As I continue my Midlife Musings and exploration of “how to have a healthier, happier future”, I came across an affirmation cardthat got me thinking.
I was reading my daily affirmation cards, which generally are wise, encouraging and believable statements that put my mind in a more positive space. As I was reading, one particular card stated “My life is a joyous adventure” and I basically snorted out loud.
Some days I just don’t feel very joyful at all and so I thought I’d spend some time, figuring out what small things, can bring me Joy when I’m just not feeling it.
I started out with a list. I was intent to try some things out.
City Life/people watching
Styling outfits/shopping
Organization/homedecorating/painting
Friend Time/family time
Roller skating/ dancing/zumba
Sunshine/ snow days/
creating/crafting/scrapbooking
I found, as I focused on the question “does this bring me joy?” it was easy to think yes or no, before even doing the task.
e.g. does shoveling snow bring joy? I answered no but actually it was a yes.
does shopping at city creek bring joy? I presumed yes but actually it was a no. I did enjoy grabbing a gift for someone though.
As the weeks plans changed quickly, thanks to an epic snow dump, I came to realize that I wasn’t going to be participating in joyous actions or events but as the week moved on and I continued asking the question, I found joy in all kids of mundane things like a freshly steamed kitchen floor or all my laundry clean and put away.
In the end, feeling joy is just an attitude or feeling that I could seek in my small daily behaviors. My life doesn’t need to be a “joyous adventure” but in order to feel joy daily, I do need to focus on my positive mindset and keep gratitude at the forefront. This is where I can find actual joy in Midlife.