In our fast-paced lives I find that we often overlook the value that joy brings. Perhaps we get a glimpse of it and then it slips away. What gets in the way? Often it’s our less-than-stellar self-care habits.
I love this quote by Jean Shinoda Bolen. It’s a great reminder that we’re in charge of our own joy. When we find something that fills us with joy and feeds our soul, it’s up to us to find the time and space for it. No one else is going to do this for us.
This comes down to self-care. Balance is in our hands. Do you prioritize your needs or do you let other obligations take precedence? Do you get enough good nutrition, rest, movement and exercise, time to yourself, time for joy?
We must check in with ourselves in order to really know if what we’re doing resonates with us. When we find a balance that includes proper self-care, this is a doorway for more joy in our lives.
Here are a few things that bring me joy.
- Spending time in nature – especially alone. This gives me time to connect with nature in a more intimate way than I do when I’m with others.
- Beautiful sunrises and sunsets – taking the time to appreciate the colors and the way the light plays in the sky and on the land.
- A good yoga class – one that has a meditative quality to it. There are a few instructors that I’ve come across over the years that always seem to say exactly what I need to hear. Tears well in my eyes in these classes as I allow the energy to move through me.
- A good spin class – my physical body likes a lot of movement!
- Reading my 7-year-old’s poems. I don’t know what it is about Cassidy and her poems, but they blow me away. She’s so connected with herself and can easily find joy and purpose in her life and this flows through her writing.
- Seeing Broadway musicals live – I’m always in awe of the performers and love taking in the costumes, set design, lighting, music, etc. It makes my heart sing to see these sorts of shows.
- Nourishing food – that I don’t have to make! I’ve never found joy in cooking. So when a friend or family member who loves to cook prepares a meal for me, I can literally taste the love in the food.
- Deeply connecting with myself – which often happens when I’m in meditation or out in nature.
- Deeply connecting with another person – when I really feel seen and heard.
What brings you joy? I invite you to make a list. Find something on your list that you can incorporate into your life each day. If you find this challenging, this is good information. Perhaps start with a list of things you do to take care of YOU. You are the ultimate doorway to more joy.
Share this with your family and friends and leave a comment below to let me know what brings you joy.
