Are you finding it difficult to find the simple joy in life? What happened to the days of running wild and not having to worry about anything? What happened to the “be home when the street lights come on” mentality? Life has gotten so complicated for so many reasons. However, even though we’ve gotten older, it’s still fun to remember the good old days and the simplicity of life.
Put in the effort and find your joy…
I believe you can still find that feeling! All it takes is a little determination each day for you to find that sweet spot amid joy and simplicity.
Most people refuse to accept the fact that their day-to-day stressors in life are only stressful because of themselves. You heard me correctly…it’s partially your fault that things are stressing you out. I don’t want to admit it any more than you do…trust me! But when you book yourself solid and try to do everything for everyone all on your own, you end up burning out. You can’t overload your to-do list and you certainly can’t expect yourself to do it all.
I’ve written a few other posts covering ways you can maximize your time to make time for all the things you feel are important. I urge you to read those posts on time management, maximizing family time and living an active lifestyle. Here, however, I want add the idea of simplicity to your toolbox.
You have the ability to change your path each day and to revert back to the basic simplicities of life with just a couple of simple, if you will, changes. Why should you spend your days only making others happy when you equally need to find your own joy as well? Put an end to the madness of running yourself so thin that your patience with your loved ones suffers. Do yourself a favor and learn to take a breath…even practice some self-care!
Appreciate the smallest moments with these strategies:
1. Stop saving your happiness for last. Do you spend most of your precious time completing things for other people and ignore doing much of anything for yourself?
Tip: For at least couple minutes per day, do something for you. You can begin with something as simple as smiling at your reflection in the mirror or saying positive mantras out loud to yourself. Each day, reflect on your thoughts and emotions before you even think about fulfilling someone else’s needs. I know this can be hard with young children, but give it a try!
2. “Slow down and smell the roses.” It’s an overused phrase at the very least, but at the very most, it can help you remember to be physically and mentally present. Don’t rush through your day without noticing the small moments in life that actually bring you joy.
Tip: Reduce your pace so you are able to notice all the things that you usually miss throughout your day. For example, be present, mentally, while you assist your child in getting ready for the day. Maybe you’ll notice that he or she has gotten really good at matching clothes or fixing their bedhead. There numerous, wonderful, tiny moments that can add to the joy in your life if you just take the time to notice them!
3. Enjoy reading a book. Often times, as an adult, you will find yourself reading books and articles to learn facts or find out information. Sometimes, reading for enjoyment seems like it will never happen because you can’t find the time to do it!
Tip: Carve out time once or twice a week to read a book of your choosing. Make use of your local library (either in person or online) and pick out something you really want to read. As soon as you get into a book and enjoy reading it, your reading time will become a priority. Plus, it’s a great example for kids to be exposed to!
4. Open your home to a pet. Having a living thing to take care of is a great way to fulfill your nurturing side. If you’re able, foster dogs and cats for short periods of time until they are adopted.
Tip: If dogs or cats are out of the questions, anything else will do. Start small with a simple fish tank. Teach your children responsibility for keeping another living thing alive! Need something even less hands-on? Plants are living things, too!
5. Don’t be afraid to say no. If you fill your day with “yesses,” there’s not much left in your giving tank for yourself! Start saying no to things more often, especially if they are trivial things that really don’t require you, specifically.
Tip: Try not to worry what you family and friends will say. They’ll get over the change faster than you think. Chances are, if you’re honest and straight forward, they will understand that you are consciously making an effort to find simplicity and joy in your life.
Do the work, find they joy…
You don’t have to put in an excessive amount of effort to find joy in your daily life. The idea is to simplify things so that joy is easier to come by. So, basically, you are exerting less effort than before, right? Just allow yourself to recognize that life doesn’t have to be complicated all the time. Figure out what really makes you happy and make small adjustments in your daily routine so you can reach that one, simple goal: joy.
