Five Steps to Find Your Joy
Finding Joy in Reality
Discover joy in everyday life. Let go of the picture you thought life would be like. it’s within reach.
Have you ever searched for something? Something, you thought you didn’t have. My something was “JOY”. Joy always seemed nonexistent and elusive. Something, I would experience in the future, maybe. Regardless, everyone else seemed to have it. I felt “cheated”.
My mission was to find an answer. Once and for all, I started making lists, getting totally organized, dieting, reading self-help books and articles to learn the “techniques” of finding joy. What the heck was I missing? It had to be something right in front of me. I tried learning new hobbies, baking bread and even a new hair-do. These things were still not bringing the joyful feelings. What was wrong with me? Why wasn’t I joyful?
Social Media, Not
Then one night I was looking at Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Joy is everywhere. Picture perfect everything. Nothing messy or old. No un-remodeled homes, dirt covered kids, un-customized closets or dank basements. In fact, perfect hair and makeup-no wrinkles were popping up on my feed. Really? This was not reality! My visual expectations were stealing my power to feel joy!
Life is Messy!
Then, “the answer” hit me like a ton of bricks. JOY had not cheated me. I had been cheating Joy. What I really needed was a “reality” check. Don’t get me wrong, I love “oohing” and “aahing” over Pinterest and making plans to DIY this or that. My life is my reality. Here and now! Life is messy. Not, photo op ready and wrinkles do exist.
My New Approach-Five Easy Steps
My new approach to finding joy in life is with patience and grace. This joy thing is really right in front of you! It’s how you’re thinking. Stop stinking thinking! Here is an example of a few joyful opportunities “yours truly” experienced this week:
1. The boys wanted to give me a hug when I was walking in the door with my hands were full of groceries….instead, of feeling frustrated. Drop the groceries! Hugs are joyful!
2. My hubby spent $20 on flowers. for me. Not in the budget! How can I not find joy in his kind act? Yes, it messed with your Dave Ramsey’s Every Dollar budget but, breathe in the sweet scent of joy! He loves you, chickie!
3. Wrinkles Schminkles! Aging is not always joyful….let’s be real. On other hand, smiles brighten our faces and outlook. Think about something that makes you smile. Our smiles are showing the joy in our hearts and this in turn spreads joyfulness to everyone around you. Which of course, comes back to you!
4. Relishing, a slice of homemade chocolate cake! No explanation required.
Finding joy is not as hard or elusive at all. Granted some days are easier than others. It’s how we think each and every day. Think what is “the GOOD?” There it is! IT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! Step back and truly think about the day and it will become very obvious. You had it all along, Dorothy.
5. Take a class. Join a Zoom call weekly to learn how to exercise your coping skills. Finding others in your situation or similar circumstances can certainly help. Walking with Joy was my choice.
If only we could say that about finding new wrinkles!
Drop me a note, what brings you joy?
Finding joy for me has been letting go of things I can't change. Especially, what I thought my life would look like. My focus today, is the story I'm actually living and savoring each chapter.