Joy feels a little different these days. Why joy is crucial in our lives + how to get it
April 15, 2024
Last Friday, I talked about anger—what triggers it, how it manifests, and, most importantly, how to navigate through it (you can read that here).
Creating awareness around anger and giving myself permission to feel it has been transformative, allowing me to create a life that feels truly fulfilling (most of the time—I'm not aiming for perfection here).
While dealing with anger isn't an exact science, honing this skill has allowed me to remain objective and facilitate effective communication. By listening and understanding both my own emotions and those of others involved, I've learned to move with resistance rather than against it, fostering ease in all aspects of my life. This capacity to navigate anger amplifies my ability to experience joy.
Describing the depth of joy I now experience is hard to do. It's a sensation that ignites butterflies in my stomach, makes me want to squeal with delight, and makes me smile ear to ear, leaving me in awe. This kind of joy, so consistently present, hasn't been my life since childhood. It also comes with a newfound sense of gratitude and heightened awareness, enhancing each moment with its vibrant presence.
(ps - I want you to feel this level of joy!)
The Importance of Joy:
Joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it's a state of being that nourishes our soul and enhances our overall well-being. Here are a few reasons why cultivating joy is essential:
Enhanced Mental Health: Joy has a profound impact on our mental health, boosting mood, reducing stress, and promoting overall happiness. When we prioritize activities and experiences that bring us joy, we create a positive feedback loop that reinforces our mental resilience and emotional well-being.
Increased Resilience to Stress: Cultivating joy provides us with a buffer against life's inevitable challenges and stressors. When we regularly engage in activities that bring us joy, we build up our resilience, allowing us to bounce back more quickly from the hard stuff and maintain a sense of balance and perspective.
Improved Overall Quality of Life: Ultimately, joy enriches our lives in profound ways, enhancing our relationships, deepening our sense of fulfillment, and infusing each day with meaning and purpose.
When we prioritize joy, we create a life that feels vibrant, authentic, and deeply satisfying.
Practical Tips for Cultivating Joy:
Make a Joy List: Take some time to reflect on experiences, activities, and people that bring you genuine joy. Create that list and prioritize doing more of these in your daily life.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for the moments of joy, no matter how small. Keep a gratitude journal or take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for.
Stay Present: Joy is often found in the present moment. Practice mindfulness and immerse yourself fully in the experiences and activities that bring you joy, savouring each moment.
Connect with Others: Joy is contagious. Spend time with loved ones who uplift and inspire you, and seek out opportunities for meaningful connection and shared experiences.
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
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