7 Ways to Make Joy a Lifestyle
Often during this time of year we hear songs about JOY, we go to plays that are full of bright lights, music and cute children and we laugh and have a great time! In the stores people are making small talk asking one another if they’re done yet with their Christmas Shopping, others are paying it forward in the drive thru lane. Lots of people start putting up Christmas lights on November 1st if not earlier. It really does feel like the most Wonderful time of the Year!
But what tends to happen around January 2nd? It can feel like an exhilarating roller coaster that comes to an abrupt stop and you can’t get back on it again until the following year. What if I was to tell you that it’s possible to feel that spirit of JOY and Hope not just during a season but as a lifestyle, yep it truly is possible!
Here’s 7 ways to make it a lifestyle:
1) Be Present in your Present, many times we are not enjoying the moments of life because our brain is thinking ahead to what is next on our calendar. Being present and intentional allows you to really soak in the memories that are being made.
2) Give-Give-Give, we often wait until the Holidays to start giving but it’s so important that we have a spirit of giving throughout the year. Leave a large tip for a waiter/waitress, take an elderly person out to lunch and spend uninterrupted time with them (phone muted), ask your local donation center what items are needed the most, look around and see who needs a helping hand and be willing to extend that hand.
3)Set Emotional Boundaries, if you are not taking care of yourself well then you won’t be able to take care of others well. Do a check in with yourself often to make sure you are doing well in your mind-body-soul!
3) Cultivate friendships-we talked about this in a previous blog (if you haven’t read it please do). We are not made to be an Island; we are made to connect and be part of an community.
4) Compliment People often (of course be genuine)-give people their “flowers” while they are still on this side of Heaven. Let them know how much they mean to you, don’t just assume that they know.
5) Simplify and declutter your life, look in your closets, pantries, cabinets and items that you are no longer using bless somebody else with it.
Why let it collect dust when it could be blessing someone who is in need? If you don’t have anything physical to declutter then do a check in to make sure your mind is decluttered from the negativity of this world.
Often, we allow the news, media and other influences to clutter our mind which becomes a breeding ground for anxiety.
6) Spend time with Jesus and being in his Word, we can do all the other suggestions but if we don’t have a personal relationship with Christ then it will be difficult to consistently do the other five suggestions. Seek Him and you will Find Him!
7) Become a part of JOY Ministries! 😊 What is JOY Ministries? It is an encouragement group of ladies that meet virtually and in person to discuss practical and spiritual tips on how to live a JOYous life despite challenging times.
If you follow these suggestions, you will definitely be on your way to making JOY a lifestyle and not just a Season.
What is JOY? It is an assurance that no matter what life brings us, God is going to take care of us. Happiness is nice to have too but it can be fleeting, JOY in Christ is everlasting!
