Today I had reason to sit for several hours and do nothing. During this time I resorted to one of my magazines of choice, the O Magazine. The January 2008 edition of the O Magazine is about what else, making and keeping resolutions...how original, right? But there was an article that truly caught my attention. The title of the article was "Awakening Joy." Of course in Oprah's way, the writer in the article had just been faced with the thought of her husband asking for a divorce...but don't get caught up in those details......the main thing...What is it that really makes YOU happy. As the writer began to attend the class that this article was titled from, she was given the following 3 exercises to complete:
1. Sing daily
2. Make a list of what really makes you happy
3. Find a joy partner
Now these things may sound basic, but the writer feels much like I do that being joyful is a choice. What happened to me while reading this article was good for me, which is why it compelled me to share it with you and others. When I really started thinking about the aforementioned list I got stuck on "the list." I find lists to be highly successful to help me reflect, but as I started writing my own list I started thinking, "Does this activity or thing truly make me happy or does it make those around me happy and then I am happy by default?" I then began to ask the same question to my closest friends..."What really make YOU happy?" and you know what....making the list is easier said than done.
As you prepare for the new year, forget everything and resolve to do more of what makes you feel joy. Of course, cleaning the bathroom toilet will only be at the top of the list for one person I know, but for the rest of us, be realistic. Being happy and awakening your joy can be a new way of life for you. I am not insinuating that all of us are walking around miserable, but I know sometimes I really have to talk to myself to make certain I am being proactive and not reactive. Try it out, I plan to.
No comments:
Post a Comment