Beginning of the Joy Factor Experience
What is it about joy that people want in their lives? Is it a feeling, is it a “something,” a craving? Is it the opposite of feeling sadness or fear? Is it wanting something that you think you can’t have, like straight hair instead of curly, or blue eyes instead of green ones?. I know that joy is something that I wanted all of my life, and still do! There are times that I do find joy in a delicious piece of dark, rich chocolate, but when the chocolate is gone, the joy is gone. If someone could create a chocolate bar that had sustainable, joyful feelings as one of its benefits …hmmmm …it could be the Mounds of Joy Bar, the feeling lasts long after you’re picking the coconut out of your teeth. I would buy it by the case, wouldn’t you?
Over the last 3ish years, I have been on an intentional joy journey. I now realize that I have actually been on it my whole life; I just thought I was out for a good time. And boy, did I have them – lots of them – with friends, family, strangers, clients, employers – you name it. It is about a good time. But some of the main factors of joy for me, pre-January 2006, were filled with lots of things that I found outside of myself. The list was long and I am sure that a few of my items are on your list as well; some of them still are. They are the classic examples of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Those were the early years that lasted until I was in my early 30s. It is all perspective isn’t it?
I then started getting a taste of the finer things in life: nice clothes, shoes, good food, shoes, travel to fun places; did I mention shoes? More things that I thought would bring me joy from the outside in. The funny thing was that I was also a personal development junkie, reading all of the greats: Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Shatki Gawain, etc. I got to see them in person, meet them and tell lots of other people what they could do to live a better life. The challenge was that I was really not walking my talk. The more that I thought I was, the more I was attached to certain things and to being controlling.
I am sure that nobody has any idea what I am talking about here. Wake up everyone, let’s get on the joy journey! What I am trying to express here is that joy is one of those things that lives inside of us, like our heart, kidney, liver and lungs. Breathe in the joy and then breathe it out. As we do our best to take care of these things in our body, it is a good thing to work on taking care of what we can do to raise our joy factor. Imagine a life filled with increased joy, being yourself, expressing yourself authentically and feeling awesome doing it! Being clear on the direction you are going in (for now), having tools to support you in being a strategic optimist – yes, there is a strategy here – don’t you love a good plan? And how about some more self-love in this yummy recipe?
If you are anything like me, and I believe that you are, then you are probably starting to wonder, “Hmmm. . .how do I get some more of this joy thing in my life? Where do I sign up?” Of course. You are in the right place at the right time. Like attracts like, you know.
What is one thing that would bring you joy today? My dog Abbey Road just crawled up on the couch with me—I love when she sticks her nose under my hand and says –“pet me mommy!” The simplicity of giving her a few minutes of my time brings her lots of joy.
What would you like to spend a few minutes doing today that would bring you joy? Is it in the garden, with your journal, kids, or on the phone with a girlfriend that you have not connected with for awhile? Start small … stop long enough to ask yourself if you plan to raise your joy factor and be a part of this joy movement, what is the next right thing to do?
I am going to take a nap.
Wendy is a joyful, vibrant human being who sees possibilities everywhere she goes. Whether she is working with a coaching client, creating a piece of art or riding her bicycle 100 miles in one day, the joy of possibility is one of her favorite perspectives. Alot of her joy comes from spending time with her husband Matt and their 2 four-legged kids, Abbey Road and Eli. It also comes from listening to good music, spending time in nature, eating good food and being with friends and family. When all of that happens together, she is in joyful bliss.
Hey honey – Way to go on the first post and getting this thing up and kicking.
As for the right next thing? I’m going to leave the office at 6, go home, put on my walking shoes, put the iPod on and dance/walk around the neighborhood to some good/bad 1960′s/70′s tunes. (and THEN maybe i’ll take a nap)
One thing that I’m going to do (tonight) in order to increase mine and other’s joy a bit is something I’ve said I was going to do for a while: Create an online album of me doing ridiculous things, a touch of the absurd, or just outright laughable situations. True humility is lies in right-sizing – not taking myself so seriously all the time, even at those times when I am “working” on me. So I’m off to keep my word at something (another aspect of being joyful you mentioned: being genuine) and get a laugh or two while I’m at it.
Deb, i can see you now–creating joy yourself and all that have the pleasure of seeing you in the neighborhood!
I love that Carly! I hope to be able to see that sometime soon! I always love a good laugh.
Little things bring me joy: putting together good food to make a delicious meal, studying the intricate pattern of dots on the alstromeria on my kitchen counter, warm sunshine on my face, finding a dairy-free ice cream made with coconut milk and agave – yum! They’re reminders of my bliss. And right now I’m echoing your closing line. I’m taking a nap. I absolutely love naps. I don’t have a dog to share it with, but the soft bed and cushy pillow do just fine.
What a wonderful combination of things that bring joy. Just like the combination of chocolate and almond I am enjoying now. Whether you find joy in one thing or a combination, it does not matter. What does matter is making the concious choice to find what gives it to you and claim it!
I’m joyful right now as I take the time to digest what you said, Wendy, and loving you for sharing your experience to enrich ours. I’m joyful because I’m living today with grace and ease, I’m in the moment. I’m joyful because today I choose it. Life is a gift…you know the rest.
Congrats on getting this up and going. I’ve had some challenges with getting on…but I’m here, finally. And for now, that is pure joy!
Just this week-end a friend of mine brought me a collection of vintage jewelry to check out. It was found in the attic of a friend and she knew that I would go “insane”, since I have a fondness for vintage jewelry. What a high. I love to put something vintage on around my neck or pinned to my lapel and wonder… who was wearing it, what was the event? I love to go back into a different place in time. It’s a warm escape for a few minutes of playtime. I should wear vintage pieces more often. That brings me lots of joy!
Since I always seem to look to the bigger picture for joy, i’m going to start small, as you said – I will find joy in a good workout at the gym, and a rewarding dinner afterwards, one that won’t make me negate my entire workout. I’ll start there and end it with a good night of sleep to start my tomorrow off on the right foot… and again I will focus on the small things, because the small joys in life can be the building blocks to the larger things, and I’m only starting to understand and appreciate that notion. Thanks for opening my eyes to all of this, Wendy!