In the landscape of longevity, there is a huge focus on long term gains, that sometimes leaves me wondering what I can do for short term enjoyment. Surely life isn’t all about having sparkling clean arteries and being a whiz at sudoku in my 80s? (by the way it took me ages to remember the word for sudoku – an early sign of cognitive decline! Yikes! …and also a sign of being stressed, under slept or having a lot on your plate. Take care of your brain, my friends!) Sometimes I feel like I want a quick fix for a long, happy life that doesn’t take a huge amount of energy or thought.
And then the confetti cover of Joyful caught my eye. My favourite part of the book is essentially the opposite of the broken window theory: living in a beautiful space sets the stage for more beauty and creates an upward spiral. I felt inspired to get rid of a couple of old shelves that I had gotten for free and have become pretty beaten up over the years. My home feels much more zen and less chaotic. In a world full of hassle, my space is now much more streamlined.
Since no one has an attention span for reading too much, here are some brief action-items to get you done with this blog and out into your more joyful world:
- Identify Joy Triggers: Pay attention to the things that bring you joy in your environment. These could be colors, shapes, patterns, textures, or even specific objects. Keep a journal or make a list of these joy triggers.
- Surround Yourself with Joy: Once you’ve identified your joy triggers, incorporate them intentionally into your surroundings. This might involve adding colorful artwork, playful décor, or vibrant plants to your home or workspace.
- Simplify and Declutter: Clutter can dampen feelings of joy. Take steps to declutter your environment and simplify your surroundings. This could involve organizing your belongings, streamlining your workspace, or eliminating unnecessary items.
- Seek Out Nature: Nature is a powerful source of joy for many people. Spend time outdoors in natural settings such as parks, gardens, or forests. Bring elements of nature indoors with plants, flowers, or nature-inspired artwork.
- Embrace Playfulness: Incorporate elements of playfulness into your daily life. This could involve engaging in creative hobbies, trying new activities, or finding ways to inject humor into your routine.
- Connect with Others: Cultivate meaningful connections with friends, family, and community members. Social interactions and shared experiences can amplify feelings of joy and belonging.
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the things you’re thankful for in your life. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your day.
- Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sensory experiences that bring you joy, whether it’s the smell of fresh flowers, the taste of your favorite food, or the feel of soft fabrics. Seek out opportunities to engage your senses in pleasurable ways.
- Create Rituals and Traditions: Establish rituals and traditions that bring joy and meaning to your life. These could be daily rituals, such as enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, or special traditions, such as celebrating holidays with loved ones.
- Spread Joy to Others: Share your joy with others by engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering in your community, or simply offering a smile to someone in need. Remember that joy is contagious, and by spreading joy to others, you’ll amplify your own feelings of happiness.
ZenwithGwen 