Over the past few years I’ve been focusing more and more on happiness and joy. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in being productive and the hustle culture but when it comes down to it, I think most of us are seeking true happiness and joy. And this means something different for each of us.
Define what joy looks like for you!
The best thing you can do for yourself is to define what true happiness and joy looks like for you. Take a moment to truly consider this. Take out all the society noise, your parent’s voices and all the well intentioned advice you’ve ever received and look at what it means to you. Write it down. Include all the little things that bring you sparks of happiness and joy along with all the big things.
Often times you may be surprised to discover that true happiness and joy come from very little things, like a quiet moment on your back porch with a cup of coffee, having lunch with a friend, and taking a moment to simply breathe during a hectic day. It’s all these little moments that truly add up to a joyful and happy life. Most of the times these moments are happy accidents but you can take deliberate steps to incorporate them into each and every day.
Write down what brings you joy!
Start by writing down all the little things that make you happy no matter how small and/or insignificant they may seem. Consider this your happiness list. Keep it present so you can reference it throughout the day. Even go as far as setting a soothing (not jarring) alarm to remind you to look at it.
Once you have your list made, consider it a living document that you can and will add to whenever you like. The longer the better! This is you creating joy each and every day.
Create little slices of joy every day!
The next thing to do is to make time for a little slice of this joy each and every day. Schedule it if you need to. Ideally, make it a routine to do something on your list every day. It often works best if you put it with something else you’re already doing, like a meal. For example one of the things that bring me joy is sitting out back on my deck with my cats and journaling. I have made this a routine part of my day every day after breakfast. Once the weather turns colder I will need to move this inside but right now I’m enjoying the twilight of the summer warmth and making it a point to do every day.
Create a routine for joy!
Look at what little pieces of joy you can start incorporating into your daily routine. Make them a habit. Make them non-negotiable. Even if it’s only for five minutes. You will be amazed at how impactful five minutes focused on something that brings you happiness will transform the rest of your day and, really, your whole life. Our lives are made up of moments so the more mindful you can be with each moment, the more joyful and happy your whole life will be.
Be fully present!
When you’re in your moments of joy, be sure to slow down and be present with them. Let go of any other thoughts, especially negative ones, that could interfere with your ability to fully fill your joy. Take in deep breathes and observe everything around you. Allow the pleasure of the moment wash over you and thoroughly bathe yourself in it. Notice the small details with appreciation and gratitude.
Bring joy into the rest of your life!
Ideally take these abilities with you throughout your day – the ability to be present, to slow down, to find joy and gratitude in the small details of life. Even the most mundane activities can be joyful with the right perspective. For example, the next time you wash dishes, be fully present with it. Feel the soap and warm water on your skin. Feel the satisfaction of the dishes becoming clean and renewed. Noticed the room and experience true appreciation and gratitude for the food you ate, the home you live in, all of it.
Fill yourself up with joy every day!
Feel yourself fill up with the joy of your life. This is your life right now. Don’t wait for things to happen to experience joy and happiness. You can do it in this very moment.
I would love to hear how this goes for you. Feel free to comment below. I hope these activities bring joy and happiness into your life. I know they have worked for me.