Joy

 3 Things you can do to add moments of joy to your life!

I recently read an article that made me smile.  It was about how we can improve our lives, and it had all these suggestions about going on a spiritual retreat or volunteering halfway across the globe.  I thought, right, people are struggling to make sure they can put gas in their tank and food on their table.  

But, it made me wonder, about the small things, the affordable things that we can all do to make a happier life.  Like, cleaning out a closet or a corner of the basement, or maybe sending a card to a neighbor or friend who is ill or down.  There are so many little things that we can do that really do give us joy.  If you start adding up one little moment of joy on top of another moment of joy, well pretty soon, we have a whole hour or maybe even a day full of joy.  And, it grows exponentially from there.  

I learned, from very painful personal experience about the power of stringing together moments of joy until it becomes the habit.  Its true, now that I know about this, whenever I notice my thoughts getting dark or gloomy, I quickly reframe them to be different, to see the bright side.  I know, it sounds hokey, but next time you notice yourself have a dark or gloomy thought, try to catch yourself and reframe whatever you are thinking about into something good.  

So, here are 3 ideas for simple, affordable things to do that can bring you moments of joy.  

1. Organize your papers and files.  Did you know that the average adult living in the US saves $1550 per year by having their papers and files organized!  (Statistic provided by NAPO.net).  There is such a feeling of satisfaction that comes when you have your financial papers in order.  It feels good to know that you are on top of that aspect of your life.  

1. Clean out your closet - maybe you will find some clothing that you haven’t worn in a long time that you can take to the consignment store to collect some cash or donate to a shelter.  It feels good to know you are helping someone less fortunate.  

1. Organize your kitchen junk drawer - you know that drawer where all the crazy random items collect.  Get a couple of those drawer organizer trays, you may even have some laying around the house that you can repurpose.  Put all the pens, pencils, glue, tape and office supplies in one tray.  Put all the little candles, straws, toothpicks in another one.  By sorting out and organizing like items together it will make it so much easier to find what you are looking for.  The next time you go to get something out of that drawer, be joyful that it looks better and its easier to find things.  

Small moments of joy can add up to a lifetime of feeling happier!