The Joy Journey
By Janet Daughtry Christian Life CoachingIn our crazy and often chaotic world finding joy or having joy seems like an unattainable goal. Yet joy does not have to be illusive or some distant dream! It can be found through our intentional choices and positivity. From the small pleasures of everyday life to the profound moments that take your breath away; finding joy along your journey should be celebrated and enjoyed fully. Here are some things to consider to have more joy in our lives.
1. Living in the Present Moment
Often our minds can become preoccupied with worries for the future or regrets from the past, keeping us from fully experiencing its beauty and potential right here and now. To discover joy, one key step is fully engaging with the present moment. Being mindful can be breathing deeply so simply appreciating our surroundings or small joys like a cup of hot tea, gentle breeze or meaningful conversation with a friend or loved one.
2. Cultivate Gratitude
Having gratitude can be an invaluable way to unlock joy. By reflecting on all that we’re thankful for in life, our focus can shift away from what’s lacking to what’s plentiful. Creating a gratitude journal or taking just a few seconds each day to acknowledge the positive aspects of your existence can help foster more positivity and bring out those small joyous moments that often go unnoticed.
3. Pursue Your Passion and Purpose
Engaging in activities that bring you pleasure while fulfilling your passions can be immensely fulfilling. Painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or volunteering for causes near and dear can all provide great pleasure. Engaging in these can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment and greater joy!
4. Foster Connections
Human connections are the source of immense joy. Engage in meaningful dialogues, build strong bonds with friends and family members, and seek opportunities to form new ones who share your interests – these interactions will bring laughter, support, and camaraderie – enhancing your life with a sense of belonging and contentment.
5. Seek Beauty Every Day
Beauty can be found everywhere, even in seemingly mundane moments. The problem is that we aren’t always looking for it. But it is there from sunsets and lush landscapes, to blooming flowers or the smile of strangers. Training your mind to notice and appreciate beauty can increase joy levels significantly.
6. Practice Self-Compassion
Achieve joy through kindness and self-compassion also involves treating yourself kindly. Acknowledging achievements – no matter how small – and forgiving mistakes and setbacks will bring greater happiness. Just like you’d support and encourage a friend, embrace self-love and acceptance can create a nurturing environment where joy can flourish.
In conclusion, joy is not so much a permanent state but rather an accumulation of moments that enrich our lives. By living mindfully in the present moment, practicing gratitude, pursuing passions, forging connections, seeking beauty around us and practicing self-compassion you can build a life full of moments that create joy for you!
You’re blog is very meaningful and full of wisdom. I have a sticker on my Yeti that says, “Today I chose joy!” I think it’s a choice we all need to make.
Thank you for sharing…it brought me joy!