Start Here: Welcome to Joy by Design

From Justine (with Eric alongside)

What if joy isn’t something you wait for—

but something you build, right in the middle of the mess?

That’s the question at the heart of Joy by Design, and the one I’ve lived my way into.

I’m Justine. Over the last decade, I’ve walked through more than I thought I could—mental illness in people I love, financial devastation, a long marriage that fell apart, and somehow… came back together.

But this isn’t a tale of hardship. It’s about what happened after.

Because what I discovered—moment by moment—is that joy isn’t the reward for healing. It’s the path. It’s the thing that gets you through.

Along the way, I developed tools, language, and a way of seeing and navigating life that changed not just me, but my marriage, my kids, and the way I lead.

That’s what I’m here to share. This space is where I offer those tools, stories, and hard-won clarity. Not as a therapist or as a coach. As a guide who’s been there—and who’s still walking it, with curiosity, compassion, and a deep belief that joy is possible even in hard seasons.

Eric (my husband) joins me here, too. We write together sometimes. He brings a beautiful vulnerability, a deep desire to learn in public, and a commitment to honest conversation—especially with other men who are ready to move beyond the old, shut-down model of masculinity.

Our teen and young adult kids also want to lend their voices. They’ve lived the before and after of this work—and they’ll tell you it made a real difference. Fewer slammed doors, more honest conversations. Our daughter swears it’s saved her from a whole lot of high school drama!

This isn’t a polished brand (yet).

It’s a living conversation—a retreat space for people who want more light, more depth, and more honesty in how they live, parent, partner, and grow.

We write about marriage, identity, emotional healing, parenting, work, and the stories we carry.

What you’ll find here:

• Honest stories from multiple perspectives (Justine, Eric, and sometimes our kids)

• Original tools and frameworks to help you cultivate resilient joy

• Reflections on healing, boundaries, connection, and self-leadership

• Prompts and questions to help you reconnect with yourself

• Resources that have truly helped us—no fluff, no perfection, just what’s real and useful

Subscribe to join us.

You’ll get real stories, practical tools, and an ongoing invitation to build something beautiful—right where you are.

With love,

Justine (& Eric)