Joy is Blooming

A Heartfelt Thank You & Extended Invitation

We just passed the one week milestone.
My book has launched.
We’ve celebrated together.
And you’ve shown me incredible support.

Thank you.

My heart is full with gratitude as I read your responses to Longing for Joy. I’m honoured that you’re not just reading this book—you’re engaging with it deeply, personally, and beautifully. Your words have moved me and confirmed my deepest hope: the invitation of joy is finding a resting place in your heart and life.

One person shared how the book feels like “a gentle conversation with a wise friend,” while another expressed relief in discovering that joy isn’t meant to be “a state of constant being.” I've smiled at comments about the book feeling like sitting “around a coffee table,” and how many of you have found yourselves with “a joyful, wry smile” when our stories overlap.

Your vulnerability in sharing your own journeys with joy—and joylessness—has created a remarkable space for meaningful conversation. Thank you for the gift of your words. The time you’ve given to my book and your thoughtful reflections are such an encouragement to me.

Keep Sharing the Joy

I want to invite you to share another moment from your journey with Longing for Joy. Even if you've posted before, consider sharing again because you can still help more people encounter my book! Here are some ideas:

• Record a brief video sharing how a particular passage has influenced your perspective on joy

• Share a quote that has stayed with you (maybe something you underlined)

• Tell the story of where you're reading the book and how that space brings you joy

• Reflect on how your understanding of joy has shifted since starting the book

Remember to tag me (@alastairsterne on Instagram, @asterne on Facebook) and use our hashtag #LongingForJoy. Each share creates another ripple that might reach someone who needs this message.

Extended Deadline

Several people have mentioned to me that they are still working through the book, so, I’m extending the gift basket deadline. I want to ensure everyone has the space to engage fully with the book and share their honest thoughts, whether through reviews or social media posts.

Remember, you can still enter the drawing by:

• Writing a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble

• Sharing about the book on social media

• Gifting a copy to someone else

The winners of our joy-sparking gift baskets will now be announced on November 25th.

Thank you for opening your eyes, hearts, and minds to this journey. Keep sharing, keep engaging, and let’s continue tilling the soil together—because joy will bloom in due time!

With deep gratitude,
Alastair