“Don’t wait for joy to find you, because you might end up waiting forever.” This anonymous wisdom serves as a clarion call, one that Lisa Even and her husband heeded eight years ago when they found themselves on the brink of burnout, caught in the relentless cycle of parenting and career – building. Their decision to make joy their job wasn’t just a whimsical notion; it was a life – altering commitment, and the results have been nothing short of transformative. Here, Even shares the simple yet profound strategies that can help anyone turn this year into a celebration of joy.
1. Grant Yourself Permission to Shine
As a proud midwesterner, Even grew up believing that success was the fruit of hard work, dedication, and always staying one step ahead. While there’s truth in that, she discovered that in the pursuit of goals—whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, planning a wedding, or buying a home—joy often takes a backseat. She used to think that she had to reach a certain milestone before allowing herself a moment of fun, but she soon realized this was a self – defeating mindset. Life isn’t a static finish line; it’s a dynamic journey, and waiting for the “perfect” time to be happy means missing out on countless opportunities for joy.
Giving yourself permission to prioritize joy is the first and most crucial step. It could be as simple as scheduling a date night, carving out an hour of me – time, or indulging in a hobby. Remember, a burnt – out version of you can’t fully show up for others or enjoy life’s precious moments. So, give yourself that much – needed break and embrace the joy that’s waiting for you.
2. Craft Your Personal Joy Blueprint
How many times have you found yourself stuck in the “I don’t know what to do” loop when planning a fun outing? Even and her husband faced the same conundrum, which led them to an ingenious solution: creating a joy ideas list. They hung a whiteboard in their bedroom, a blank canvas for their imaginations to run wild. Over the course of a few days, they jotted down everything from activities they used to love, to new experiences they wanted to try, and even ideas they heard from others.
The beauty of this list was that it served as a constant source of inspiration. Before bed, as their minds drifted into a creative haze, or first thing in the morning, when their brains were fresh, they could add to the list. Some of their ideas included revisiting the restaurant where they got engaged, joining a volleyball league for some active fun, and even reliving their college days by indulging in old – fashioned college – style activities.
You can start your own joy list too. Explore your town as a tourist, trying out all the local favorites. Get creative with meals, experimenting with different cuisines and dining in unexpected places, like a picnic in the living room. And if time is short, swap some screen time for family – friendly activities like walks, games, or scavenger hunts. Each completed joy item will not only bring you happiness but also spark more ideas for future adventures.
3. Block Out Time for Joy on Your Calendar
Scheduling joy might sound straightforward, but it’s where many of us stumble. It’s easy to talk about future vacations or dream of a time when we’ll have more leisure, but what about right now? Our minds are wired to focus on solving problems, achieving goals, and contributing, which is great—most of the time. But this can lead to us putting joy on the back burner, constantly waiting for a more “convenient” time.
The key is to be intentional. Mark your calendar with joy – filled activities, no matter how small. Whether it’s a 30 – minute reading session or a short walk in the park, make it a non – negotiable appointment with happiness. Setting aside dedicated time ensures that joy doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of our busy lives.
4. Unleash Your Creativity with Themes
Coming up with new and exciting ways to have fun can sometimes feel like a chore. That’s where themes come in handy. Even and her family have turned ordinary days into extraordinary celebrations with themed meals, parties, and events. They’ve celebrated a friend’s daughter’s first plane flight with a travel – themed birthday, hosted pretend holidays, and organized tailgates for random sporting events.
A theme adds a dash of purpose and excitement to any occasion. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, the internet is a treasure trove of inspiration. Whether it’s a movie – themed night, a tropical luau, or a retro – inspired party, a theme can transform a simple gathering into a memorable experience.
5. Spread the Joy by Inviting Others
Even’s family’s joy list didn’t stop at a simple bullet – point document; it evolved into a monthly joy calendar, with contributions from the whole family. They now take a moment each month to review the calendar and ensure there’s enough joy planned. And the joy didn’t stop at home. When they started sharing their joy – filled activities with friends and family, it sparked a ripple effect. Soon, their loved ones were creating their own joy calendars, inspired by Even’s family’s example.
Making joy your job is not just about personal happiness; it’s about spreading that joy to those around you. So, invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join in on the fun. The more, the merrier!
Bonus: Embrace the Messiness of Joy
It’s important to remember that joy isn’t always picture – perfect. Plans might go awry, kids might have tantrums, and events might not turn out as expected. But that’s all part of the journey. Some of Even’s most hilarious and cherished joy moments have come from failed experiments and unexpected twists. So, don’t be afraid to try new things, even if there’s a chance of things not going according to plan. Embrace the messiness, laugh at the mishaps, and keep on chasing joy.
This year, take the plunge and make joy your job. Start by giving yourself permission, creating a joy list, scheduling time for fun, getting creative with themes, and inviting others to join in. You’ll be amazed at how these simple steps can transform your life, one joyful moment at a time.编辑分享
Can you provide some specific examples of how to make joy your daily mission?
How can we maintain a positive attitude when facing challenges?
What are the long-term benefits of making joy our top priority?
