Often Overlooked Sources of Joy
One tends to think that joy will come only after that breakthrough, after that achievement that everyone will hear and see and be marveled. Let me get the job, win that award, get the promotion or marry that rich guy or beautiful woman.
These huge events do give joy, but the process of getting to them usually suck out happiness in our everyday lives. One tends to wait for it, wait till one gets it before one can allow joy to flow freely. It’s sometimes like holding the breath. The majority of people who tend to wait for a big thing before letting happiness flow often discount normal everyday life and the bounty of joy it always brings.
While looking forward and working towards a better future, keep your feet where you are and keep looking around you at the people and things you can see. Anticipated joy is no match for the present one. So for me, I have decided to enjoy each day, because that’s all we can really be sure of having, and I do it in the following ways:
I dress my best every time. I’ve realized that it’s not the magnitude of the event that matters but the self that you bring to it. The most mundane outings can be made spectacular and memorable if you feel your best. And making sure you look your best will go a long way to helping you feel same.
I do a lot of things that I want to do, things that I enjoy doing. There’s a freedom to knowing what you want and being able to do it. Always take the time to feel what it is that will satisfy you at that moment and prioritize it. This may feel selfish but I promise you, it is not. You are not taking from anybody, so go ahead and give yourself what you want if you can. Be bold, choose you. Don’t let the naysayers sway you either. You are worth being your number one.
Choose the people you spend time with carefully. Some people have a way of effortlessly bringing out the best in you. You feel good around them, you express yourself easier, you laugh louder and there is peace when you are with them. Identify these people, even if there are only two of of them and spend 80% of your time with them. It will build your personality and make you an all round happier person.
Give, a lot. Give kind words, encouragement, money and even stuff. Bless people who really need it and see what that does to your mood and overall quality of life.
Receive. Let yourself be loved. Be open, give people a chance to bless you. We tend to think that we are burdens to others and being an adult is about being super independent. But no, let people take joy in helping you and give yourself the break you probably really need by accepting an extended hand. Receive love, help and encouragement. Don’t be so heavy, be light.
Actively love children. The purity that children carry will bless you if you get to have an active role in their lives. Be a source of love for a child, make sure they can count on you. Being the adult that you needed on your side when you were a child will heal you very much.
Spend time alone. You could meditate, read a book, watch a movie, go for a walk, cook, etc. Just anything you enjoy doing by yourself. Befriend yourself and get to know who you are. Make it safe to be you and to be with you. This will help you trust yourself more.
Don’t run from challenges. When something comes into your life that seems more difficult than you think you can do, stay with it and figure it out. That is how you grow, by rising above the things you once felt were greater than you.
Have a community. Join others you have something in common with, people who support you in one way or the other. Be solid in that community, don’t flake out on them.
I wanted to make it up to 10, but I see these will do. Do you think I missed out on something? Let me know in the comments section.