Joy could be the norm for each of us if we re-train ourselves to focus on the joys in life instead of our perceived woes. We all can uncover the daily joys in our day to day if we train ourselves to recognize them, honor them and as a result, will experience MORE!
Step 1:
Decide to choose joy.
When I wake up in the morning, I can choose to experience frustration, exhaustion, and anger when I have not gotten enough sleep, when I think about all I have to do today, and when I start listing all my perceived hurdles of what is going to happen in the next 8-10 hours. OR I can wake up and choose to be joyful because first of all, I'm blessed with another day on this earth, I have a beautiful son to hold and smile at me first thing when I rise, and I have coffee waiting for me as soon as I brew it! See the difference? If you choose to focus on your sources of joy, your whole day can chance in a matter of seconds once you decide what you want to see.
Step 2:
Be the example.
Next, make it a goal to bring joy to the first person you see when you start your day. (Mine of course is my baby boy, and that is easy with a smile and some snuggles, he is immediately happy.) I'm talking more about the next adult you see. It's SO easy to immediately start complaining about SOMETHING. (My first inclination EVERYDAY is to complain to my friend who watches my son while I'm at work because more than likely, it was a rough night's sleep, or I get that dipping feeling of sadness just as I'm leaving my baby to head to work.) If I walk in to her house and immediately launch into negative talk, do you think she's going to feel energized? Do you think she's going to feel joy when I'm with her first thing every morning if all I do is vent? Absolutely not. Now there is definitely a time and place to vent, but first thing in the morning is a choice. If you choose that negative conversation, that is how both of your days will begin. Instead, try bringing a new, more vitalized energy into that space. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or your workplace, try starting with a positive message such as, "Wow, it's a beautiful morning," or "I'm so ready to tackle that project today," a simple "I love your outfit," or even a heartfelt "Good morning" with a big smile can go a long way and get the positive, joyous vibe moving in both of your directions. Give it a try. Let the first things that come out of your mouth be intended for positive movement in your day. Words are very important and so is the energy in which you present your thoughts.
Step 3:
Refocus when you find yourself on the dark side.
Okay, you woke up and chose joy. Your first encounter was a positive one. Here we are an hour later and you get an angry phone call from a customer, friend or family member that completely steals all your joy and brings you to a very negative state. This IS going to happen A LOT. You are constantly challenged with moments and events of conflict that could easily send you into a downward spiral. But not YOU. Not you today, anyway. Instead, recognize your dark thoughts. Take a few long deep breaths and acknowledge that this has changed your energy to an unproductive state. Then start to refocus your thoughts onto an image that softens you. (My best example is my son's face. In fact, my phone is loaded with images and videos of him, just in case I need a reminder on where I can find instant joy.) Take a few minutes to reclaim that inner state of joy by that image or thought. Let yourself breathe and smile back through the entrance of your inner peace. Once again, choose joy.
I hope these tips are helpful to you.
May joy fill you and be replenished throughout your day once you make that decision....
Sincerely,
Katherine Leigh
