Have you been pushing through something important… but without joy?

Sometimes we do all the right things — show up, work hard, stay responsible — and yet something still feels heavy. What if joy isn’t a luxury add-on to life, but a signal your soul needs to pay attention to?

In this episode, Bonnie shares the powerful story behind Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu’s decision to step away from skating — and how her return reveals something essential about wellness. Together, we explore what Psalm 23 teaches about restoration, why joy matters more than achievement, and how returning to “green pastures” can change the way you make decisions.

You’ll also learn how singing familiar hymns can calm your nervous system and become a simple, powerful practice for peace.

Key Takeaways
 Why joy is not optional for true wellness
 How striving without joy increases emotional burden
 What science says about joy, singing, and nervous system regulation
 A simple question that can help you rediscover your “green pastures”

 Breath Prayer
Inhale: The Lord is my Shepherd…
Exhale: I shall not be in want…

 Scripture

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters.”
— Psalm 23:1–2

  → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:

  Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering)

A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His Love
Register at https://soulcareschool.mykajabi.com/offers/mqr8VY2X/checkout

 Breathe Rest with Jesus:
A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises

Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/

Breathe Joy with Jesus:
Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's Promises
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/

Praying the Psalms for Wellness:

A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your Hear
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/

Alysa Liu Interview Quotes

US Figure Skating: https://usfigureskating.org/news/2026/2/20/national-team-figure-skating-liu-reigns-golden-in-milan.aspx#:~:text=I%20want%20to%20be%20a,I'm%20super%20stoked%20for%20that.%22

USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/alysa-liu-gold-medal-win-figure-skating-life-story/88768898007/

  → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com

Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.

 →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store

  Join the Soul Care Newsletter:
https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe

  Watch YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray

  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd

 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:
@thebonniegray