joy [joi]
–noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.
2. a state of happiness or felicity.
It is a common trait of Gen Yers to try to take on too many things. We often find ourselves bogged down and stressed out with too many responsibilities. For many of us we feel guilty taking time just for ourselves. This is the reason there are so many posts written by and for millennials about find balance in your life. I will say to me one of the most important aspects of having balance is making time for joy in my life. Everyday! Even when I have 25 hours worth of things to fit into one day I manage to find ways to squeeze in a little bit of joy here and there.
I create joy in my life by taking little moments, that could otherwise be neutral, to do something that makes me happy. For example, if I know I have a lot of laundry to do (which is not my favorite thing to do), I will turn on some really happy music. Music has a pretty big joy factor for me. I also use the time that I sit in traffic to catch up with my friends on the phone (on an ear-piece of course). Instead of getting home, after a long day of work, stressed out from sitting in horrendous traffic, I walk in the door smiling (usually laughing) from the tales of my favorite people.
I also create joy by making me time a priority. Remembering to set aside time to recharge and relax gives me the possibility to have a different outlook on life. I find joy in some the smallest day to day tasks. I know that my outlook is based on knowing that at the end of the day I have accomplished what I want and I have also remembered to take care of myself. When we get too stressed everything seems to become work. Taking even 10 minutes to destress can make such a difference in how you perceive the rest of your day.
Joy for me is about being thankful for the little things in life, having great people around, making a difference in other’s lives, watching myself grow & change, being silly, and so many other things. How do you create joy in your day to day life?
thanks for the great reminder today. i had one of those evenings when i got home after being stuck in traffic for an hour and was totally frazzled! but then i went on a run and felt so much better– being outdoors always switches my mood pretty quickly.
i love your blog!!
Joy, yeah we need it. And being too busy isn’t a good excuse for skipping out on the things that really make us happy. Sometimes you just have to ignore the things you really should do, and do a little relaxing just to keep your sanity. It may mean passing up a couple extra hours cramming before the exam just so you can get some exercise or a little extra sleep.
You can’t let yourself get so buried under the stress that we forget about joy. Let it surprise us sometimes.
@ jess: Running is such a super attitude changer. It’s always a positive thing for me.