Joy. Isn't that a great feeling? But how to we have more of it in our daily lives? The big events don't come along that often - a marriage, the birth of a baby, a promotion. This week I'm sharing 7 things we can do on a regular basis to bring more joy and happiness into our lives.
But first, a few words about the difference between joy and happiness. Joy comes from the inside and happiness comes from our external circumstances. Happiness is fleeting and temporary whereas joy can be flowing constantly if we train ourselves properly. Let's not confuse the two.
So what are some things we can do to increase our joy & happiness quotient? Here are 7 ideas to implement:
1. Wear a Smile
Neuroscience has shown that wearing a smile releases feel good chemicals in the brain. Raises our serotonin levels and reduces the fight or flight sensation.
2. Practice Gratitude
I've talked about this in some of my other posts on joy, so I will just mention it briefly again here. Author, Anne Lamott says one of her 3 prayers is "Thank you". The other two are "Help" and "Wow". Gratitude helps keep our focus on our blessings, instead of our burdens. For instance this morning, I was sweeping the floor, and I prayed "Thank you, Lord, for making me healthy enough to clean." We can turn any situation around if we look for the silver lining. First thing in the morning when I open my eyes, I say " Thank you, Lord, for a new day. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Gratitude is a choice we make to see the positives in our lives and hence be more joyful.
3. Generosity
The world tends to have a scarcity mentality. The reality is there is more than enough of the pie to go round and the more we share our pie, the more will flow to us. It is a paradox of sorts. We must have open hands and open hearts.
Generosity comes in many forms. A smile. A hug. A big tip. Money has energy and we have to let it flow thru us. Giving causes more to flow to us as well. That is why Christians are called to tithe. It is a biblical principle to teach us to not hoard and to give with a "cheerful heart". God loves a cheerful giver. Pay it forward is another form of being generous. Generosity means giving without expecting anything in return. Another reason why I write these blog posts!
4. See the Good in Others
Sadly, it is human nature to look for the flaws in other people. We have to train ourselves to look for the good. I have a saying "Everyone has some good in them, if you dig deep enough." This is especially tough with people you don't get along with. One way I do this is by sincere compliments. They always put a smile on someone's face. I used to tell my sons how handsome they both were, how smart they were, how cuddly, etc. I don't think we can ever fill another person's love tank full enough because the world is constantly depleting it.
5. Rejoice always
This is a biblical commandment in fact. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says this:
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."
I believe we are meant to live joy-filled lives, but joy is a moment to moment choice we make. We won't always feel joyful but we can still have joy. No matter what is going on in your life or mine, we do not have to allow our circumstamces to steal our joy. I am reminded of the movie "Mary Poppins" and the joyful dance number the chimney sweeps did, despite their filthy job. We have to make a decision that no one is going to steal our peace or our joy. Life is too precious to go around sour and upset. Make a decision today to rejoice.
6. Wow!
As I mentioned earlier, "Wow" is one of Anne Lamott's 3 favorite prayers. Give a listen to this message based on her book. Wow means being in awe. I am in awe when I see a sunrise or a sunset. When I see a newborn baby. When I see my plants send up new flowers. When something divine happens to me like when a parking spot in a crowded area suddenly appears. Being around small children can increase our sense of awe. The majesty of God is all around us if we have eyes to see. Just today I was noticing the huge white billowy clouds settled over my home. Did you know the Bible says that clouds are the throne of God? This is part of being mindful - using all our senses to enjoy the awesomeness all around us.
7. Kindness
Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is something we cultivate. It doesn't come naturally to us. I have a new addition to my mantle. It is a piece of wood on which the words "Kindness always matters" is written in brush lettering. It is something I am working on with my family - to be kinder to one another. My mom used to say "You can get more bees with honey than you can with vinegar." It doesn't cost us anything to be kind. We are not to repay evil with evil. We are to repay evil with kindness because it is not our job to repay.
So there you have 7 ways to cultivate more joy and happiness in your life.
For Reflection
What has been stealing your joy lately? Which of these can you implement to help you get it back? Do write and share with us.
I hope you enjoyed this week's post as much as I enjoyed writing it. We are all a work in progress and so are your family and your friends. Be compassionate, be kind and you will reap what you sow.
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Stay tuned for more the last post on mindfulness and meditation coming next week so you can ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!
Until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
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