Joy

This holiday season, I've become fixated on the concept of joy and how I can have more of it in my life.  It's probably obvious on why we want joy but you may not realize all of the health benefits it brings you (Check out this article for details:  https://www.healthline.com/health/affects-of-joy#2).  

When we go through life without feeling the joy, we often show up more stressed, more anxious, and more impatient because we're fixated on all the things on our to-do list or what's not working well.  And then...if you're like me...you feel guilty that you're not enjoying some of the moments where you should feel joy - looking at a sunrise or sunset, watching my kids compete, seeing a team member succeed or a myriad of other things.

Sometimes, we just feel too busy to stop and appreciate the moments or the things that do bring us joy.  Many people capture these moments or things in their gratitude journals.  Yes, gratitude and joy are different, but I think they often cross over, at least in my world.

I want more moments in my life where I recognize JOY!  I know it's there, but it's often hiding under the piles of things to do or life baggage.  Every day, I want to find those moments of JOY that make me smile or laugh.  I want to feel that energy flow through my body when I pause and recognize that moment.

 As 2019 and the decade ramps down, can you slow down a bit each day, maybe in the moments of stillness I've been talking about, and appreciate those little (or big) things that are bringing you joy?

Don't you want that positive energy raising through your body?  Wouldn't it feel great to smile or laugh about something that you often take for granted but that makes you so excited?

I'm kicking off a 12 Days of Joy challenge.  Each day between now (December 13th) and December 24th, challenge yourself to fill in something from the holiday song, "The 12 Days of Christmas."

So..today is the 1st day so mine is "On the 1st day of Joy, I gave myself 1 pint of Guinness."  If you want to feel the energy or power of this joy, consider singing it out loud or actually give yourself that gift of joy.

Join my Facebook group (12 Days of Joy) if you're interested in playing along this holiday season.

Isn't it time to feel the power of JOY?