The Joy List!
You heard it here first, it is time to create your Joy List—a simple list of the things that bring you JOY! Life is hard, emotions at this time run deep and/or negative as we deal with a time that challenges our ability to cope, stay positive and sane. I always talk about the hamster wheel of life, it is something we all find ourselves on, going through the motions, perhaps letting the day manage us rather than us managing the day. It is normal and what we need to do is jump off, and not allow every little thing to dictate our experience and how we engage in the day to day. I believe new seasons are our opportunity to reboot, cast vision, gain clarity on the season ahead and living our best life. A tool I have created is a simple act of creating the JOY LIST, a list that simply reminds me of the things that bring me joy. It can be added to, as I go and live my life, but in doing this list, it is a great resource to truly remember and embrace how to live with joy and what brings me joy. A simple place to start is a simple list of some things in your day to day life that bring you joy. From there, you can add to it, you can do a focused Joy, and focus a list on a particular area, person, season, or facet of your life. To begin, I recommend a basic list that you can add to and that is simple. Joy is simple, it is always there for us to access, and it happens throughout the day if we are aware, and if we choose to choose Joy. This is a great exercise because it truly enables you to appreciate the small things, to realize all of your blessings, and to focus on the good, now, more than ever, we need to focus on the good.
Here is an example of my simple Joy List:
Joy Is…
Morning coffee, my kids laughing, sunshine and a blue sky, a sea breeze, the wind, walking in nature, a clean kitchen, upbeat music, child’s pose, smiling at a stranger, acts of kindness, eye contact, belly laughs, a fabulous meal, a good night’s sleep, my bed, crisp air, warm memories, being still, magical mornings, clarity, hugs, family pictures, inspiring others, listening, walking w/a friend, a fuzzy blanket & book, the night sky, the moon, the smell of summer and fall, personal notes, clear eyes, warm & fuzzy thoughts, snuggling with my puppies, my babies, coffee & jazz with Charlie, the sight of the ocean, peaceful moments of sitting outside, reflection, season changes, kids coming home, kids leaving home, new fluffy towels, pretty rooms, happiness for others, spiritual connections, white feathers, red cardinals, a newborns cry, a road trip, a full house, advocating for others, the spirit of the season, good people, love, healthy choices, God’s creation, faith, hope, wonder, imagination, gratitude, pizza, dense chocolate cake with raspberries, humility, humanity, the sweat from exercise, tan feet, pretty hands, a great outfit, lip gloss & shades, my right size, inspiration, words that inspire, flowers, a bath or shower at night, my clean routine, sugar scrub, getting jammies on, charcoal mask, a twist cone w/chocolate jimmies, my yoga mat, top knot days, giving compliments, receiving compliments, real conversations, helping others, a bag of chips (yes, the whole bag), driving w/music blaring, dancing, singing, being weird, energizing a room, lifting people up, speaking, standing up for others, preaching, teaching, being quiet, thoughtful acts, giving gifts, using my gifts, laughing in church, when I seek joy, choose joy, and live with joy!
Now it’s your turn, write your Joy List and let it serve as a reminder of all you have, all that you are and all you see in others. Choose Joy! XO