How often, during an ordinary day, do we find ourselves smiling or even laughing out loud? We live a culture where we are inundated daily with a long to-do list of all the tasks required to keep our life in order. Our workdays are filled with projects and deadlines. But where is our joy? Life is a dance, and the moments we treasure are the moments when we connect – with nature, with music, or with a loved one.
There is so much talk about increasing productivity – and, of course, there is a place for that. But the quality of our lives depends also on increasing our joy. For without some pleasurable and joyful moments in each day, life can begin to look gray, not brightly colored. To increase our joy, we must take deliberate steps to find out - and begin to practice –those activities that make us feel truly alive.
The first step is to ask yourself: what makes you feel good? While this may sound like a loaded question, let’s take it seriously. What makes you feel good? It may be sitting by a fire on a winter afternoon watching it snow outside. It may be experiencing the thrills of a local fair with rides and carnival food. We all have different things that appeal to us: rooting for your favorite sports team, going to concert, seeing a movie, seeing an awe-inspiring art exhibit.
A good way to discover your ‘happiness triggers’ is to keep track of the moments that make you smile. It helps to write them down. After a while you will begin to notice patterns as your awareness increases. Maybe it was that moment when you were pedaling through a lovely park, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. For me, I had a special spot on the patio of the building where I once worked. On a balmy day, I would sit outside by the pond and watch the butterflies going from flower to flower. For a time I was relaxed and enjoying the beauty around me.
So be sure that you have pleasurable moments and times of joy in each day. These can be small or large – but make sure you smile and laugh! It is medicine for the soul.
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