holidays

3 Ways to Add More JOY

emilydownward

“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.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPDpszkLgWw]

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.

Taking Care of Self

emilydownward

“In case there is a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above you. To secure, pull the mask towards you, secure the elastic strap to your head, and fasten it so it covers your mouth and nose. Breathe normally. Even if the bag does not inflate, please keep in mind that oxygen is flowing. If you are travelling with a child or someone else who needs assistance, please make sure to secure your own mask before assisting others.”

– Flight attendants everywhere

 

If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you’ve heard the speech above, and for those who are frequent fliers, you probably could recite it verbatim. It becomes like background noise after awhile, and most passengers aren’t even really paying attention.

The vitally important part is to secure your own mask before assisting others. If you pass out, you’re no help to anyone else. They put this in because there are many of us who think first of others before ourselves.

It’s nice to think of others, to be considerate and generous, kind and giving. There are many people around us in our families and communities and world who need our help. You can get so focused on giving your time, energy and money to worthy people and causes that you get burned out. And then you collapse or become ill, and perhaps then you’ll take a break to recharge.

The holidays are nearly upon us, and for many, this means even more activities, expenses, visiting and, of course, eating! There’s much to look forward to…but sometimes, it all seems a little TOO much. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or looking for a way to stay more present this holiday season, join me beginning next week for a four-part telecourse which includes tools to help you tune into your inner wisdom, simplify expectations, achieve your goals and enjoy your holidays more. Each 75-minute session will be held on Tuesday evenings and also recorded and distributed, along with handouts.