3 Ways to Add More JOY

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

– Helen Keller

Peace, Love & Joy. That’s what I wish for everyone, of every religion or non-religion as we bring 2011 to a close. I continue to cultivate these things in my life and in my mind and heart, and I thought I’d share three ways you can add more joy into your life this holiday season.
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1. Look at the world as if through the eyes of a child. Notice the wonder and amazement in a child’s eyes as they experience things for the first time, and take a moment to notice the beautiful and wonderful things around you.

2. Use the 3 B’s. When going through your to-do list, use the 3 B’s to help you get through: Bag it, Barter it, or Better it. If you can Bag it and not do it today (or maybe ever), do it! Bartering could be trading favors with someone else or hiring someone to do it. And bettering it can take on many forms. Think of your five senses — sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste — and how you might bring in something that delights you while you do your chore.

3. Focus on gratitude. Turn your attention to those things you are appreciative of, those things you want more of, instead of the things that frustrate you or add stress to your life. This helps you not only in the moment, by shifting your attention away from negative situations, but also helps by shifting your energy, which will bring more of the good things to you.

These are just three ways to add more joy into your life, but by no means are they the only three! I think you just can’t get enough of joy and would LOVE to hear your ideas for adding more joy in the comments.