Feature

Keeping the Joy

By Nathalea George

Keeping the Joy If we don’t take time to appreciate the joys of life, we rush past them, noticing only the negative things around us. Here are some ways to rise above daily troubles and keep joy at the center of your life.

See God’s divine hand in everything. The simplest and most profound joy comes from knowing the God who created the heavens and earth and everything in them. Creation, in all its splendor, is enough to baffle the mind and flood the heart with unspeakable wonder and joy.

Don’t allow bitterness to stain your soul. As painful as it may be, deal with difficult situations and get on with the business of enjoying life.

Turn a deaf ear to self-doubt and pessimism. Don’t allow naysayers to stifle your dreams or dictate your lifestyle. When your goals are supported by prayer, constructive advice and genuine support, you should follow your heart.

Let go of unnecessary stress. Restore a sense of balance in your life to ensure a healthy, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

Stop making excuses and do something spontaneous. Often, spending time with the people you love or helping someone in need proves to be the perfect antidote to counteract fatigue or negative feelings.

Create a personal oasis and develop personal rituals. Your oasis could be your bedroom, bathroom, porch, back yard or garden. Tranquil spaces and soothing music help create a serene environment. Infuse your home with the things that help promote a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Surround yourself with colors, scents, sights and sounds you love.

Learn to enjoy silence. Unplug your television, computer and phone to create a peaceful change in your stressful routine. Free your mind from distractions and open your ears to God’s voice.

Laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Despite the difficulties of life, try to maintain a light-hearted attitude.

Banish the mess. Clean and de-clutter your mind and surroundings to create a space for serenity and mental clarity.

Learn something new. Make a list of the things you want to experience in your life. Then begin to do them one by one.

Expand your perspective of the world. The news isn’t all bad. Read National Geographic or watch educational TV. Spend an evening at the library. Spend time traveling with like-minded people.

Talk to elderly people. They can offer wise, witty and informative first-hand accounts of history.

Be forgiving. Deliberately forgive, even when your heart would prefer to wallow in resentment. If forgiveness is difficult, at least pray for a transformation in the life of your offender. Give up grudges and let go of toxic memories. Reconcile with estranged friends and family members, offering the understanding and compassion you would like extended to you.

Start and end the day with prayer, praise and thankfulness. If people and situations contribute to your feeling discouraged during the day, focus your mind on the good things in your life.

Manage anger. Think twice before responding to people and situations. Consciously replace boiling emotions with composed thoughts.

Find healthy ways to let off steam. Pray, exercise, play a musical instrument, listen to your favorite music, do some gardening, paint or write in your journal. Over time, by God’s grace, you can learn to face, deal with and walk away from potentially explosive situations.

Cultivate love in your home. Make “I love you” more than a sentimental greeting on a card. Say it often and show it in tangible ways.

Appreciation for the joys of life is contagious. It begins with you and me. While we must be aware of the troubles around us, we should keep our eyes on God, who provides countless joys in life that help us to hold on and move on.