Choose Joy

It is funny how during this pandemic, different people have tried to squash my happiness and invoke my anxiety. In the past I would have been brought down, changed what I was doing, had negative self talk and doubt. I have been blessed to have spent time on me, lots of self-care during Covid times. I have been listening to Rachel Hollis’s #NEXT90DAYCHALLENGE this has helped me understand what brings me joy, inner calmness and ultimately confidence in my own beliefs and values.

The first comment I had, way back in March, was that my posts were too positive and there was no way our family could be that happy. I needed to start to post a more ‘real’ picture of what was going on. This stopped me from posting, as that was our real life. I started to think about what others were posting and get caught up in the negativity of being stuck at home. I wanted to believe that it was miserable being home all day, homeschooling, what teachers were and were not doing and also trying to work. I got stuck in this mindset. As time went on, I realized that this did not feel good and it made the grey cloud over my own head almost black. I knew I could not continue like this. I knew change was needed. Everyone needs to see and read the positive to find joy in their life.

My mindset started to shift, I saw all the positive that people were sharing. I started to share all the positive changes our family has made and all the great things everyone around us have been accomplishing. Finding the joy in my life and my families life was something we have started to do daily. It was a mindshift we made.

Tell Yourself – I CHOOSE JOY!!! – and repeat over and over. You will eventually do it!

I started 3 simple steps – Thanks Rachel Hollis!

1. Every evening while in bed, I think about the day and write down 5 things that brought me joy. Initially it was hard, what does JOY even mean, so I started with 5 things that I smiled at or had a good feeling about. As time has gone on, I struggle to stop at 5. Some days are harder than others, but don’t quit. Those days it might be as simple as drinking a warm cup of coffee.
2. In the morning before you get out of bed, grab your book or Notes on your phone and write 5 things you are grateful for. Again start simple for example I am grateful for the sun shining in. As you start to write things down it will shift and change.
3. Schedule Joy! When you look back and you see what you are grateful for and you what has brought you joy ensure you schedule it. You need a little time everyday in your life that is fulfilling to your soul. As I started to write it down I realized that what I thought made me happy was never written down, so I started to prioritize different tasks in our day.

It is amazing how spending 5 minutes on either end of your day can change your world. Diffuse some oils, fuel your body. In fact your body and mind want to be happy, let them, let joy fill your bones!