“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it everyday.”
-Henri Nouwen
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
joy /noun/
a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
What brings you joy? Think about that for a moment... Be specific...
Iyanla Vanzant presents an interesting perspective on joy to consider: ( *from Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color)
When your joy is dependent on people and conditions, it is restricted.
Joy must spring forth from you before it can surround you.
Joy is not what happens to you; it is what comes through you when you are conscious of the blessing you are.
How are you showing up? Spend some time with this question...
"True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into. It requires the utmost surrender and, like love, is a choice to be made. Joy is not simply a feeling that happens." - from compassion.com
Today’s Affirmation: from Iyanla Vanzant's Acts of Faith
I am the source of joy!
How will you spread joy today..? Be the source..!
If you need a little motivation or not sure where to start, check out these suggestions from joyfuldays.com
8 Ways to Choose Joy Everyday
1. Be grateful that you woke up today: Create a new habit and add it to your morning routine. When You open your eyes in the morning and can see, hear, breathe, and feel, consider saying a word of thanks before you even get out of bed.
2. Start the day with exercise: Researchers found that those who exercise first thing in the morning are more likely to do it regularly. The increased endorphins and serotonin in your system create a feeling of joy as well as other benefits.
3. Create an oasis in the morning rush: Creating an oasis provides the calm we need to feel joyful. Plan to arrive to work 30 min early, consider reading a motivational book 15-30 minutes with a good cup of coffee before you start your workday.
4. Meditate or pray: Our minds are constantly over-stimulated, leaving no room for the quiet joy that is our normal state when calm. Research has shown meditation to have a huge impact on happiness. 20 min daily is recommended. Consider using one of the popular Apps, google meditation exercises, or simply breathe.
5. Make a human connection: The paradox of our times is that we are connecting more with our gadgets, and less with other people. One of the findings in Harvard’s popular Positive Psychology course is that we are happier when we stop texting while with friends. Consider time with friends sacred. Eliminating the distraction of our phones increases the quality of the time together, and makes both parties happier (and it's more polite too!)
6. Simplify your choices: While some freedom of choice is important for autonomy, too much actually decreases our satisfaction. Studies show that choosing from six (6) options results in more satisfaction than from thirty (30) options. When we simplify our life, we save time on decision making, and enjoy our experiences more.
7. Perform a random act of kindness: Happiness levels have been shown to increase by doing 5 random acts of kindness a week. Consider these: Choose to say ‘yes’ when presented with an opportunity, rather than turn away, drop a note into a busker’s hat, hold the door open for the next person, help someone carry a pram up the stairs, or leave chocolates on a weary colleague’s desk. If you’ve ever done any of this, you know how good it makes you feel!
8. Journal about your gratitude or positive experiences: Two specific types of journaling have been shown to increase happiness after just one week. One is to keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you are grateful for everyday. The other is to reflect on a positive experience that day. Both these habits train our brain to look out for what is good in each day.
“We ARE joy. Choose joy!”
What are you willing to do?
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
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References:
8 Ways to Choose Joy Everyday
Vanzant, Iyanla; Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color. Atria, New York, NY 2020.
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