Joy

...your kids, your spouse, your family, your friends, shopping, working, learning, kissing, decorating, skiing, your pet, singing, being in the sun, reading a good book, golf, playing video games, cleaning, music, painting, running, cooking, football, going to the movies, crafting, daydreaming, dancing, traveling, soccer, sleeping, tennis, collecting, playing chess, gardening, photography, sewing, laughing, cheering on your team, exercising, praying, baking, snuggling, eating...

what  brings  you  joy?

Making time for joy can change your whole outlook on life.  Think about something that brings you joy and think of a time when you did it, had it, or spent time with it.  You were happier, right?  Why is it then, that we don't make more time for it in our everyday lives?  If we did, we would be happier and that happiness would permeate every aspect of our lives....might even make the people around us happier, too!  Just think about how happy it makes us when the sun shines after a few days of cloudiness.  Sometimes we don't realize how much we miss it until it shows up again! When i tell people that i'm an artist, they often tell me that they "used to paint" or "used to sew" or "used to" something with longing in their voices.  Their reasons vary, but really, they're all the same...they just don't make time for it.  Yes, sometimes there's expense involved with a particular interest, and we have many obligations in life with work, school, family, etc... but life is short.  And, the laundry can wait, and the lawn can be mowed tomorrow, and it wouldn't kill you to turn off your iphone for an hour.  Go for the joy! 

So, how do you live a more joyful life?

 

This past week, Mark and I attended our church's Parish Mission and were blessed to hear visiting priest, Father Dennis Corrado, speak specifically about just that....joy.  Here's Fr. Dennis' abbreviated list of ways to find even more joy in your life...

• Develop a short term memory.  In other words, forgive and forget.  Nobody goes to their deathbed praying for justice, "Dear God, give me what i deserve..."  Rather, we pray for mercy, "Dear God, forgive me..."  Be forgiving of others.
• Keep learning
• Be a good friend
• Count your blessings - it reminds you of what you do have instead of what you don't.
• Look for the humor in daily life - this will give you perspective...don't take yourself so seriously.
• Deepen your faith - this will help you to see your place in this world more clearly.
• Overlook a flaw in another person and ourselves- nobody is perfect.  "See everything, overlook a great deal, then correct a little".
• Thank someone who has enriched your life - don't wait until it is too late.
• Make peace with your life - when you think to yourself "this is it? this is my life?" - embrace it.

So, here's my joy challenge for you:

1. Find your joy.  Click here to download and print the FREE "what brings you joy?" print at the top of this blog post. It's my gift to you. Hang it somewhere you can see it every single day: the refrigerator, your bathroom mirror, next to your computer, inside your locker, etc... and make time for your JOY!
2. Spread the joy.  If you work in an office, put a copy on the break room bulletin board, or stuff everyone's office mailboxes with a copy. If you know of a community bulletin board in a store, restaurant, school or library, put one up there! Just think about how much happier the world would be if EVERYONE would just make time for joy. Think about your grouchy boss, your grumpy co-worker, a crotchety neighbor or maybe even a curmudgeon that you might {gasp} LIVE with?! Help them to contemplate, and maybe even find their joy. Your joy might just rub off on them! {I'm not trying to sell anything here, just trying to spread the joy, so pass it on!}
3. Share your joy.  Tell me what brings you joy! Leave me a comment and tell me what brings you joy and what you are going to do to make more time for it.  You will earn a chance to win a free print (of your choice) from my etsy shop.  Tell me where you've posted the "what brings you joy" print for yourself or others to earn a second chance.

Finally, I had to share this you tube video of the group called Improv Everywhere.  Their mission is to create chaos and joy in public places.  Their latest global "mission" was the No Pants Subway Ride, which occurred just a couple of weeks ago.  The result was unique and truly unforgettable for those not in on "the joke" and lots of smiles!  Check it out! Oh, to be a fly on the wall...or on the subway!

Comments

[Alison]

I LOVE this!!! I will be printing the "Joy Signs" for each of my kids teachers and for the break room at the school!

I find joy in writing. One of my goals for 2010 is to be better at finding and making the time to do this!! I have to be diligent in making this a priority, but I do! I schedule time each week and do everything I can to protect that time!

[Aimée Wheaton]

This is awesome!! Loved the video!! I find joy in helping others and promoting others. I find joy in my daughters laugh, I find joy in my art and creating. I am going to try really hard to have more time to help others this year as well as create new art. I hear my daughters laugh daily and I will find more time to make more laughs with her. Thank you for spreading the happy! I'm going to see if my hubby will bring this to his job, they sure need it there! Thanks for sharing!!

[Jeannine]

You and your blog bring me joy!!! Love the video too!!! It is funny that you posted this, I have really been trying harder in the past couple of weeks to find more Joy, and look at things with a more positive attitude. I will definitely print some copies of your sign and post them everywhere!

[Catherine Just]

oh I just LOVE this. thanks for posting it on Twitter.
I LOVE being with my son Max. And I feel so lucky to stay home with him and be an artist and teach photography workshops - all of which bring me JOY! I love laughing with my husband. I love being at home and having it be quiet and peaceful. I love ginger tea. I LOVE taking the Mondo Beyondo Class. Being outside on a sunny day. Connecting with a good friend. Listening to birds sing. taking things/life slow. Discovering new parts of town or traveling to new places. an iced soy decaf latte. Eating breakfast at a cute restaurant with my husband and son. Taking max to the swings at the park. Napping. Making things for my son. Learning new things or taking art classes or any classes where I learn something I'm interested in. Being grounded and knowing who I am - feeling confident. Expressing Love Outward. Expressing Love toward myself.
I could go on and ON!
I'm going to post your JOY Poster on my blog.
http://www.hang-on-little-tomato.blogspot.com

[Meghan McD]

Thank you for sharing the word Joy! It is one of my favorites. I plan on posting this wonderful print in my creative workspace. Right back at you with some joy your way!

Peace,

Meghan

[Calli Johnson]

Thanks for the awesome post! I am blessed to have a job that brings me joy, a great family that brings me joy and a room all to myself to craft in that brings me joy! I'll be linking your post on my blog for all to see! Great post!

Love & Cupcakes,
Calli

[Missy Holmes]

I LOVE THIS POST! Heck, I love you and all of your beautiful art and happiness! I love reading your new posts and seeing all of the happy little things that you make!:) So, one thing that brings me joy is you! Your optimism is inspiring!
I printed several copies of this off and gave them to the girls at work and also put one in the back room. I also have one in my planner and at home on the fridge...lol! Can you tell how much I love it? Heehee.
My joy is my husband, my beautiful kids and my crafts. And being able to incorporate all three is special! Also, we love the Colts, too:) Woohoo!

[Rhoda]

I just made a list of simple things that bring me joy:
http://intrinsicart.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-my-soul-smile.html
It was inpired by a couple of other blogs I follow. I love how this theme keeps finding me (or I keep finding it).

My plan to make more time for it: Be spontaneous. If the idea hits me, I'm going to follow through. Not talk myself out of it with logistics :)

Happy Friday!!