I’ve had a migraine for four days now. Then my big orange cat Solomon, who is thoroughly frustrated by the fact that I brought a dog into the household, lashed out and left a long scratch down my forehead. Ow. While I could dwell on the negative aspects of my painful head experience, I prefer to move through my day with as much joy as possible despite the headache. No matter how irritating the pain, life is now. We all have our own challenges, but we owe it to ourselves to make the most of each day.
Below is a little list of 50 items that includes some of the little things that add joy to my day. EnJOY and please add your favorite joy actions to the comments section below.
1. Bring in large doses of compassion.
2. Take a deep breath, accept the situation, and find ways to be tender to self.
3. Go for a walk.
4. Play with the pets. Enjoy the look of appreciation in their eyes.
5. Water the plants outside.
6. Work on a non-thinking creative project.
7. Take time for others.
8. Drink plenty of fluids.
9. Send someone a hand-written greeting card.
10. It’s time to step out the routine and add self-pampering.
11. Take a hot bath even if it is the middle of the day.
12. Donate old books to the library.
13. Dance like a fool to some silly song on the radio.
14. Make the decision not to dwell in self-pity.
15. Smile.
16. A gentle reminder that this too shall pass.
17. Appreciate the details that are going well.
18. Feel the truth of what is going on, but also give permission to allow joyful moments.
19. Find joy in nature.
20. Create joy in everyday moments.
21. Sing a familiar uplifting song.
22. Stop and smell the roses.
23. Sit in the sunshine.
24. Place energetic focus on something that inspires the heart.
25. Clean the house.
26. Buy something beautiful.
27. Rearrange the closet.
28. Relax under the stars.
29. Be kind to self and others.
30. Practice relaxation.
31. Paint a picture.
32. Use the good china.
33. Honor the body by listening to what it wants to eat.
34. Look at pictures of loved ones.
35. Have a day without email or computers.
36. Call a loved one just to say “I love you.
37. Ask your soul what it wants to do today.
38. Don’t expect perfection. Not every day is filled with sunshine.
39. Call a friend and share the feelings, both good and bad.
40. Instead of running a boring errand alone, take a friend along and watch the smiles increase.
41. Go for a drive with the sunroof open.
42. Take a nap.
43. Swing on a playground swing.
44. Cook a meal. There’s something soothing about chopping and dicing.
45. Take many deep conscious breaths throughout the day.
46. Dress up. Who doesn’t feel better when they’re in a great outfit?
47. Do something for someone else.
48. Find ways to laugh throughout the day.
49. Tell yourself, “I believe in you.”
50. Remember you’re alive. That in itself is joyful.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
At night before I go to bed, I look in on my daughter. She is always surrounded by 25 stuffed animals and other random toys she has brought to bed. She is so peaceful that it fills my heart with love to just look at her.
I’m just finding this article. I’m patiently accepting my computerless home since I pretty much know the reason for my computer’s untimely (or timely, as the case may be) death. Anyway, one thing that always makes me feel better no matter what is the look of love in my cat Meowie’s eyes when he comes to get a hug from me. He sits on my leg and just patiently waits for me to pick him up for a big hug. His little kitty eyes are so full of love that it’s hard to think of anything else. >^..^<
Adrienne and Marsha,
When I’m needing comfort, reassurance, or an infusion of joy into a difficult day, I remember people like the both of you who have made my life a richer and better experience.
h hhmmm….that was an interesting face! lol
Prayer first thing in the morning can lighten my
day. Pain or suffering is inescapable it is there in
our everyday lives but if you start your day with
prayer you will not feel the pressure in life. All
your list is a bonus but you have a great blog.
Very inspiring.