Oi, Hola, Hello!

I'm Jaja — also known as Joana — the heart behind Joy in the Journey, a blog and podcast space for healing, storytelling, and soul-deep connection. I created this platform for the writers, the feelers, the faith seekers, and the word lovers. Here, I share the full notes of each podcast episode, answer your questions, and reflect on life’s beautiful, messy moments.

A little about me? I’m a lover of deep conversations, uncontrollable belly laughs, dance sessions that range from slow and soulful to wild and free, and autobiographies that make me cry or cheer out loud. I speak Portuguese (my mother tongue), Spanish, and English — and I’m dreaming of adding French (and maybe all the romance languages) to the mix. What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic at heart.

Born in April under the Angolan sun, I’m naturally drawn to warmth — springtime, sunshine, the beach, and any body of water feel like home.

But more than anything, I’m anchored in my identity in Christ — His beloved daughter, a living testimony of grace, and a joyful image bearer.

I live with sickle cell anemia, and though it’s brought me face-to-face with pain, loss, heartbreak, and a major hip replacement, it’s also birthed in me a deep well of resilience and perspective. It took me a long time to find the courage to share my journey — but I know now that my story matters. And so does yours.

This space is my open journal. You’re officially invited to walk with me through stories of healing, chronic illness, faith, love, grief, joy, and so much growth.

Thank you for being here, it means more than you know.

Yours truly!💛

My Interests

When I’m not podcasting or writing from the heart, you’ll usually find me doing life at a slightly slower pace—and that’s exactly how I like it. These days, I’m leaning into gentle fitness, learning how to move in ways that support my new bionic hips (yes, I’m basically part robot now). Think: stretching, mindful movement, and anything that doesn’t yell at me like a bootcamp instructor.

I’m also on a delicious and evolving anti-inflammatory journey—eating to nourish my sickled cells and boost my hemoglobin without sacrificing joy (or carbs, let’s be honest). Bread and I are still very much in love. 🥖❤️

I’ve found peace in grounding practices, like walking barefoot on the earth, sun-soaking, deep breathing, and not taking myself too seriously. Healing isn’t just about doctor’s appointments and lab results—it’s also belly laughs, soul-rest, and remembering to drink water (even when coffee is calling).

Oh! And keep an eye out for my upcoming anti-inflammatory eBook, made especially for those living with chronic illnesses—especially fellow sickle cell warriors. It’ll be full of hemoglobin-happy recipes and tips for nourishment without restriction. Because healing can be flavorful, too.