In 2017 I set the intention to find what “sparked joy” in me. If you’ve been following along, you know that “spark joy” was my word for the year. I’m excited to share my reflection on my pursuit of a joy filled life over on A Welder’s Wife. I’ve summarized my (continuing) journey to discover joy into the 3 R’s to Living a Joy Filled Life.
Here’s the beginning of the post:
I remember it vividly. We were sitting at the dinner table eating and talking. My sons were joking and speaking in silly voices and I was laughing with them.
It wasn’t a polite “I’m half listening” laugh, nor was it a polite “I have no idea what you’re referring to” laugh. I genuinely thought my son’s impressions were funny and reacted with joy.
Here’s the thing – he looked surprised and confused.
It hit me that my children don’t see their mom joyful or lighthearted. It is such a rare thing that they react with surprise and wonder what’s happening when I do. It saddened me.
As the more detail oriented parent of the family I’m often thinking of the many things that need to get done for the day or the week. I’m working on being mindful and present, but frequently I am preoccupied. I know this sounds familiar to you mamas out there.
So in 2017 my word for the year was “spark joy.” It was a reminder to me to:
- make decisions through the lens of joy.
- do things that spark joy in me.
- spark joy in other people around me.
If you also feel like joy is lacking in your life, here are the lessons I’ve learned from a year focused on joy.
The First R for a Joy-Filled Life: Remember
I know this might sound incredibly simple and maybe even unnecessary to you; but take some time to remember the last time you were filled with joy.
- What were you doing?
- Who was with you?
- What did joy feel like in your body?
If you’re like me on a busy day, you’re just doing the next thing required. You’re not checking in with your body, you’re not noticing how you feel about how an event or person makes you feel – you’re gettin’ things done.
Gettin’ things done feels great in the short run. In the long run though, when we motor around in this way, we soon find that we’ve met everyone else’s needs and expectations…and we’re completely depleted.
For those of us who feel like we’ve been going through the motions for a long time and unaware of what we’re actually feeling while we’re doing our daily activities – gentle awareness is going to be our first step.
Click HERE for the 2nd and 3rd R to Living a Joy Filled Life!
PIN IT FOR LATER:
I really love the last R! I’m a big believer in being intentional, and the last R is definitely a part of that. I also think the first R is really important in this fast-paced world; it’s too easy to just keep plowing through and lose track of what’s happening around you. And as for the second R, yes! I didn’t attend your workshop as I was at the one for podcasts, but it was so wonderful to meet and chat with you in between the scheduled activities of the conference 🙂 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Angela, I LOVE this! (Along with everything else you write.) I need more joy in my life (it’s my middle name, for crying out loud), so I hopped right over from #FridayFrivolity. I love the first “R” and am headed over to see what the other two are. I am BIG into mnemonics, so thank you for giving me that on this path to joy! 🙂
Delightful, Angela, dropped over from #BloggersPitStop and once again, they did a great job letting bloggers find each other. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly – I’m off to share. 🙂
This is beautiful! I love that it starts with gentle awareness–something so simple yet so powerful!
Angela, very wise! And just what I needed to read today. I’ve been so busy “getting things done” this week that it is just a blur. Thanks for the wake-up call.
I would agree that as busy parents we definitely have to find time for joy and schedule it in! Thanks for sharing your post at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life
Hello Angela! We can all do a large does of Joy especially in the world we live in. Thank you for your advice on Remembering. The last time I was filled with Joy was last Friday when I had dinner with my 4 year old grandson. He is a constant joy to me. It is always a pleasure having you link up with us at #BloggersPitStop. Have a beautiful day.
Angela, this is a wonderful! Thanks so much for inspiring me to laugh more and cultivate joy in my life with intention. Pinning!
I love this!! Even simply remembering a memory of joy will bring me joy. It’s so simple!!
Thank you so much for sharing this helpful post with the Hearth and Soul Link Party, Angela! I like your 3 R’s! Pinning and sharing. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.