When we turn our attention to what we love, what we appreciate, and what we find beautiful, the conversation moves from what’s not working to what is working. And that is a wonderful place to be.
– R.K. & M.M.G
Simple Joys
Joy is incredibly powerful. Even simply noticing the beauty of a flower or a gentle breeze can elevate us and expand our awareness of what’s around us and what’s possible. When we are in joy, everything is a miracle and there is seldom a moment that does not delight us.
One of the fascinating things about joy is how varied it is. Sometimes it sounds as loud as a horn and other times it is as quiet as a whisper. Sometimes it’s so subtle you almost miss it, and other times it fills you with the majesty of God.
A few years ago, Rebecca was in a bookstore signing copies of her book, Joy Journal, and she overheard a woman talking. “It’s fine for her to talk about joy. Joy is probably easy for her.†Alas, if that were only the case. Is there anyone on this planet who has experienced only joy?
Where are you on the joy scale right now?
Some people feel like joy is something they don’t deserve and they have a hard time letting it in. For others, joy has disappeared suddenly because of a traumatic event. If you are “deep in the well†or having a hard time, joy is the ladder that gets you out of that well. It can be challenging, but look closely and find something every day that brings you joy. Those moments of recognition and appreciation are what get you through the hard times.
If you are already experiencing a lot of joy, we are so happy for you. Keep going. One thing about joy is that the more you turn your attention to it, the more you have. When you are in joy, you know instinctively that this is where you are meant to be. That this is your natural state of being.
Know this, for sure, about you and joy…
You deserve to be happy. Everyone does. Just the fact that you are alive means that joy is your birthright. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to be worthy of it. We know that life can be challenging. But find your way back to joy as quickly as you can. Don’t let unhappiness become your normal. Life is precious. We, Rebecca and Marilyn, have been through some big ups and downs and we’ve discovered that even in the hard times, there is joy. If you are out of sync with joy, today is the day you step up and reclaim your right to a happy life.
Joy is Your Natural State
We treat happiness as if it is something that happens to us – something that is out of our control. But if someone said to you, “Could you be happy for the next five minutes?†You would probably answer, “Yes.â€
We’ve been conditioned to think that happiness is a reaction. Something good happens and we feel good. Something bad happens and we feel bad. But joy is who you really are and you can experience happiness and joy on a daily basis. Marianne Williamson once said that, “Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.â€
Today, notice the simple joys in your life. Some joys we have in common and some are uniquely our own. One of Rebecca’s favorite joys is, “My morning cup of chai, in a mug so big you could take a bath in it. I love holding that warm cup in my hands and breathing in the spicy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg.†Marilyn’s favorite simple joy is, “Sitting out on the patio and looking at all the colorful flowers around me while my cat, Willa, sits purring on my lap.â€
If you get a chance, ask a friend or relative what their simple joys are. If they’re not sure what you mean, here are some examples. “Simple joys are little things that make you smile or help you to relax. Like a warm chocolate chip cookie, a sweet memory, a favorite TV show, a lit candle, or shooting baskets in the driveway and the ball goes in with that perfect “swish†sound.â€
When we turn our attention to what we love, what we appreciate, and what we find beautiful, the conversation moves from what’s not working to what is working. And that is a wonderful place to be.
Let’s celebrate the power of simple joys…
- Think about your day. What are some of the things that bring you joy?
- What is your favorite simple joy?
- We would love to hear about your joys and invite you to share in the comment area below.
Want More Joy?
5 Ways Journaling Boosts Happiness and Well-Being:
https://journaling.com/articles/five-ways-journaling-boosts-happiness-well-being-with-nancy-scherlong/
3 Ways Journal Planners Cultivate Happiness:
https://journaling.com/articles/three-ways-journal-planners-cultivate-happiness-with-mo-seetubtim/
Make joy a daily experience with Journaling.com’s guided journal, “Joy Journal.â€
https://amzn.to/3dMM87N