When I chose the tagline for my speaking career, “Oy to Joy,” it was deeply intentional. “Oy” represents struggle, while “Joy” signifies triumph. I firmly believe that fulfilling our purpose often requires navigating through challenges. Overcoming obstacles has revealed what I am capable of, and in doing so, I’ve discovered joy. This cycle is continuous—moving from an “Oy” to finding Joy, and then back again. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of our lives and amidst the global events we witness, it’s easy to overlook the simple moments of joy that surround us. The current events beyond my control make me yearn for and explore the importance of accessing joy in daily life and how it contributes to overall well-being and fulfillment. After reading this, I would love for you to share your journey from Oy to embracing Joy in your everyday life.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Who doesn’t love this movie? I can watch it multiple times a year and still find joy in it. Will Smith’s character had a distant goal, yet he also found moments of joy in the little things—like fixing a light bulb or spending time with his son. He never lost sight of that joy. Many people see happiness as a distant goal, but true happiness often lies in those small, everyday moments that give life meaning and purpose. Reflect on your pursuit of happiness. What brings you joy, even in the smallest quantities? How often do you allow yourself to experience it?
Recognizing Joyful Moments
Accessing joy requires mindfulness and being present so that you can recognize joyful moments, no matter how fleeting. Reflect on the past week—can you recall moments of joy, no matter how small? As I write this, with so much darkness surrounding my homeland, I find myself searching for these threads of light in my own life—the threads of joy. Once I identified these moments, my day brightened. Cultivating this awareness can help you savor these experiences.
Consider incorporating joyful rituals into your daily routine. Reflect on your habits. Are there opportunities to infuse moments of joy, such as through morning rituals or moments of reflection before bedtime? A simple ritual I practice is expressing gratitude for waking up in the morning. It may seem small, but how often do we start our day without a moment of gratitude?
Joy is often contagious. I remember meeting a friend who was feeling down, and without thinking, I started sharing jokes. In minutes, we were both laughing. The laughter and joy in the room were infectious. Did the problem disappear? No. But it was minimized for a bit and put into perspective. Reflect on the impact you have on others. How can your expressions of joy and positivity influence those around you? In Positive Intelligence, we refer to this as the contagion effect—how quickly your actions can influence others’ states of being.
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein is an internationally recognized resilience speaker, known as the “Oy to Joy” Resilience Speaker. She transforms lives through Positive Intelligence, guiding individuals and organizations to unlock their inner strength and thrive amidst challenges.
For more insights on building resilience and tapping into your Sage mind, visit doricehorenstein.com. Stay connected and keep growing! If you’re interested in coaching or bringing Dorice to your company or team, please schedule a time on her calendar.
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As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion You Want to Be
