3 Easy Steps to Creating a Joy List
How joyful do you feel on a daily basis?
How often do you do things that bring you joy? Is your joy tank on the low side? On empty? Below empty? Whatever the level, let’s talk about filling it up.
A while back I wrote about eliminating the energy drainers from your life. When you remove energy drainers, you free up space in your life and give yourself the time and ability to do the things you really love and enjoy.
Today I’m going to help you figure out what it is that truly brings you joy, and find a way to start making those things happen more often.
Creating a Joy List
Pull out a sheet of paper, your journal, smartphone, or laptop and make a list of everything that brings you joy. Nothing is too big or too small, for example, your list might include sour cherries in your morning oatmeal, and trips to Tahiti. Give it some thought.
Go through your list and cross off everything that is a “should.” If you have put something on your list because it will bring you relief if you do it or get it done, then that’s not something that brings you joy. If you put something on your list because you feel it “should” make you happy, cross it off! Only things that truly bring you joy are allowed on this list. Pure indulgent joy. True happiness.
Once you’ve eliminated all the “shoulds” on your list, go back and add more joy items. Chances are you will be able to come up with a few more now that you’re focused purely on joy and happiness.
And there you have it! Your joy list is complete, for now anyway. If you discover something new or remember something else that brings you joy, add it. You don’t need to do it all in one sitting. And because life changes, over time so will your list.
And now for the final piece: Start doing the things on your joy list. Incorporate them into your life. Do at least one thing on your list per week. If you can do one thing per day, even better. And keep it up. If you commit to this as a lifestyle change, you will lead a much happier life in the long run.
Sometimes it takes a bit of effort to create happiness and joy, but it’s worth it!
