In this busy life we live, it's easy to get caught up in all that busyness and lose sight of the purpose so quickly. I recently received this in an email and wanted to share it with you.
Here’s how to take back the joy you’ve lost:
1. Understand what joy is
Joy is not the absence of problems or stress. We all have troubles in daily life. Joy is the understanding that in spite of those troubles, we know we will be okay. It is holding onto a sense of peace and strength, security and ultimately goodness, even in the center of the storms. It is an intangible feeling that we will be carried through until we reach the other side, until better days come. It is a feeling of serenity that we are not alone, nor will ever be left all alone, to face our struggles and fears. Joy is the gift of peace that comes from knowing that no matter what happens to us, we are being given the ability to get through the challenge, to grow, to emerge to a better and healthier life. Joy is one of the best gifts we can ever create and receive.
Joy is not the absence of problems or stress. We all have troubles in daily life. Joy is the understanding that in spite of those troubles, we know we will be okay. It is holding onto a sense of peace and strength, security and ultimately goodness, even in the center of the storms. It is an intangible feeling that we will be carried through until we reach the other side, until better days come. It is a feeling of serenity that we are not alone, nor will ever be left all alone, to face our struggles and fears. Joy is the gift of peace that comes from knowing that no matter what happens to us, we are being given the ability to get through the challenge, to grow, to emerge to a better and healthier life. Joy is one of the best gifts we can ever create and receive.
2. Reflect on joyful moments Even if you are going through a painful period right now in your life, make an intentional effort to think about the positive, touching, grateful moments you feel. Those moments do come to us every day. Even in the midst of sad, challenging or devastating times, there are always at least little moments of light and grace that temper the difficulties and bring some balance into each day.
3. Create time for joy now If only for 10 minutes at a time - take a short walk, read a magazine article or story, watch children play, listen to some favorite music, view a part of a funny TV show, stare into space, look at a photo album, concentrate on something beautiful in nature allow yourself to focus on what pleases you. It will help you to transcend for that time the stresses you are facing.
I NEEDED to hear this RIGHT now! Thanks you dear sister for sharing your heart... I believe tis 100%, but consistency is something I am working on!
ReplyDeleteI guess most are in one area or another... This was so encouraging...