December 7, 2017!
"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!"
Or do you? Not only during these festive times, but on a daily basis, do you have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart? I hope you do, but if not, keep reading to see if you can make it happen. After all, that is what this time of year is supposed to be about, as well in your life.
First, what is "joy" for you? What does it take to be joyful for you? And by the way, joyful is different from happy. Happiness is externally triggered based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events. Joyful is when you make peace with who you are and how you are. It is an inside job. So do you know enough about yourself to know what brings you joy?
Is it getting a good night's sleep, hearing lots of children playing, staying quiet, being warm and cozy, getting close and connected to loved ones, knowing what you need to stay healthy? Having just the right number of people over for a delicious meal? It is different for all of us.
There are two parts to this journey of discovery:
1. Figuring out what "joy" is for you.
2. Creating it without stress.
Figuring out what "joy" is for you personally, brings us back to basic Stress Reduction 101 or Mindfulness training. It is a journey of awareness. Knowing what you are doing for you vs. what you are doing for others, or for appearances' sake - is crucial to this process.
How to figure it out:
1. Take quiet time for yourself!! Mark it in your daily calendar if you have to. During these quiet times, think of nothing AND daydream! Daydream about what you would really enjoy for the holidays. What brings a heartfelt smile to your face? What makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over? Be sure you continually ask yourself "is this what I want or am I doing it because it was always done this way" or "because my children, husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother want it". Do not get me wrong, it is OK to do for others, but there has to be a part that you truly enjoy. If what you are doing is for someone else, do not be afraid to ask them for help. People love to help people. "To thine own self be true"...always and listen to your heart.
1. Make time to be "in service" to a person or place that UPLIFTS you. As I just mentioned, people love to help people. It is important that we do not forget the meaning of holidays, family, love, gratitude and generosity.
2. Journal, journal, journal. Make lists about what you want, what you have done for the holiday, what you want to accomplish in the next year, create a budget. See how you feel as you write down each thing. Are you excited or looking forward to it or is it a burden. Cut out or delegate any burdensome tasks.
3. Make smart choices with everything from food, drink and parties to buying presents.
4. Laugh out loud...a lot! As I have shared many times before, smiles and laughter are the best stress reducers. Not only does it release endorphins for you, smiling at other people usually makes them smile. It is a winner for everyone!
5. Dance, sing, do what ever is "jolly" for you. It is so important to keep the fun in the holidays.
6. Get up 15 minutes early to avoid rushing.
7. Add at least an ounce of love to everything you do.
8. Be aware of the demands you place on yourself, your environment and others. Are they realistic?
9. Cultivate a mindful, nonjudgemental awareness of your actions, states of mind and body. Choose states of mind, words and actions that you wish to develop and express.
| 1. | Make time to be "in service" to a person or place that UPLIFTS you. As I just mentioned, people love to help people. It is important that we do not forget the meaning of holidays, family, love, gratitude and generosity. |
| 2. | Journal, journal, journal. Make lists about what you want, what you have done for the holiday, what you want to accomplish in the next year, create a budget. See how you feel as you write down each thing. Are you excited or looking forward to it or is it a burden. Cut out or delegate any burdensome tasks. |
| 3. | Make smart choices with everything from food, drink and parties to buying presents. |
| 4. | Laugh out loud...a lot! As I have shared many times before, smiles and laughter are the best stress reducers. Not only does it release endorphins for you, smiling at other people usually makes them smile. It is a winner for everyone! |
| 5. | Dance, sing, do what ever is "jolly" for you. It is so important to keep the fun in the holidays. |
| 6. | Get up 15 minutes early to avoid rushing. |
| 7. | Add at least an ounce of love to everything you do. |
| 8. | Be aware of the demands you place on yourself, your environment and others. Are they realistic? |
| 9. | Cultivate a mindful, nonjudgemental awareness of your actions, states of mind and body. Choose states of mind, words and actions that you wish to develop and express. |
SPECIAL OFFER - FREE - One Em-Power Luncheon Presentation on "Real Comfort and Joy Through the Holiday Season" when you purchase 4 hours of chair massage. (A $350 value!)
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