How to Live With More Joy
Have you ever noticed how the thoughts you let in and the things you focus on can distract you from receiving the nourishment of the moment?
Many people I talk to want to experience more joy in their day to day life…
It’s easy (and human) to fall victim to the lie that joy is something to be had in the future; that joy will come easily when life feels more spacious, or the goal is realized.
But joy, my friend, is all in how we orient ourselves to life. And more specifically, how we orient ourselves to the present.
Yes, our ability to tap into joy is affected by our circumstances and choices. Choices not only in terms of what we do or don’t do, but also in what we choose to focus on.
Over-focusing on outcomes and the future is one way that we postpone joy. And detract from the joy that exists along the journey.
(I’m not saying outcomes are not important, they are, but if the process is anointed with joy, what do you think the outcome will be?)
Ok, ok…I don’t want this post to come off bypassy, and it’s kinda starting to…
It is not my intention to make light of your (or my) hard feelings or circumstances. Life can feel really overwhelming and unfortunate at times. And sadness, anger, frustration, stress, worry, etc are not to be boxed out with positivity…
When we make it a practice to attune to uncomfortable feelings, and let them move and be expressed through us in healthy ways, we become really good at attuning to pleasurable feelings, like joy. And accessing these feelings more often.
With intention, joy can can ride on your breath, your words, your energy. It can flow through your touch, your eyes, your being.
Below are some ways that I personally — and guide my clients to — cultivate joy on a daily basis:
✨ Knowing where my energy and control ends and other people’s begins (aka, fostering healthy internal and external boundaries).
✨ Practicing embodied presence (moving through life with a felt sense of connection to my body, with acceptance, in the present moment, including awareness of sensations, emotions, and breath).
✨Prioritizing what is regenerative for me (i.e., doing and consuming things that give me life, inspiration and purpose).
✨Keeping promises to myself (similar to above, this includes doing things that stimulate the release of endorphins like eating whole foods and lots of vegetables, walks outside, cardio/exercise, meditation, breathwork, sex, limiting alcohol, networking, connecting with community, cleaning my house, doing meaningful work).
Now, your turn to reflect…
- What delights you?
- What brings you pleasure?
- What gives you life?
- What sparks your happiness?
- Are you making space for these moments in your life? And when you are, are you practicing (it’s a practice!) receiving the nourishment from these moments or are you rushing through, thinking about the next thing?
It’s easy (and human) to rush through life, spending much of our time thinking, analyzing, planning, lamenting, reacting, ruminating, blaming, distracting, numbing…
Just like we must eat in a calm, relaxed state if we are to fully receive the nutrients from our food, receiving the nourishment of the moment requires that we slow down and drop in…
When what we crave is more joy and connection, it’s a practice to be on the lookout for it and receive it when it’s there.
Much love,
Allie
About the Author: Allie Andrews
With a decade of experience in the wellness and coaching industry, Allie has partnered with 65 companies and helped hundreds of achievers and workaholics find a pace and rhythm to living that feels sustainable and nourishing.
As a coach, Allie helps her clients grow their impact while prioritizing their health, deepening their relationships, and following their joy.
Allie is a lifelong student of personal growth, certified health coach, yoga teacher, and intimacy and relationship coach.
Instagram: @iamallieandrews // Facebook: Allie Andrews Coaching // LinkedIn