Do What Brings You Joy: A Path to a More Fulfilling Life

By intentionally making time for what makes you happy, you create a life that feels rich and meaningful. We live in a world where we might have many responsibilities and expectations from family or loved ones. In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to put your happiness on the back burner. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm guilty of this. I'm open about sharing my struggles with not doing things that brought me joy because I experienced some very low moments of my life that I don't want others to go through. I started truly enjoying life when I begin doing things that brought be joy such as listening to music, painting, dancing, and attending more gathering with family and friends.

Once I finally decided to do the things that brought me joy, I felt more at peace and especially more fulfilled. Joy isn’t just an emotion — it’s a key ingredient in your overall well-being. Therefore, lets discuss why is imperative to prioritize joy as well as how you can incorporate it into your life.

Why Joy Matters

1. Boosts Mental Health: Engaging in joyful activities reduces stress and anxiety, fostering a more positive outlook.

2. Increases Energy and Motivation: When you do things you love, you’re naturally more energized and motivated to tackle other aspects of life.

3. Strengthens Relationships: Sharing joyful moments with others deepens connections and creates lasting memories.

4. Enhances Creativity: Joyful experiences often lead to fresh ideas and perspectives, fueling creativity and innovation.

5. Improves Physical Health: Happiness has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and better overall health.

How to Identify What Brings You Joy

1. Reflect on Past Experiences

   • Think about moments when you felt truly happy. What were you doing, and who were you with?

   • Revisit hobbies or interests you may have set aside.

2. Explore New Activities

   • Don’t be afraid to try something new. Take a class, join a group, or experiment with creative outlets.

   • Keep an open mind—sometimes joy comes from unexpected places.

3. Listen to Your Intuition

   • Pay attention to what excites or inspires you. Your gut feelings often guide you toward what aligns with your true self.

How to Incorporate Joy into Your Life

1. Schedule It

   • Treat joyful activities as non-negotiable appointments. Block out time in your calendar to ensure they happen regularly.

2. Simplify Your Commitments

   • Free up time by saying no to obligations that don’t align with your priorities.

   • Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to how you spend your time.

3. Combine Joy with Daily Routines

   • Turn everyday tasks into enjoyable experiences. For example, listen to your favorite music while cooking or take a scenic route on your commute.

4. Share Joy with Others

   • Invite friends or family to join you in activities you love. Shared joy amplifies happiness.

5. Practice Gratitude

   • Regularly reflect on what brings you joy and express gratitude for those moments.

   • Gratitude shifts your focus toward positivity, making joy easier to find.

Final Thoughts

A fulfilling life is built on moments of joy, both big and small. Remember, joy isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Start by identifying what lights you up and commit to weaving those activities into your daily life. The more you prioritize joy, the more fulfilling your life will become. I'm very excited for your new journey and can't wait to hear stories of the many moments that bring you joy!