With Christmas rapidly approaching, I notice there can be a flurry of activities , coupled with long “To Do Lists” , so how about taking a few moments  to write out your joy list for the season! Perhaps putting yourself and fun first may seem like a far fetched fantasy.

I am  always amazed at the responses when I ask clients “what brings you joy”?  They vary from a glazed over blank look and long pause to “I don’t know”, or something they used to do but don’t have time for anymore. This if often followed by a long list of reasons why they are not experiencing joy or fun in their life!

So many people do things because they think they should be doing it, or they see others doing something that is fun for them and they are just going through the motions, hoping they will get struck with that joy factor too. For example, most people don’t exercise because they have not found an activity that is satisfying and fun for them. Or when it comes to trying a new hobby or activity, they don’t do it because they allow their fears, self doubts and “what ifs” to talk them out of it. Or the biggest one I hear . No time for fun. Does any of this sound familiar at all?  Are any of these you or do you know someone like this? Joy is the feeling we get when we have an experience that is fun and lifts our hearts up. Over the past several years coaching and counselling clients, facilitating groups and speaking engagements as well as in my personal life, I have observed that joy is a very personal experience. It does not matter what brings us joy as long us we have joy in our life. It is the feeling we are seeking. I have never met anyone who does not want more joy in their life.  What about you?

Here’s a little titbit for you…..  Let’s do an exercise to get you going on this feeling we long for.  Take a few minutes right now and jot down some things that bring you joy. For example chatting from our hearts with a good friend, going for a long walk, an invigorating run, or hike, making a delicious meal with someone who loves it too, second hand shopping, telling someone how much you care about them, giving a love filled hug, taking a nap.  Keep that list close by and intend to fit at least one joyful item into each day. Oh and if you can’t think of anything or find time for them, we really need to talk.

Here’s another thing about discovering more joy in your life.  Notice how the simple things are really those precious fuzzy moments that bring the greatest joy. Like a spontaneous heartfelt connection in the grocery store, watching a spectacular sunset, being in nature and appreciating with awe the natural beauty, admiring the innocence of a child speaking whatever is on their mind.

There’s more good news:  sharing joy is contagious. This reminds me of a Swedish proverb “ Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half sorrow.”  So tell me ….what brings you joy?  And how about adding more of these to each day?  WOO HOO!  Today is the day to begin stepping up and saying YES to more Joy every day!  Afterall, it tis the season so do you need any other reason? Bring it on!

I would love to hear how you share your joy!?