How to Truly Find Joy in Simple Things

It sounds trite, right? Yet another article about finding joy in simple things.

We all know that slowing down to smell the roses is sage advice. We know it's true and that we "should" and that we really want to. But....meanwhile, how to really do what's required in order to live that way. I mean really.

Wouldn't it be great to read a short and easy article with a short list of truly simple things that are feasible and that could get you to experience living in tune with your heart's deepest longings and knowing?

Wish granted! Here's the list, followed by the how to's:

I find joy in simple things by

1. Slowing Down
2. Releasing judgment
3. Releasing expectations
4. Doing what I know I love

Slowing Down
Slowing down for me means breathing, deeply. Stopping what I’m doing. Consciously looking around, listening to sounds around me. Taking a break and appreciating what I see from my window or terrace. By interacting with people in my every day midst such as community and neighbors; asking questions, talking about the weather, “shootin’ the breeze”.

Releasing Judgment
When speak of releasing judgment I mean judgment I habitually and unconsciously am still holding about myself, my life, what is good enough, what is “correct”, what is success, what is not included in that list - and letting that go, even for a moment. Releasing my judgement about how things or I “should” be opens up possibilities for other, previously unrecognized or unappreciated aspects of life to come to the forefront and reveal their simple goodness to me, which I can experience as joy and gratitude.

Releasing Expectations
Releasing Expectations is swung by the tail of Releasing Judgment. When I enslave myself to expectations for how my day or life will go, I am closing myself off from possible surprises and therefore, joy in simple things.

​Doing What I Know I Love
When I’m stuck in a rut of workaholism or isolation, I can heave myself out of that by doing something I love - usually going for a walk in nature. This simple act brings me back to the richness, goodness and beauty of my life, including my environment. I am so fortunate.
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As Peace Pilgrim said, “How often are you worrying about the present moment? The present moment is usually all right. If you're worrying, you're either agonizing over the past which you should have forgotten long ago, or else you're apprehensive over the future which hasn't even come yet. We tend to skip over the present moment which is the only moment God gives any of us to live. 

If you're intrigued by and attracted to the concept of discovering what really makes you happy and using that as a guideline for creating your best and juiciest life (because, why not? We only have this life and time is ticking) I encourage you to check out my 5 Ways to Be Happy course.

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