10 Ways to Create More Joy in Life


"Steve, where has all the joy gone?" You would be amazed at how often I am asked this question. Not only do people ask about it for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren. In response to the question, here are ten ways you can create more joy in your life right now. I mean right now! Ready?
  1. Promote Optimism.  
    Maybe you're out of practice on this one, but find just one thing to be optimistic about today. If you start with just one thing, other optimistic thoughts will grow from that. Lost a half-pound? Be joyful. Got rid of all the dandelions in your lawn? Be happy. Purged half of your closet? Be optimistic that you started something you have been putting off.
     
  2. Keep It Simple.  
    Are you reaching too high to find joy? It's a common problem you know. Instead of believing that the only way to find joy is to sit on a beach in Maui, take pleasure in just sitting on your porch and watching the sun rise or set. Don't ignore blooming flowers or your neighbor's puppy or the picture of an airplane your granddaughter made for you. She drew it for you because she loves you.  
     
  3. Give Back.  
    Want to have more joy? Give back to those less fortunate. There are always things that can be done to help you cultivate joy in others. For example, do you know someone elderly or infirm? Cut someone's grass, shovel snow, walk a dog, read a story, cook a meal or do whatever can be done to lighten another's burden. In lightening another's burden, you will lighten yours.
     
  4. Positive Messaging.   
    Instead of saying "I can't," think "Maybe I can." Instead of thinking "I'm getting old," think "I can still touch someone today" or "I can still make a difference in this world." Use positive messages on yourself. Now a firm warning: Please, please, please don't allow miserable people to tell you that you can't. Stay far away from them. You can and have every right to be joyous.
     
  5. Enrich Children.   
    You can make a huge difference for the children in your life and, in fact, they need you. They don't even have to be your children. You can be a mentor, a teacher, a coach and a friend. When a child needs you, it can't help but promote joy in you. Don't worry. You don't have to be rich, famous, clever, strong, young, old, LeBron James or Taylor Swift to form a meaningful relationship with a child. No matter what life has dealt you, in elevating a child, you elevate yourself. 
     
  6. Rejoice.    
    You are alive, and as long as you live you cannot only have joy in your life, but you can bring joy into the lives of other people. To rejoice in life does not require special equipment, training, advanced degrees or trophies. Rejoice in this day and this hour. Rejoice in your accomplishments and the difference you do make in the lives of others. Don't take words of love for granted; don't take someone smiling at you for granted; don't take words of praise for granted. Rejoice in all things, and sooner rather than later, people will say, "What a joyful person you are!"
     
  7. Accept the Trials.    
    To have joy in your life also means acceptance of hard times or rough times. Though it sounds contradictory, it is not. There are seasons of drought and seasons of abundance, and it is good for us to know that, for it leads to optimism. No matter what you or your loved ones are going through at the moment, there will be joy and laughter again.
     
  8. Be Grateful.  
    Joy often stems from gratitude. This is an extremely valuable and especially important lesson. Want more joy in your life? Allow more gratitude. I am grateful for so many things in my life, from my wife, children and grandchildren to my friends and neighbors, to each and every one of you. I have tremendous gratitude for my health and my life's passion. I have gratitude for the bad years as well as the good. I have gratitude for my love of God and for having compassion for those less fortunate. I am fully blessed, and I am grateful. If I feel my joy waning, I focus on what I have been given.
     
  9. Priceless.   
    Again, a very valuable idea to teach the children in your life. I have known more than a few very rich, extremely unhappy people. Joy is not a function of wealth. A great many lottery winners have wound up terribly depressed, terribly lonely and often less wealthy than before they won. A child will not be more joyful after getting an Xbox or a new mobile device, but may find great joy in volunteering or simply hiking in the woods without the smartphone. I can still remember the joy of my grandmother's noodle pudding with its apples, raisins and crust, but I cannot remember most of the fancy meals I've eaten in expensive restaurants. You cannot outspend unhappiness. There is no price tag on joy.
     
  10. Don't Be Envious.    
    Jealousy can rob us of joy. It is why I warn people about spending too much time on social media where everyone is SO happy with their new cars, brilliant kids, gorgeous wardrobes, perfect mates and incredible jobs. Be jealous of no one, take pride in your accomplishments and remember that people who count, people who care for you, love you for who you are, not for what you have.

Don't focus on the things that steal your joy. Count the many reasons you have to be happy. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Choose to be joyful.
 
Best,

Steve









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