Feel Good Friday – 10 Things that bring you joy

 

Joy – “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” What are you doing to experience your share of joy as often as possible? Do something today that gives you a feeling of happiness and great pleasure.

Don’t miss out on the joys in your life. An article I read suggested making a list of 10 things that bring you joy. For those who are writers, the article suggested that you write about one of the items in a journal, essay, or blog post.

For those who are not writers, don’t fret. Here’s your challenge…everyday for ten days, engage in one item from your list. What would you include as the 10 things that bring you joy? Below are 7 examples from my list:

1.      Relaxing on a lawn chair soaking up the sunshine

2.      Watching a Hallmark movie

3.      Reading a good book

4.      Laughing with family and friends

5.      Reading a devotional

6.      Experiencing a massage

7.      Sipping coffee and watching a sunrise

I could probably come up with a story to share related to each one of the items above, but I’ll share a quick one. I remember sitting in my backyard on a blanket on a warm sunny day during the COVID quarantine. I relaxed with a book, my bare feet, and birds tweet overhead.

An unwanted guest interrupted my relaxation. Out of my peripheral vision, a shadow swept past me. Was it a bunny, a chipmunk, a little bird who lost its’ way? No, it was a mouse. Minnie and Mickey Mouse are cute on TV, but not dashing through my backyard. I took up my blanket and left.

Now I enjoy the sunshine and breeze from the sliding door in my kitchen.

You may be able to come up with an extensive list of ways you find joy, if so, create a list of 30 things. Your task then becomes a 30-day challenge of seeking great pleasure and happiness. Go for it.

Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - Kids Say the Darndest Things

 

YouTube Video: Remember the saying, Kids should be seen and not heard? Here's a fun example

Motivational Monday – National Brain Health Month

 

Are you keeping your brain healthy? The month of June is recognized as National Brain Month. Focus on things that bring awareness to your self-care and wellness. A few ways to accomplish this include – exercise, socialization, and being mentally active.

One method I use for mental health is to practice yoga and meditation. I am not at the top of the class when it comes to meditation, my mind won’t cooperate. The soft voice guiding the meditation says, “relax your mind.”

My mind immediately snaps back at the calm voice – I need to make a grocery list, put a load of clothes in the wash…what time does the bank close today?

The voice continues, softly rolling instructions from her tongue like a ball of yarn unraveling. My legs are crossed, my back is straight, and my eyes are closed. My mind…still not relaxed.

The friendly voice says, “inhale.” What I hear is in hell. My mind lashes out at the voice, who’s in hell. I’m not going to hell. I’m trying to live right, get my body right. I don’t want to be in hell.

After a couple more deep breaths, I refocused. I realized I’d had a flash back to my childhood days where we studied words that sound alike but have different meanings. I believe those are called homophones.

The same as we practiced our lessons in childhood, there are still things we can learn as aging adults. Perhaps there is an activity you have considered trying but kept putting it off. Challenge yourself to try something new this month.

Invest in yourself this month, exercise, eat healthy, socialize, and focus on your mental health. You deserve it.