Every morning as I open my i-pad and read both local and foreign newspapers, I am met by myriads of happy and not-so-happy news. Much as I want to focus only on the happy ones, I could not close my eyes to the not-so-happy ones.
I read somewhere that if you want to lessen the amount of stress in your life, avoid reading the news, or watching TV for four days! I came across this advice when I was taking care of my late sister, Dedita Cacdac in the US. (She succumbed to cancer on July 4, 2014).
I tried to heed the advice, but I was not successful so now, I just live with this reality everyday.
However, we are all given a choice each day: to be happy or to be sad? Most of us choose the first one; there are others who are just not able to overcome their sadness.
My advice to this other group: “Don’t linger in such sad state; instead, smile and say to yourself: ‘I choose happiness!’”
And voila! In the blink of an eye, the whole world will open its arms to you.
So what sparks joy for you? There are thousands of reasons out there which could make you smile or break out into laughter; you just have to open your eyes and your heart even to the littlest things like: looking out your window and seeing butterflies in the garden or the mayas on top of a tree; or sipping a cup of hot tea after a hearty breakfast; kissing each other as you say “Good morning!”; meeting up with friends for lunch once a week; listening to your grandsons playing the piano; seeing my dog Rosie (one of three who sleep with us) at the foot of my bed; laughing out loud; enjoying the new blooms in your garden; smiling before going to bed; praying without ceasing; and many others.
Here are six ways to spark joy in your life: 1) Get enough sleep; 2) Do what you enjoy most (at least some days); 3) Give more; 4) Say no more often; 5) Move your body each day; and 6) Be a goal-getter. (Karen Robock. Ways to Spark Joy).
Sometimes life goes by, and you lose the joy somewhere because of the overwhelming problems which you have to tackle. Here are little things which may spark joy in your everyday life: 1) Practice gratitude and spirituality; 2) Use fashion to boost mood and self-confidence; 3) Blast your favorite tunes; 4) Dare to try something new; and 5) Become one in nature. Happiness lies in the simple everyday things, as long as you’re aware and truly present when you experience them (The Little Things that Spark Joy in Your Life, houseofcoco.com)
Pause for a while, and ask yourself: “What really makes me happy?” It could be a small or big thing, but what is important is that you do more of them to have a joyful life.
You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy;In Your right hand are eternal pleasures. — Psalm 16:11
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