Building The Joy

Caregiving doesn’t always come with a title—but its weight is real. In this deeply personal reflection, Monique shares her journey caring for her mother with dementia, the silent toll it took, and the moment she finally felt seen. She also introduces Camp Joy’s new Caregiver Bursary—created to offer space, connection, and healing for women who give so much of themselves to others.

Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a chemical shift in the body. When we slow down, connect with others, move, create, and celebrate, we naturally boost serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. These “happy chemicals” help us feel grounded, energized, and connected. The best part? We can learn to activate them on purpose—making joy a practice, not a coincidence.

By Monique Kavanagh Lately, I’ve been thinking about the quiet power of women—how we show up for each other, often without needing to be...

When we dreamed up Camp Joy, we imagined sunshine, laughter, meaningful moments, and a little sparkle. What we didn’t expect was just how...

Have you convinced yourself that “head in hands” is a new yoga pose? Let’s face it—if your daily “stretch” involves sitting at your desk...

We’ve spent years dreaming up our perfect day in Zihuatanejo—our special magic place. For each of us, it looks a little different, but...

Over the past ten years, I’ve been on a quiet but transformative journey. It began slowly—almost by accident—as a way to find calm in the...

As I wrap up this planning trip for Camp Joy, I’ve landed in Avignon for a final afternoon and evening—and I have to say, it’s the...

As I drove through the hills of Provence today, one thing made me smile—even while I was mid-stress: No one attending Camp Joy will ever...