4 Tips to (Re)Discover Joy
If you’re not currently experiencing joy, it may seem difficult to do so. But it’s really not as hard as it seems. ‘What can make it easier?’ you ask. It's different for everybody. Some people feel better after taking the first step. Then building momentum. Others start with a plan. Then enacting that plan, one step at a time. There are also people who blow everything up. Then they rebuild piece by piece. Here’s some good news - 4 things you can do right now to (re)discover joy.
Start by Looking at the Past
When was the last time you felt joy? What did it look like? Was it an event? A situation? What were you doing? How did you feel?
One way to (re)discover joy is to look back. Think about your last promotion. Remember the first time you held your child. Savor the memory of your last vacation. Putting yourself back in those situations can recreate the feelings. Be as specific as possible. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you wearing? Now close your eyes and reflect. Remember what it felt like, smelled like, sounded like. Now, try to conjure those feelings again. If you were on vacation, recall the taste of a meal or a drink. Go outside and re-experience the feeling of sitting in the sun. Have a dance party, just like that time at your favorite hangout. Recreate the moments and you can (re)discover the joy.
Next, Look into the Future
What do you see? Where/When/How do you see yourself at a maximum level of joy? Again, be specific. Do you have a job with new responsibilities? Did you get a raise? Are you taking steps to move a relationship forward? Are you out of your comfort zone and on a dating platform? Are you living in new place?
Create personas that represent your future joyful selves. Name them. Give them a specific look and feel. Give them a voice and an aura. Then, have a conversation with them. Ask them ‘How did you get so joyful?’ ‘What steps did you take?’ ‘What changes did you make to get here?’ Creating future personas helps us figure out what we want, how we can get there and the best ways to (re)discover joy.
Talk with Friends and Family
When was the last time they saw you joyful? What were you doing? Where were you? Who were you with? Talking with the people you love generates ideas for getting back to joy. Again, be specific and recreate those moments. If they remember when you spontaneously made everyone laugh, maybe sign up for improv classes. Or if you help someone with a new wardrobe, think about becoming a personal shopper. If they always tell the story about how you saved Thanksgiving dinner, think about a side gig as a chef. The people who love us most, know us best. Their ideas can help us (re)discover our joy.
Work with a Whole Person Certified Coach
Working with a professional helps us define our journey, identify opportunities and yield growth. And together, we can do it faster, with more accountability while celebrating wins, both big and small. I’d love the opportunity to see if we’re a match so I can help you (re)connect & (re)invent to (re)discover your joy!
