Find things that bring you JOY.

So often, people live life going through the motions, and just plan a trip or something in the future to look forward to. That’s great, we definitely recommend having things to look forward to. 

But to be really happy, and fulfilled, you need to be doing things that bring you joy every single day. And I’m not talking about big things here, it can be simply watching the sunset, grabbing a coffee at your favorite shop or picking yourself up flowers. 

You’re never guaranteed anything in life. You might plan a trip in a few weeks, and then have a crazy work project come up that prevents you from going. 

That type of thing happens ALL THE TIME. So the best mindset to have is trying to make the most of every day. 

We know sometimes life can get super crazy and busy – but even then, you probably still have time to even just swing by your favorite coffee shop and get your favorite latte. 

How to Discover What Brings You JOY

To get into our exercise, and how to accomplish this. 

There are two big components here, the first is bringing awareness to the things that bring you joy, and the second is being intentional about incorporating these things into your every day. 

So many people are so busy working that they don’t make time for fun anymore or at least haven’t taken the time to even think through it.

If you have a few moments now, I’d recommend you get out a pen and paper, or open a note on your phone. And I want you to write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind that makes you happy, or brings you joy. But make sure they are things within your control.

And when I say, in your control, it’s things that you can do for yourself, not things you need to rely on other people. For example, I know everyone loves getting flowers, but don’t write down when my boyfriend or friend brings me flowers, but when you get flowers for yourself. 

Just give yourself 3 or so minutes and just brain dump everything that comes to mind, big or small. 

Megan & Brynne’s Lists

Megan’s Joy List:

• Watching the sunrise or sunset
• Chatting on the phone or Facetiming a friend
• Getting a fresh juice at my coffee shop down the street
• Going for a walk
• Listening to a podcast
• Having a good smelling room – so lighting a candle or getting a new diffuser
• EXTRA Toasty Cheez-it’s – if you haven’t tried those, please do.
• Fresh chocolate chip cookies
• Journaling
• Meditation
• And reading outside. 

Brynne’s List: 

• Morning walks with friends
• Snuggles with my puppies
• Morning coffee with frothed milk
• Homemade meals
• Sitting in the sun and feeling the warmth soak in
• Diffusing essential oils
• Watching sunsets
• Hearing waves in the ocean
• Facetiming with my boyfriend
• Watercoloring 

So What Next?

So after you’ve written out your list, the next step is to start by just ensuring you’re incorporating one thing every day. And over time, you should try your best to incorporate many of these things. You have the time, I promise you. 

Ideally, every day should consist of 15-20% of your time being filled of things that bring you joy. In terms of the HOW to incorporate them, we’ve found some of the best times to add in these elements are in your morning and evening routines. We know the middle of the day can be crazy with work and life, but typically everyone has more control over the start and end of their days, so we’d suggest starting there. 

What’s interesting about doing this exercise, and bringing awareness to the things that bring you joy, is that you actually start to appreciate them more. 

You might already go to your local coffee shop every day, but don’t give it a second thought. However, after doing this exercise, and acknowledging that it’s something that brings you joy, just evaluate how you feel after the next time you go. Bringing awareness to things that bring you joy, helps you feel so much more from them when doing it and makes you so much more grateful for it. 

Let us know some of things that bring you JOY in the comments below 🙂