Josh Medlock, Director of Student Ministries
How do you define a Joyful Life?
I look around and it saddens me to see so many people striving towards materialistic things.
Do we think that having more things and more money will bring us more Joy?
How many times do you catch yourself daydreaming about the things you wish you had?
Do we really need more things? In most cases, probably not.
I recently read an article in one of the blogs I subscribe to that speaks to this.
It suggests that by implementing six new habits into our routines we can open ourselves up to experiencing a more Joyful life.
I am not particularly hip on lists that offer a ‘one pill for everyone’ type of solution.
I did, however, find this list to be one that speaks to where I am.
Here is what they offer:
1) Start living with no regrets
One of the biggest reasons for feeling like you are living with an empty life is your unfulfilled wishes and long-held resentments.
Oftentimes, the saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.
Start doing things that you always wanted to do, tick them off your bucket-list, and start living a life with no regrets.
If you always wanted to be a chef, enroll yourself in a culinary course.
If you want to write a book, start writing it.
If someone has done bad to you, let them know how they made you feel about it and forgive them.
Life is all about savoring every moment and making the most of it.
2) Start looking out for your passion
There is no joy like working day in and day out on something you’re really passionate about.
Knowing that you are dedicating your life to something purposeful is a hard feeling to be expressed in words.
The thing about passion is that it makes your life both beautiful and worth living.
If you haven’t found your passion yet, it’s absolutely okay. Just keep looking for it and don’t settle.
Interestingly, some people have multiple passions, and if that’s the case with you, go after them and keep doing things that make you happy and your life better.
Share your passion with others and it just might be contagious.
3) Start spending some time in nature
People who feel a connection to nature and believe that nature is important to their lives are generally happier than those who don’t.
If you find it hard to believe this, there’s a scientific explanation.
It says that when we observe the beauty of nature, our bodies produce higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines that make our mood better.
You get a sense of calmness when you spend considerable time in green settings.
The fresh oxygen, beautiful mix of colors, and serenity can change your mood in an instant and boost your happiness levels.
4) Start looking after yourself
People often tend to forget that happiness starts from within.
Nothing in this world can make you happier if you are not happier from inside.
You must learn to look after yourself if you want to live a joyful life.
The first step is to start looking after your body.
Apart from physical fitness, if you think you need to learn a specific skill to be better at something, go for it.
But don’t forget about your spiritual well-being.
Tend to your spiritual needs with as much vigor and gusto as you do your physical needs.
5) Start giving back to society
There is no more joy than knowing you have added value in someone else’s life – however large or small that contribution may be.
Giving back to society not only helps you to be generous and benevolent, but gives you a sense of purpose as well.
It also makes you happier knowing that once you did something for others not just for yourself.
Helping others in any capacity makes us dutiful human beings and responsible individuals.
To quote Denzel Washington:
“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or what you’ve accomplished …
“It’s all about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
6) Start investing in your growth, and the growth of those around you
The one thing that is strikingly similar among all joyful folks is that they are serious and dedicated about their growth – mental, physical, intellectual, and financial.
The very fact that you are trying to become better with every passing day helps you enjoy your life even more.
Start reading books and blogs, watch inspirational videos, read interviews, listen to podcasts.
Talk to people you admire and who inspire you about what makes them Joyful.
Even more important than your own growth is the growth of those around you.
You can be that person who inspires or motivates.
Don’t be afraid to invest time and energy into others and walk with them.
I know this is a lot of information and perhaps you are already doing some of these things.
If you are, I would encourage you to keep doing them and give it your all.
If you have read this list and are thinking, “These are things that make sense but I haven’t started them yet,” know that it is never too late.
No one can promise you that doing any of the things on this list will lead you to a more Joyful life.
I can promise you this, though. You will never know if you don’t try.
I choose to try.
I choose to try and make a difference in my life and the lives of those who surround me by striving towards Joy.
Serve, Give, Grow, Live, Lead.
Sounds like a pretty good plan to me.
Special thanks to Sandeep Kashyap for this inspirational list.
First Reflections 