What Brings You "Joy"?
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
What Brings You "Joy"?
Ellie West
Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
What brings you joy seems to be a simple enough question, but when was the last time you considered your level of joy? Some may find that they are out of balance and wondering how to fix it.
Although we all strive to be more positive, few of us know how to bring more pleasure into our lives while pushing away negative thoughts and worries about how things should go. Life happens, and we sometimes fall into the trap that a happy life means every day must be perfect.
For most people and me, that joy you feel deep inside lies within the tiny moments you find unexpectedly. For example, my husband starts a fire in our outdoor fireplace, and as we sit by a crackling fire, we also take the time to talk about our day or silently read.
I love having coffee in the morning out on the deck, and I am mesmerized by the river, the soaring eagle, the singing birds, the newly planted flowers, and the blue skies. The smell of rain, my granddaughter's laughter, the hugs, the thoughtful and unexpected notes/texts/calls, the sunrises and sunsets, and the harvest from our garden all make my heart happy.
These simple moments bring me immense joy, but it takes a conscious and intentional effort to appreciate them fully.
Another way I find joy is through writing in my journal, which allows me to focus on the present moment. Taking time daily to reflect on what I am grateful for has helped me focus on the positive aspects rather than the negative ones. I have also created a gratitude jar; we write down our gratitude for the day and then read them at the end of the year. Research has shown that regularly practicing gratitude can improve overall well-being and positively impact mental health.
But it’s not just about finding joy in the good moments; it’s also about learning to accept and appreciate the difficult ones. The times when we struggle can offer valuable lessons and growth opportunities. For example: When boundaries are not set, we tend to overextend ourselves, only to feel taken advantage of, run down, and resentful. When we are feeling this way, it takes away our energy and our joy. It is essential to permit yourself to say “no”.
It can be challenging to learn to say no, especially if you are a people pleaser, as it is an internal struggle. However, it is critical to understand that saying no does not make you a bad person or friend. It is a necessary self-care act, showing you respect and value your time and energy. Not setting healthy boundaries extinguishes your joy.
I have found that positive affirmations bring me joy as they are authentic. An article published in the Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience journal found that participants showed increased activity in the brain region that processes self-worth and valuation when they practice self-affirmations.
I have gotten in the habit of using affirmations beginning with the words “I am.” Some that I may use: “I am living my best life, “I am loved,” I am valued, “I am healthy, “I am capable,” and “ I am enough.” There are many “I am" statements that you can come up with…write them down, and then speak them out loud in the morning and again at night before you sleep. This will program your subconscious to think more positive thoughts.
Joy is a feeling that cannot be forced or demanded. It comes from within and must be cultivated through mindfulness and a shift in perspective. Joy will naturally follow when we learn to appreciate the little things and find gratitude in our everyday lives.
Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy, as it will help you relax and unwind and also helps you feel more fulfilled and content in your life. Some ideas include spending time in nature, reading a book, cooking, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. These practices will help shift your mindset towards positivity and provide a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Find the things in your life that bring a smile to your face…the small and simple things. And remember that joy is not just about significant events or accomplishments but about finding happiness in the present moment. So, take a deep breath, look around, and ask yourself, “What brings me joy?”
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