Stepping Stones To Joy

Joy

Stepping Stones To Joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Joy, do you feel it? If not, where is it? It may be playing hide and seek, but you can find it. Joy comes down to the choices we decide to make in every area of our life, moment to moment. If you are unhappy, upset or dealing with challenges of any kind, keep in mind that these challenges provide you with growth, they give you an opportunity to heal and are stepping stones to joy. We are not perfect, life is not perfect, but we can strive to make our lives better everyday. It’s easy to be joyful when things are going our way, but things don’t always go “our way.” When something blindsides us, it’s time to ask ourselves what we are creating and why. What areas in our life are in need of healing, clearing or a major overhaul?

Living our days on automatic pilot and routine with our to-do lists, same people, situations and activities can make life drag on at times. Why? Because our souls need nourishment to thrive in JOY. The little things that bring you pleasure matter, they add up and = Joy.  Dance, sing, take the time to enjoy that sunset, call an old friend for lunch, volunteer in your community, do the things in and out of routine that make your heart sing. Joy will begin to fill your life, and as it does you will become stronger, wiser and well equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

Think of life as your mental closet. There is not enough room for joy when disappointment, blame, criticism, anger and judgment take up most of the space. Cleaning out the clutter of our mental, physical and spiritual closets is needed from time to time. The more useless old unwanted items we can clear makes room for what we want to come in. Examine your choices, what are you filling your closet of life with, and are those things bringing you more joy? Living in the past and worrying about the future just piles more clutter into your mental closet. Living in the moment making choices in support of your life makes room for more JOY!