How to Bring More Joy into Your Life

Does it seem all you do is plan for future joyful times? Possibly you hear sayings like "live each day as if it were your last," but you have trouble taking it to heart.

Feeling joyful times can take some extra effort on your part at times. The truth is, it is your choice. We live in demanding and challenging times and must learn to schedule a moment to slow down, then enjoy living in the present.

Every woman has a unique definition of what joy means to them. Even on your busiest days, you should strive to pause and remember what is essential in your life, then live your life in harmony with your priorities.

The Joy Of Everyday Things

We can get joy right here in the lives we now lead. While going out and experiencing new and exciting things is fun, it is always good to start where we are. There are things to be thankful for and opportunities for joy in routine settings.

Think about these things in your pursuit of joy and fulfillment:

1. Spending quality time with your family. While it is always a great idea to have meal times together, you can discover much joy by simply spending quality time with loved ones at your home. Some women might enjoy family game night, while others prefer to talk and share what is happening in their life.
2. Relaxing with activities you enjoy. Do you skip out on unwinding in a quest to do one more chore before bed? Choose your relaxing activity and make it a priority. Play a game, read a book, or take a bath.
   
3. Grabbing a little fresh air. Nothing like fresh air and enjoying God's amazing nature can bring you into the moment. In nature, you can break away from your inner world for a few moments and realize that you are a tiny part of something large and significant. Let the emotions of well-being and joy wash over you and cleanse your soul.
   
4. Making efforts to become stress-free. The main threats to a joyful life are daily stress and anxiety. Please do not allow these feelings to build up, or they can take away from your opportunities for joy. Deal with stressful situations as they arise so they do not turn into long-term stressful circumstances.

Experiment with New Activities

Once you have grasped the art of discovering joy around you in your everyday life, it is time to see how you can add to it by trying new activities. You do not need to make significant shifts, but attempting new things and breaking away from a comfort zone can be refreshing and rejuvenating.

Three suggestions for trying new interests:

1. Start in your hometown. Look at the various opportunities for fun around where you live. Chances are, there are places you have always meant to try.
   
2. If you are an adventurous person, seek a new activity. You might try activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, or even going to exciting new places.
   
3. Look for new family-friendly activities. You can even set a date to try activities with your neighbors or other close families.

There are endless possibilities when opening yourself up to new opportunities. Stay creative and brainstorm an extensive list. Then start enjoying them all, even if it is only one at a time.

Would you like to read more about joy? Please go check out my friend Karen Williams' blog post:  Finding the Strength and Beauty of Joy (healingbrokenfaith.com)