Three ways to create more JOY

Joy is a feeling that you experience in your body.

Although we think of joy as optional, as a luxury even, experiencing joy can create many positive outcomes; better connection to the present moment (which leads to peace), better mental health, greater satisfaction in our lives, and more rewarding relationships.

Spending some time and effort increasing the amount of joy you experience can significantly improve your life.

When you like your life, you’re better able to be the light in the world you feel called to be.

Here are three ways to create more joy in your life:

1. USE DISCERNMENT - Be careful about what you choose to focus on and what you allow into your life.

• To create more joy in your life, prune out that which does not cause you joy. 

• Judge yourself less and judge others less to create more joy.

• Be aware of your habits and what you consume consciously.

• Prune with discernment to create room for growth- don't just cut things out without thought.

2. LOVE MORE GENEROUSLY - Give love to people, when it’s unearned and unasked for, give love just to give love - no questions asked.

• Generosity of spirit creates more joy in the world.
• Giving compliments and recognizing others' good deeds leads to increased happiness for both the giver and receiver.
• Physical touch is an important way to connect with others and experience happiness.
• Gratitude journals can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive outlook.

3. ACKNOWLEDGE YOURSELF - This includes accepting compliments, taking time for yourself, and being proud of your accomplishments.

• Acknowledging yourself helps keep you focused on your capabilities and how you can change the world around you.
• Ask yourself "What did you contribute today?"
• Joy and competence come from focusing on what we contribute.
• Dressing up and looking your best can help boost your confidence and create more joy in your life.

We all want more joy in our lives. Creating that joy has many benefits, greater satisfaction, better mental health, and closer connection with others - joy can fill up your emotional bank account and make it easier to be the person you want to be in the world.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Joy is a feeling of extreme gladness, delight, or exultation of the spirit arising from a sense of well-being or satisfaction.” 

“…exultation of the SPIRIT arising from a sense of well-being or satisfaction.”

How great that the definition of joy includes spirit :)