How is joy possible even when it seems like everything is going wrong in life?
Joy is always around us. In the midst of things that feel so hard there is still joy to be had.
Remembering stories of love that make you feel good.
I believe we are always surrounded by love that shines in these really dark times. Like a child playing in the park, or people who rise up and help out.
We see the best in people that brings joy in the midst of hard times. You can choose to focus on what’s really hard, or search for those kinds of stories.
What are some easy steps for dealing with life’s ups and downs?
The first thing is making that choice to take one step. It be as simple as getting out of bed in the midst of heartache, but you have to choose to find something good.
The next thing is making a list of things that made you joyful.
Lets call them triggers.
There are positive triggers and there are negative triggers. Start writing down both. When a negative thought comes into your mind, combat it with a positive trigger.
Think of simple things you love, like flowers, food you enjoy, clothes you like to wear, music, etc. In finding these things your mood changes.
When you are really grateful, it changes your focus.
Why is it important to overcome your pain and find joy?
We were not created to be on this earth to sit around and watch Netflix all day long, although I’m particularly good at it.
We are created to make a difference, and making a difference mean you’re doing something.
Making a difference does not have to be a huge thing. All it takes is to have a presence in your community.
It’s dropping in on friends, sending love to sick patients in nursing homes.
We are not created to live in a place of sadness and devastation or self-wallowing.
What a sad existence that would be if we all stayed inside, rather than making a choice to do good, to spread joy, to get out there and make a difference.