When I chose the tagline for my speaking career I said that I am “Oy to Joy” speaker. Oy= struggle, and Joy = triumph. I believe that to live out our purpose sometimes we have to go through struggles. I had to overcome several obstacles to discover what I was capable of doing, and in doing that I revealed joy. And this cycle is never-ending. From an “Oy” to a Joy and then again. Yet, in the midst of our busy and hectic lives and with what’s going on in the international stages of the world, it’s easy to overlook the simple moments of joy that surround us. All that is presently going on outside of my influence causes me to yearn and explore the importance of accessing joy in everyday life’s actions and how it can contribute to overall well-being and fulfillment. Once you read this blog, I would love for you to share with me your journey from Oy to embrace Joy in your daily existence.
The Pursuit of Happiness: Who does not love this movie?! I can see it a few times a year and still enjoy and benefit from it. Will Smith had a distant goal, but he also found moments, here and there to be joyful about (fixing the light bulb, being with his son). He never lost vision of it. Many people seek happiness as a distant goal, yet what is remarkable is that true happiness often resides in the small, everyday moments of joy. Those moments that give your life meaning and purpose. Reflect on your own 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 an ability to be in the present so you can recognize those as joyful moments, no matter how fleeting. Reflect on the past week. Can you recall moments of joy, no matter how small? At the time of writing this blog, when there is presently a lot of darkness around my homeland, I know I am searching for these threads of light in my own life. The threads of joy. Once I named those moments of joy, my day got slightly brighter. Cultivating awareness can help you savor these experiences.
The Impact of Joy on Well-Being: Research, such as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, shows that experiencing joy can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Recall a time you felt joyful. Consider how might incorporating more joy into your life improve your mental and emotional state.
Embracing Gratitude: Gratitude is closely tied to joy. Reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. How can expressing gratitude for these aspects bring more joy into your daily existence? One ritual I do is thanking the universe for walking up in the morning! Simple right? Yet, how often do we just get up and go about our day without a moment of gratitude?
Creating Joyful Rituals: Consider incorporating joyful rituals into your daily routine. Reflect on your daily habits. Are there opportunities to infuse moments of joy, such as morning rituals or moments of reflection before bedtime?
Spreading Joy to Others: Joy is often contagious. I recall an instance where I met a friend who was feeling down, and for some reason, I began sharing jokes. Within minutes, we were both laughing. The laughter and joy in the room was infectious. Did the problem disappear? No. Was it minimized for a bit and put into perspective? Yes. 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 it as the contagion effect. How quickly can your actions influence other’s states of being?
Accessing joy in everyday life is a choice and a practice. Humans received the greatest gift of all– the gift of choosing their paths. As you reflect on your own relationship with joy, consider how you can prioritize the simple moments of happiness and joy to enhance your life. In my own journey, I learned that joy is not something to be pursued but something to be embraced in the present moment. How are you planning to show up today?
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