How to Be Joyful

Here's the question that I want to pose to you today. What are the components to living a happy and joyful life? I was asked this question by a friend and after much consideration, I came up with these top 3 for me. What are your top 3?

Living in the present
Accepting what is going on right now in my life is the gateway to freedom. When I just accept that whatever I have going on JUST IS and it’s okay, the grip of resistance is loosed and change is free to take place. Resisting (or resenting or regretting) my present circumstances is sure to guarantee that they stay.

Years ago, my heart was broken by a man who wanted something different, while I wanted him. I tried with all my will to alter that hollow feeling, that echo in my head of “he doesn’t want me.” I knew that if this was happening to me that I had attracted it. And that can be a hard pill to swallow. But when I made peace with that fact -- that I had brought this incredible pain to my doorstep -- there must be a gift inside there somewhere for me. Napoleon Hill says: “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Aha!

***Three very helpful tools in staying in the present are: faith (someone Higher than you is in charge), affirmations (reminding yourself of your truth) and forgiveness. (everyone is doing the best they can)

Reaching for higher understanding
Without prayer and meditation, life is limited to this physical experience. And while this earth has many blessings and opportunities for joy, it is only a small part of the big picture. Meditation is not only, at times, a blissful experience, it actually conditions your mind for smoother sailing in your waking hours. Meditation is a time for no thought. It is a time to merge yourself with Source. (or God, or pure positive energy or Universe) Prayer is the open communication with your Higher Power. That’s where you speak, ask, wonder and then listen. There are many forms of both of these practices, all of them good if they are connecting you with your Maker. And all can increase your joy.

Helping others
It just feels so darn good to help others. I’ve been a volunteer all my life as well as choosing a profession that focuses on helping others. For me, I believe it is part of my life’s purpose. And I can tell because, well, it feels so darn good while I am doing it. (God’s little hint, eh?) Helping others is gratitude in action and when you are doing it, it’s impossible to focus on yourself. It is the surest way to get out of your own pain – lifting up another.