to bring your ideas to life, so pack the criticism of others who don’t share your core values in your ignore box.”

“We all have the choice to react or respond. Many of us carry a narrative from childhood that we’re expected to ‘be good’.  This often translates into keeping silent and sucking up whatever you’re dealt. I want my own kids (and others) to know that they matter.  They need to be their own self-advocate and choose not to accept that which makes them shrink rather than flourish.”

💫

I can bet, just after reading this blog, that you suddenly feel a little more relaxed, calm, and content. Perhaps you feel a sense of Joy, just like this woman herself. It is clear that we all need a little Joy Badler Rabie in our lives, even if it’s through a screen.