Do you ever look at other people and wonder why they are always happy no matter what they are going through or the difficulties they experience in life? Even when life throws them lemons, they don’t throw them back, instead they give gratitude. I think I now I understand the reasons they get through those tough times and of one them is being able to recognise and cherish the little things that matter to them leading to their happiness. I used to only anticipate and look forward to significant events such as buying a car, completing grad school, landing a job and so on to feel happy and skipping equally important parts of my day to day life because they are just “common”, so I thought. I changed my mind. I have come to a realisation that life is full of meaningful moments; big and small and I hope sharing a list of things that make happy will inspire you to pause, reflect and help you appreciate the things that bring you joy.
Slow Mornings
My morning routine and rituals make me look forward to getting out of bed and sets the tone of my whole day. This can be a home-work out, practicing silent meditation, spilling out onto my journal’s pages the thoughts in my head or having a nice cup of herbal tea while soaking up the sun. Unfortunately in the fast pace modern world we live in, everything has become somewhat of a chase. It seems like we are all in a rush and with the demands required by our jobs and other responsibilities, we are constrained by time. That’s why I choose to have an intentional and mindful approach to my morning habits because it makes my mornings to be productive and brings a sense of calm to my daily life. It is sometimes hard to keep up especially during the week and that’s why I dedicate my slow mornings to weekends and holidays.
Embracing my Inner Creativity
I believe every person has a creative side to them regardless of what level of creativity that may be. But our “9-5 jobs” dampen our creativity. Don’t get me wrong; our jobs matter and we are so grateful to have them However, I “You are not your job” statement is a reminder to have hobbies and learn how to schedule and squeeze in your creative pursuits outside your job. Tending into my creative garden opens up an amazing journey of self-expression and it is the only time my mind is completely free and inhibited. The desire to inspire, heal and make people relate and resonate with the discussion and candid insights I share with them crystallised into me creating this Blog and my YouTube channel. I love writing for my blog as it allows me to merge my love for writing together with everything I am passionate about. Nurturing my creative side challenges me to put fear aside and try new things, improves my mental health and well-being and grants me the space to reflect and learn.
Helping Others
“Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return” Roy T. Bennet
There is a quote from Roy T. Bennett that goes: “Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return” and it is a great principle to live by and for umpteen years, many great thinkers have suggested that helping and giving back to others brings you happiness. There are also a series of studies suggesting that when we give and help others, not only does it trigger impacts to our brain in positive ways, but it also enhances our overall purpose and identity. I believe in sharing with others with whatever you have and that can be in the form of money, time, a simple smile or words of encouragement and many more acts of kindness. I also don’t like when others are guilt-tripped in giving especially in the form of donations and being told that “when they give, they shall get something in return”. In this kind of instances, it does not cheer people up. Instead, it will make people to tread not committing to helping others.
Intentional Solitude
I love interacting with people but at the same time get drained too quickly. I spent a lot of time alone, and that time alone has always been nourishing because I watch myself unfold and unleash my creativity. I know there is a stigma around people who want to spend time alone but some of us genuinely enjoy spending time alone and don’t equate it to loneliness, depression or egotism. There is such a calming feeling of peace and silence that comes with solitude and many of us undervalue it. Solitude has been beneficial for my psychological well-being, productivity and has helped me reflect and recognise my true potential. I don’t mind being alone in nature, lost in a book, embracing quiet moments or immersed in learning a new language or skill.
Singing along to my favourite music
I know I am not the only one who sings along to their favourite music while driving alone or cleaning their home; it’s such a fun way to pass time and is also a stress reliever. There is an increasing evidence from studies conducted investigating the benefits of singing on our overall health and concluded that singing it releases endorphins, also known as “the feel good chemicals” that makes you energised helps with anxiety or melancholic. Singing is healing and I do it every chance I get.
There are so many things that bring me joy but we’d be here all day if I were to list them all. I believe that joy is not only found in being able to afford material things or being wealthy, but it can also be found in the little things that often we take for granted. It just takes you to stop and be here in the now to notice them and be grateful. Now that I have shared with you some of the things that bring me joy, what is on your joy list?
Leave a Reply