5 Ways to Connect with Joy
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected and unhappy. Most women juggle multiple responsibilities, and we often put our own needs last. That can be a heavy burden to carry. It's time to focus on satisfying your soul and finding joy. Here are five ways to reconnect with peace and joy.
1) Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform your perspective on life. When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, you cultivate a sense of abundance and contentment.
Start by making a list. You can either make a list of a bunch of things or you can focus on one thing, like your favorite person or pet, and list 10 things you love about them. Try it. You can actually feel love and happiness grow in your heart with each grateful thought. Start by saying “I am grateful for:
Flowers on my walk
Butterflies flitting and floating from one flower to the next
My first sip of coffee
My dog’s wagging tail/ my purring cat
Sunsets that just get better with time
A hot shower after a stressful day
Getting the giggles (with my friend)
Our dog, Oreo, brings me so much joy
The way she greets me when I walk through the door
She is always near me, and keeps me company
She smiles when she’s happy
She makes sure I go for multiple walks every day
She entertains me
She reminds me not to take everything so seriously
And it’s not just me. She is an important part of our family.
The possibilities are nearly endless. When you take the time to appreciate the little things, you nourish your soul and lift your spirits.
2) Adjust Your Expectations
I’m not sure if you know this, but overwhelm is a choice. You have options. Instead of being overwhelmed, you can sit down and break down what you want to do into small manageable steps. For example, if you have a goal to run your first 5k, you don’t start out by running 5k on the first day. You find an amount you can run or run and walk and then incrementally increase your distance. You might also start doing some strength training. In other words, most things take time. You set a goal and then take steps to work toward it. The best thing about goals is the satisfaction that comes from achieving them and the lessons you learn along the way.
Maybe it’s more complicated and there are factors in your life that are beyond your control. That’s when you invoke the Serenity Prayer "God grant me the serenity/ To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference." So take care of yourself and let go of your expectations of other people. You never know. They might be doing the best they can.
3) Make Good Use of Your Time
We all have the same 24 hours but sometimes it seems like other people get more done in an hour than others can get done in a day. I think you already know this, but if you procrastinate, then it actually takes longer because of the time you wasted before buckling down and doing the thing.
It’s not easy. We live in a society with a lot of distractions. Our phones are so addictive. How many times do you pick up your phone to see what time it is or what the weather is and the next thing you know you have been on social media and email and you still don’t know what time it is!
You have two choices: You can maximize your productivity in the time you are given or you can waste it procrastinating. Here are a few ways that you can make the most of your time.
Prioritize what you need to do and do the hardest or the most important first
Make a list of your other to do’s and focus on doing one at a time
When you get something done, celebrate! Do a happy dance or get outside. Do something that makes you happy.
Make sure you take breaks. You need to eat and stretch and get outside every day. Let your breaks energize you. Prevent burnout.
Keep a list of what you have done so you can actually see how productive you were. Most people make a to do list. I think it’s fun to make a Done list of all the things I did.
Limit distractions. I have a minimal number of notifications. I only need to know about phone calls and texts. The rest can wait.
I hope you find some of these helpful. It will feel so good when you get that stuff done!
4) Be Kind to Yourself
There will be days, sometimes periods of time, when you just can’t get much done. Give yourself some compassion. If you are a caretaker, just focus on what’s most important. And promise me that you will not beat yourself up. That is counterproductive.
Just take one step at a time. Be strong and be kind and just keep going. If you are struggling from grief or a difficult family situation, dig deep to find your inner strength and resilience. Separate yourself and focus on what you can do.
5) Laugh More
Laughter is contagious. If you really want to connect with joy, find a reason to laugh. Whether it’s a funny video, or playing with your pet, or calling that friend who always makes you laugh. Prioritize laughter.
If you're struggling to laugh or even smile, try this simple trick: put a pencil in your mouth. It forces your facial muscles into a smile, and while it might not be genuine at first, it can get you started. Over time, this physical act can help you find more reasons to smile and laugh genuinely.
There is more to life than just going through the motions. You can become intentional so you seek joy and appreciate the small things in life. Gratitude is a life-changing practice that you can do every day. That’s how I begin my day and it sets the tone for the day ahead. When you manage your expectations and you start to let go, you will feel better. Self-compassion and laughter will help make joy attainable as well. You can create a life that feels rich and rewarding. Embrace these practices and watch as they bring peace and joy to your soul.
