🌧️Born from the Storm: My Journey to Joy A Resilient Soft Heart

Podcast Episode 1 — Joy in the Journey with Jaja Fortuna

“Born for resilience. At just nine months old, I was given a diagnosis that would forever change my life. I was called to be strong—even with the many tears that would be shed.”

From the very beginning, life didn't offer me an easy path. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness as a baby—just nine months old. I don’t remember that moment, of course, but my body has never let me forget. That diagnosis would shape every part of me: my energy, my emotions, my friendships, my womanhood, and how I see the world.

But what I want you to know is this:

Even when life is hard, joy is still possible. Even in the middle of pain, purpose can be born.

🌿 The Soft Strength of a Tender Heart

Growing up with a chronic illness meant I cried—a lot.You can ask anyone in my family: I was the crybaby. Big feelings, big tears, all the time.But giving myself grace now, I like to say,

“I felt all my feelings.”

Writing became my first safe place. Then later, faith. Now, I’m learning to add talking to that list—speaking into this mic and sharing with you.

Because the world doesn’t need more people pretending to be okay.The world needs more soft resilience.

The kind of strength that doesn’t deny the pain—but also doesn’t get swallowed by it.

💛 Finding Joy in the Middle of It

This podcast, Joy in the Journey, was born out of a personal wilderness—a place where I was grieving, burned out, and unsure if I had the strength to keep going. But somehow, through grace and the beauty of sisterhood, I kept breathing.

And not only that—I started to heal.Little by little. Laugh by laugh. Prayer by prayer.

I’ve been so blessed with women in my life—women who probably don’t even know the way their presence carried me. The kind of friends who didn’t try to fix me but just sat beside me, held space, and reminded me I wasn’t alone.

“My story comes from a place of pain, but instead of letting it harden me, I found strength in softness. Joy in the mess. Light in the shadows.”

🌸 This Is for You, Too

If you’re in a hard season right now, I want you to know:You're not alone. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You don’t have to fake a smile to be loved.

This space was created for you—to rest, reflect, and find bits of joy even in the messy middle of your story.

🧘‍♀️ Reflection, Gratitude & Affirmation

Reflection:What part of your story have you hidden because it felt "too much"? Could that place be the root of your strength?

Gratitude:Take a moment to thank your younger self—for surviving, for feeling, for holding on even when it was hard.

Affirmation:“I am soft and strong. My story matters. I choose joy—even here.”

🎧 Listen to This Episode

You can listen to Episode 1 of Joy in the Journey on your favorite podcast platform.✨ For subtitles in Spanish and Portuguese, watch the full episode on YouTube.

🎙️ Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share the episode with someone who needs it.You can also follow me on Instagram or subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss what’s next.

💛With love,

Jaja Fortuna