A Good Word

Rediscovering the Joys of Life

It takes commitment to do most things in life. If we don’t make the time to appreciate the joys of life, we rush past them. Consequently, we see only grief and negativity.

Here are 8 ways to find and create joy in our lives:

See God’s divine hand in all things. The simplest and most profound joy is derived from the knowledge of God who created the heavens and the earth and all they contain. Creation, in all its splendor, is enough to baffle the mind and flood the heart with unspeakable wonder and joy.
Don’t allow traces of bitterness to fester and tarnish your soul. Don’t wallow in self-pity and do nothing. As painful as it may be, deal with your perplexing situations and get on with the business of living and enjoying life.
Turn a deaf ear to self-doubt and pessimism. Cease allowing naysayers to stifle your dream and dictate your work and lifestyle. When your dreams and goals are supported by prayer, constructive advice and genuine support, you should follow your heart.
Let go of unnecessary stress and seek to restore a sense of balance to ensure a healthy, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.
Stop making excuses and be spontaneous. Often, spending time with the people you love, or helping someone in need proves to be the perfect antidote to counteract feelings that overwhelm and fatigue. Plan and be open to impromptu outings and visits.
Create your personal oasis and develop personal rituals. It could be anywhere — bedroom, bath, porch, backyard or garden. Tranquil spaces and soothing music help to create a serene environment. Infuse your home with the things that help promote a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Surround and submerge yourself in the space, colors, scents and sounds you love.
Learn to enjoy silence. Unplug your television, computer, phones, etc, to create a peaceful change in your stressful routine. The change will free your mind from distractions and enable you to listen to your inner voice.
Laugh. Don’t take life or yourself too seriously. Despite the difficulties of life, try to maintain a light-hearted attitude and environment in your home. For example, watch cartoons with your children.

Banish the mess. Clean and de-clutter your mind and surroundings creating space for serenity and mental clarity.

Learn something new. Make a list of the things you want to experience in your life. Then begin to do them one by one. Sign up for art, karate or swimming lessons.

Expand your perspective of the world and its people. It is not all bad news. Read National Geographic magazine or watch their cable channel. Spend an evening at the library. Take a tour of the country with like-minded people.

Talk to elderly people of different races for a wise, witty and informative first-hand account of their history.

Be forgiving. Forgiveness is a deliberate action you can take even when your heart would prefer to wallow in resentment. If forgiveness is difficult, at least pray for a transformation in the life of your offender. Give up grudges and let go of toxic memories. Reconcile with estranged friends and family members, offering the understanding and compassion you would like extended to you.

Start and end the day with prayer, praise and thankfulness. If people and situations contribute to your feeling discouraged during the day, focus your mind on the good things in your life.

Manage anger. Think twice before responding to people and situations. Consciously replace boiling emotions with composed thoughts.

Find healthy ways to let off steam: pray, exercise, play a musical instrument, listen to your favorite music, do some gardening, paint, write in your journal. Over time, by God’s grace, you can learn to face, deal with, and walk away from potentially explosive situations.

Strong family ties cultivate stability in the home. Make “I love you” more than a sentimental greeting on a card. Say it often and show it in tangible ways.

Find and indulge passion. Whether at work or at home, time spent pursuing your passion will make you healthier, more energetic, less stressful, and you will enjoy a deeper satisfaction in all areas of your life.

Do something. A feeling of helplessness contributes to stress. When you help others, you help yourself. Practice random acts of kindness. Surprise someone with a little gift. The joy of giving will be your reward.

Appreciation for the joys of life is contagious; it begins with you, it begins with me. We must be aware and sensitive to the ills and negativity that abound.

Nevertheless, we must keep our eyes on God who provides countless joys in life, which help us to hold on, and go on.