The secret to more joy in your life
Want to know the secret to having more pleasure, joy, and happiness in your life? It’s so stupid easy... but often difficult to choose to do.
The secret? It’s not about a blow out vacation to Europe (although that would be wonderful). It’s not about the big fancy purchases, or the lavish parties.
👉 It’s about planning things to look forward to, even if it’s just for an afternoon, or an evening. Scheduling more of the small experiences that bring you joy. Choosing more opportunities for happiness.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind, working for the weekend, for the promotion, hustling until you can afford the next big thing you so desire. And suddenly months have gone by. Or you get the big thing, and then it’s over too soon. Vacation hangover, blech!
🙋♀️ But what actually brings you joy and happiness?
When you think back to the times where you felt alive, happy, what small moments comprised the overall grand experience?
Was it connection with family, friends loved ones? Inside jokes? Was it getting a break from your life, knowing you had no responsibilities but to enjoy yourself in that moment? Feeling completely free and unburdened.
Do you notice what underlies all your favorite moments? 🥰 🥳 Feelings. 🤩 🤭
💡 Instead of chasing big experiences, understand what feelings you want to feel more.
Can you name or describe the feelings (more than just ‘happy’)? Is it ebullience, unbridled joy, expansiveness? Is it laughing until you pee your pants a little? Is it achievement, learning, pursuing curiosity? New experiences, moments of awe and wonder? Is it feeling connected, like you belong? What does joy mean to you?
What is most likely to make you feel the feelings that bring happiness and pleasure to your daily life?
Break down what really makes you happy in the small moments of your life, then start to plan for and schedule more daily opportunities to experience these feelings.
Isn’t a life well lived compiled of many small moments and experiences? Why wait for the next BIG event or experience? Start building your pile of small good things this week.
Maybe you just start to set aside half the day on a weekend. Then you choose a few hours on a Tuesday night. The anticipation and looking forward to building your small moments of joy are half the fun!
Don’t just think about it. Plan something small. Right now. 🫵 What will bring you more joy this week, this weekend, and what chunk of time will you dedicate just to this? Can you literally schedule this into your calendar?
Go add more joy to your calendar.