Photo by bingbing on FlickrHave you been around people who have a profound ability to enjoy life? They laugh more, play more, see more, feel more. They may also cry more, express more, …basically…they live more.
It makes me ponder, How does one really enjoy life? Is it something we learn…or is it something we unlearn? How many 4 or 5 year olds enjoy life? How many 40 or 50 year olds enjoy life? It seems we had a knack for enjoying life before life happened.
Can we bring that joy back? Can we bring that spontaneity, that carefree-ness, that playfulness back into our lives – even in the midst of life happening?
I believe we can. I want more joy in my own life.
I’ve been with family the past week. Playing table games, watching a funny movie, hiking in the midst of fall colors and fallen leaves, playing arousing games of ping pong – and joy has been present.
Can I have similar moments of joy when I’m back home?
When we’re back in the normal routine, it’s easier to let the moments of joy slide. We become responsible. We have jobs to do. Loved ones to take care of. Meals to prepare. Bills to pay. Yes, can we bring that spontaneity, that carefree-ness, that playfulness back into our normal routine – even in the midst of life happening?
It seems is has more to do with a lifestyle, an approach to life, an inner choice vs what is happening around us.
Here are some ideas to invite joy back into our lives:
- hang out with children
- do something fun with a close friend
- eat chocolate
- go on a bike ride
- draw
- visit an art gallery
- put a puzzle together
- try on hats
- wear some wild socks
- lounge around in your pajamas and a good book…for a day
- sing a song
- play the piano (or any other instrument)
- dance
What do you do to bring joy into your life?
No Comments on "Joy: The Ability to Enjoy"