Inspiring Everyday Women to Find Joy in Everyday Things
When you feel better you become better. Let this website be your guide to improving your emotional health, body, and overall mental wellbeing – while finding the fun and joy along the way.






Level Up Mentally
Find uplifting, real-life mental health tips and heartfelt guidance to nurture your mind, fuel your joy, and help you create a happier, healthier life.
- Fall-Themed Journal Prompts for Embracing the SeasonAutumn is more than just pumpkin spice and chunky sweaters – though we definitely love those too. It’s a season of grounding, slowing down, and …
- 40 Shadow Work Prompts for Journaling: Embrace Your Inner DarknessIntroduction to Shadow Work In our journey of self-discovery and personal growth, we often focus on the light within us. We strive to cultivate positivity, …
- 25 Fast Tricks To Level Up Mentally – Start Today!The most important kind of growth is mental growth. To grow up mentally is the first step to leveling up in all areas of life: …
- 35+ Comfort Gift Ideas for HealingWhen someone is hurting, we often want to do something to help ease their pain. These gift ideas for healing will be cherished and appreciated …
The Latest
Check out newest But First, Joy's posts!
- DIY Tornado Costume for Halloween (Award-Winning Kid’s Costume!)
- Scorpio Gift Ideas: The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Intense and Mysterious (Oct 23 – Nov 22)
- Top Spooky Movies for Kids: A Fun & Not-Too-Scary Guide for Halloween Movie Nights
- Libra Gift Ideas That Wow: Thoughtful, Aesthetic & Totally On-Brand (Sep 23-Oct 22)
Life Quotes You'll Love
A heartfelt mix of life quotes that motivate, comfort, and inspire you to see the beauty, strength, and possibility in every season of life.
All About Friendships
Honest and heartfelt reflections on the joys, challenges, and ever-changing dynamics of adult friendships—reminding you that growing together sometimes means growing through the hard parts too.
Best In Entertainment
A lively mix of fun reads, must-watch movies, binge-worthy shows, and entertainment picks that add a little extra joy to your everyday.

Welcome to But First, Joy!
I’m Joyce Santos, a content creator, digital artist, and wellness lover. I’m here to help women prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health so they can grow into their best selves—whether through my blog or my Etsy shop.
Mindset Shift
Gentle, easy-to-follow tips to help you shift from negative thinking to a kinder, more hopeful mindset that supports your well-being every step of the way.
Captions That Shine
Dive into my Instagram captions archive – your go-to space packed with fresh, fun, and perfectly crafted captions for every vibe and moment.




















