Your Joy is a Lot Closer Than You Think: Find Your Joy Now

Your Joy is a Lot Closer than You Think: Find Your Joy Now

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”  Abraham Lincoln

Sometimes it seems that there isn’t much within our control – but we can control what is playing in our heads. You have the power to experience joy – you can change the channel. Think about something that is very special to you, it could be: an event: (birth, graduation, wedding), a special person (child, a spouse, a friend),a pet, a painting, a sunset – something wonderful that fills your heart. Happiness is on the way.

There are special occasions in life that bring us unbounded joy. Joy enhances your health, longevity, and your outlook. How could that be anything but great? Why wait for a special occasion to experience joy? You can have joy whenever you want to. Really, it is within your grasp. Change your thoughts and you summon happiness and joy.

When faced with the hustle and bustle of life we do not often think about enjoying the present moment. We scurry from here to there and back - - always on the move. But where are we right now? Are you aware of why you are doing what you are doing? Is your constant busyness building toward something great? Or, not so much? Is there a grander scheme in your life? Are you happy right this minute? If not, why not?

You can decide right now how you feel. And because you can decide for yourself, why would you not decide, of all the emotions swirling around out there, to be happy? You can be and will be happy when you alone decide that you will be happy. Talk about an awesome power! So what are you waiting for? What is standing in your way?

Per chance, you do not believe me. Then try this. Picture yourself in very heavy downtown traffic. Nothing, I mean nothing, is moving. You are growing impatient. Then just as your light turns green and it is time to go, a whole gaggle of people start to cross the street right in front of you against the light. What?

How do you feel about that? Did your emotions shift? Nothing really happened to you but by your thoughts you allowed your emotions to shift. Your reactions to your thoughts caused your emotions to shift. You can monitor your thoughts and you can begin to control and direct your emotions.

You can decide to be happy. Yes, even standing in the longest supermarket checkout line when the register tape runs out. You can be happy in the short term by redirecting your mind toward positive, constructive thoughts and expressing gratitude for your gifts – even in the toughest situations. You can be happy in the long term by identifying and working steadfastly toward your dream.

Three-Step Call to Action:

1.Identify the special times or special people in your life that make you joyous.

2.Summon memories of that special occasion, event, or people – use all of your senses to remember as much as you can. Make those memories really come alive.

3.Permit those feelings to envelope you and to pervade your mind and your heart. Spend a minute or two just basking in the joy of that special moment and feel your spirits lift.

You’ve got the power. Find your joy now!

Just Say No to the Status QuoTM.