This month, I’m making it my priority to lean into joy. We say we want to be happy but do we make time for it? Do we give it the same importance as the deadlines set by our boss? Are we giving it the same amount of time that we give to scrolling through our social media feeds? Do we even know what gives us joy?
Here are some tips so you can lean into joy this month:
- Make a list of things that make you happy. Let’s call it The Joy List. For me, my joy list includes knitting everyday, having lunch with a good friend at least once a week, planning a trip every three months, getting a weekly massage, hanging out with my daughter, reading before bed, slathering on some Aesop Resurrection hand cream, listening to a podcast when I’m stuck in traffic, making my desk a pleasurable place to work.
- Schedule time for joy. Twenty to thirty minutes of knitting. Hanging out with my daughter after school and reading stories before bed. Texting a friend so we can have lunch. These activities, these little appointments with joy, I put in my planner.
- Be mindful. Don’t multitask joy. When spending time with friend, do not check email or Facebook to see if there’s something you missed. Linger over coffee. Feel the caress of your hand lotion, cup your hands around your nose and take a long inhale.
- Shift your thoughts towards positivity this month. Here are some quotes and affirmations to keep your commitment to joy.
- Be grateful. Make it a habit to say thank you at the end of the day for the joyful surprises of your day.
I want to know what gives you joy. Share your own Joy List in the comments below. Or better yet, pop over on my Facebook page (I know, I know, I just told you not to hang out around social media too much) to share.
I sent this note to my e-newsletter subscribers at the start of the month. If you want to receive a monthly Joyful Little Note and a copy of Your Heart-Crafted Life workbook, then subscribe here.
