Joy Like a Child: What Helps You Choose Joy?
Do you need more joy in your life? What does joy mean to you? To me, it’s something that comes from within my soul and not from external, material things of this world. I’m thankful I learned this life lesson at a fairly young age. I think it saved me a lot of heartache and striving for “things”. I can still remember this turning point through the purchase of my first, brand new car. Have you ever made a purchase and expected more from it than what it provided? Mine was a red Nissan, Sentra hatchback. How exciting was that purchase process! Such anticipation for getting my new “wheels” and to drive them. I can still recall being at the dealership and taking ownership of the vehicle while feeling a slight sting of depreciation as I drove off. The “happiness” was short-lived as it wore off quickly and turned to disappointment. Not the long-term “joy” as I had envisioned. Have you been in this place? Maybe you’re struggling now with your joy being dependent on current circumstances or experiences? That’s ok. We’ve all been in this place…awareness is the beginning to change. Here are some suggestions that I find helpful to choosing joy daily, and I hope you do too.
Prayer ~ This is the “secret sauce” for me and it’s how I begin and end my day. Before my feet hit the floor most mornings, I am in prayer. Starting and ending my day this way helps remind me what’s important and what to focus on, as this life is not easy. We all experience a range of emotions from sadness, loss and anger to excitement and joy. God gave you all your emotions. It’s learning to deal with them appropriately and knowing they are not always accurate. Our view of the world is skewed and developed through the lens of our previous hurts, habits and hang-ups. We have to learn to filter our thoughts to test if they are real or based on a previous wounds. The serenity prayer used by Rick Warren in Celebrate Recovery, and also in Alcoholics Anonymous, is a prayer that says so much about perspective. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Starting my day in prayer helps me focus on the Lord’s promises and that He’s God and I’m not. This life is hard and I need His strength to experience joy in spite of my circumstances. In any given week, are we ever completely free from challenge(s)? For me, it’s watching for and seeing those “God winks” during my days that remind me that He’s in control. He’s got my situation covered. Prayer helps me stay connected to Him as He wants to hear from me and then He can reveal such “winks”.
Start Your Day With Gratitude ~ Research shows people that are thankful have more joy in their lives, sleep better, feel more alive and have stronger immune systems. I don’t know about you but these are important qualities for me to strive for. Gratitude is powerful in shaping your days and how you view the world. Part of my prayer time is spent with God in thanksgiving about my many blessings. This works for me. How do you focus on your blessings? Do you journal or write a list? How about a gratitude jar where you to it daily? Or how about writing a thank-you note to someone you appreciate? Share your ideas in the comments below. We can always find something to be grateful for in spite of our circumstances. Don’t lose your joy over the “small stuff” because next year it likely won’t matter.
Use Your Gifts Doing Something You Love ~ We all have a purpose in life and want to do what we’re meant to do. Are you doing something you love? Are you using your gifts? Does your energy soar as you work on a project? If yes, most likely you are using your gifts? Or, do you walk away drained and exhausted = probably not in your gifting. If you’d like, try this free quiz to help identify your character strengths. If you don’t know what your strengths are, invest some time to find out, then look for ways to incorporate them into your life. If you can’t use your gifts at work, or change careers, choose a hobby or activity where you are doing something you love. Maybe for you it’s reading a book, taking up a sport or hiking. People that create meaning in their lives are more satisfied with life and more easily experience joy.
Move it! Move it! ~ Exercise is one of my favorite ways to increase joy in my life. I LOVE being outside in nature and walking, biking, hiking. Research shows being in nature increases creativity and imagination among other things. No wonder it’s one of my favorite places to be. What’s your favorite exercise? It doesn’t have to be outside. If you haven’t already, find an exercise that’s right for you and that you’ll enjoy. You too can reap these amazing benefits. Moving your body reduces stress; releases positive, feel-good endorphins affecting our mood and lessening anxiety and symptoms of depression; increases energy levels; encourages blood circulation to all body parts and boosts immunity. It’s like having a dance party inside your body…so, Move It! Move it!
Connect, Help & Love-On Others ~ Connecting with and helping others is a great way to take the focus off yourself and your troubles. Your friend may share a similar challenge. Another’s troubles could just be “packaged differently” from yours. The more we empathize with another’s struggle, the better we get at it. We learn to be less judgmental, disappointed or frustrated. Schedule a coffee/tea time or grab lunch with someone you enjoy being with. It’s a wonderful way to increase the joy in your life. You are not alone and as you help others you are helping yourself in the process. It’s a win-win situation.