If ever there was a photo that encapsulated the feeling of pure joy, it’s this one. It makes my face and heart smile every time.
It’s one of my go-to images when inviting people to tap into their joy – many who have to really search for it…to dig deep.
Joy. Something we can all do with – a lot more of.
At some point, I started linking joy with deserving. Joy was only invited and allowed IF I had earned it – if I had achieved or been highly productive.
What a sad reality. I wasn’t unhappy – I was content – but somewhere along the line ‘joy’ stopped being my natural state.
When did we (because I know I’m not the only one) begin believing that joy is something we need to earn, instead of embracing as a way of BEing?
Paul and I chatted about ‘joy vs happiness, allowing & inviting in more joy, how being sad is more acceptable than being joyful’, and more on our weekly WellBEing Wednesday on 919FM.
Watch/listen to the BTS recording here.
There are so many external circumstances that can impact our wellbeing, so consciously choosing to show up in a more aligned, joyful, optimistic state takes effort.
It’s easy to kick into ‘surviving, existing, and just getting by’ when we’re worried, feeling overwhelmed, feeling responsible for others.
This is when we have to bring ourselves back to the present – to consciously choose. To choose joy. To choose gratitude. And to focus on the present moment with love.
When we live in a state of joy, even in small moments, our outlook changes. Our conversations change. We start seeing possibilities where we once saw obstacles.
Joy is a physiological state as well. When we experience joy:
- Our stress hormones decrease
- Dopamine and serotonin increase – our ‘feel good’ chemicals
So a simple place to start is with this reflective question: What is one small thing that brings you joy that you’ve been too busy to notice?
Do that today, not as a reward, but as part of how you live.
I share some ideas and tools here.
You – we all – deserve joy as a state of BEing – in body, mind and in our business. It really is possible. You may just need some guidance and support.
So from your biggest cheerleader & guide, choose joy.
Petra 💛
