Connecting with Joy—On Purpose

A lot of people leave joy to chance. They rely on luck or a pleasant surprise to deliver joy to their doorsteps. Or else joy is something they find only in the presence of others.

What if we took joy into our own hands? Try this. List simple, daily pleasures that bring you joy. What are some routines and rituals that bring you comfort or peace? Does a walk in the morning change your entire outlook for the day to come? Perhaps it’s ten minutes with a cup of tea and a book.

Whatever day-to-day practices bring joy to your life, it is your job to make those experiences regular parts of your days. Don’t wait for happiness. Recognize your joy and intentionally and purposefully invite it into your life. 

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” ― Rumi

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home… it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” — Chuck Palahniuk

“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it…It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.” — Mary Oliver

Being purposeful about engaging with your joy is an ongoing practice. By embracing this, you won’t have to wait for the right set of circumstances to fall into place for happiness to find you. Find joy every day—and seek it out on purpose.