Where is Your Joy?

The word JOY sometimes evokes this image of something that has to be really big or important in order to qualify, or we have to be super happy to experience joy.

I’d like to define joy as that internal feeling of happiness you experience when something good happens in your life, or when you look at something beautiful or hear/say some kind words to another person.

It can be absolutely anything that brings a smile to your face and makes you feel good.

Last week my sister showed me her sidewalk chalk picture that she and a coworker made during their lunch break so they would have something beautiful to look at while they worked. Their usual view was of a grey slab of concrete rooftop outside of their window.

The drawing took very little time, yet created a great amount of joy for both my sister and her coworker.

Today we’re in the midst of a snowstorm that will require significant time to clean up. We can feel resistance about all the time and energy this will take or we can notice the amazing beauty that is created by the snow, covering everything in a clean blanket of white. (Sometimes we feel both and that’s fine also.)

Action Step:

Try to pay attention to what makes you happy today, in even the smallest ways.

Experience all of your senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, hearing) and allow yourself to enjoy moments you might otherwise have missed.

For example, as I write this blog I’m “working” in my beautiful living room with a fire burning and my cat just climbed onto my shoulder from the back of the couch. I feel like I’m in a snow globe with a cat purring in my ear. What’s not to love?

Pay attention to the little thing that make you happy and find your joy today and everyday in the small moments.