Living a joy-led life
(wrote this post a couple of weeks ago and then let it linger in Bear. Time to let it out in the open!)
There's a significant change in how I live my life these days, and Iām going to try to put it into words.
An example of this: yesterday I didnāt do anything my previous self would deem useful. I was in a bit of pain from overdoing it with building a cat tower, and my asthma was overacting for some reason.
I didnāt do anything to further my writing. Didnāt even write a poem, something I want to have as a daily habit (but always fail at). In the past, these kinds of days would be a source of frustration, disappointment in myself.
Something has changed in me, though. When I now look back on yesterday, I smile, because I read a lot, crocheted a hat, I doodled, played with my planner, watched a show I love (skipping episodes I donāt care for), and ate some chocolate.
I didnāt write anything, not even one word in my journal other than the date and a tentative list of things on my mind.
It was a perfect day when you change your focus to living a joy-led life.
Everything I did makes me happy. Everything I accomplished, however small, makes me smile.
Today, I feel so much better.
Joy has led me to the local petting zoo. It was sunny, perfect autumn weather, and I took so many pictures.
And now I am in my local cafe, having a cappuccino while I write this post.
And Iām already looking forward to having a nap on my bed after lunch, with sun rays playing on my face.
Itās a bit sad that I only allowed myself this joy-led focus after falling ill, but worrying about that isnāt joyful so I am not dwelling on that.
I know this sounds simple, and you may think that I donāt seem to have a lot of responsibilities like work, family, etc.
I do however see that I could have injected my days with joy back when I worked 9-10 hour work days with 4 to 5 hours commute. All it takes is changing your focus. You can let joy lead you even if you have only one minute for yourself each day.
Just ask yourself, āWhat would bring me the most joy right now?ā
The answer always comes. Just follow your joy wherever it leads you.
I really felt one of my favourite quotes on joy belonged here, in this post, too.
It's from one of my favourite authors, and it sums up so perfectly how I feel joy in my life.
Joy is to fun what the deep sea is to a puddle. Itās a feeling inside that can hardly be contained.
~ Terry Pratchett