What Is Joy?

What Brings You Joy?

What is joy? How do you know if you are joyful?

Joy is an emotion, a feeling. How many times in a day do you go into a daydream and acknowledge the small things that bring you joy? Try saying to yourself today, “I choose to feel joy.”

Often you spend time focusing on other everyday stuff, like what to have for dinner, making sure you’re on time for meetings, and so many more thoughts about anything and everything. This often happens so much that you overlook the small things that could bring you joy, feed your soul, and get that rush of good endorphins running around your mind and body.

What Brings Me Joy

I aim for a 20-minute walk most days. I am taking time for myself as well as exercising. My mind quietens while I connect to nature. In the morning, I sit, look at the trees outside, and listen to the birds. My day starts with gratitude and appreciation.

I think about the day I saw a handsome young man with his Dexys Midnight Runners green hat on and soft, dark brown curls creeping out from underneath. Oh, how good it is to think back to those days. That young man became my husband.

Remembering looking at my firstborn baby and her perfect red rosebud lips and button nose also brings me joy.

Even something as small as when a stranger smiles at me or opens a door.

Let’s Pause for a Moment

Just sit quietly for two minutes and recall your day. Did anyone say thank you to you? Or smile at you? You could journal three things in the morning to look forward to and at the end of the day, look back three things you enjoyed or were grateful for. I often give this exercise to potential clients before agreeing to work with them.

Is there a memory from being a child, or the day you met that someone special, or an achievement that gave you the great emotion of joy?

What is it that you see in your mind’s eye? Can you hear any associated sounds? Maybe you have a funny sensation in your tummy, or your heart is racing a little faster.

What Can You Do Today to Find Joy?

What about everyday life? Is it possible to pause throughout your day? One way of doing this is to set an alarm on your phone every hour and a half. Look out of the window and take note of the sky. Sometimes the clouds create pictures for you.

Smile at someone in the office or in the street. You may just find yourself being surprised at the response from others.

Find one small thing that will bring you joy in that moment.

Please feel free to share the things that bring joy to you.

To find out how I can help you find joy in your life, contact me here.