You know that you need rest, sleep, and exercise, but I think we all need to actively manage our joy as well. I was knocked sideways when Davin Youngs used the term “underjoyed” in a recent podcast episode.
So, I want to ask you: Are you underjoyed right now?
I think a lot of us are. I think a lot of us are just trying to get through. Between the usual Daylight Savings sleep disruption and adjustment and the changing of the seasons, as well as the chaos in the government and financial markets, joy may be the last thing you are thinking about.
You may want to put it closer to the top of your to-do list.
My friend, Carolyn Dragon, has been talking about and celebrating our need for joy for years. I included an interview with her in my book. She believes we have a “joy tank.” Here is an excerpt from pages 111-112.
Morgan: What exactly is a joy tank, and how can we fill it up?
Dragon: We’ve all heard the phrase, “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.” It’s similar to your joy tank. We are all unique and beautiful individuals. We all have needs and desires. One of these needs is to feel joy. To pause long enough to refill our joy tank. Joy is fuel for ourselves and for others. Just as your car won’t move without fuel in the tank, you will not live a fulfilled life without a joy tank refill.
The easiest way to find joy is to find what you are grateful for—nature, pets, foods, smells, tastes, sounds, friends, family, hobbies, laughter, being alive, whatever.
Being awake to gratitude in the present moment reaps joy.
Morgan: Any other thoughts about how we can bring more joy into our lives?
Dragon: Joy is like oxygen. We are all living, breathing beings. While breathing is an unconscious act that sustains us, joy is a conscious awareness that requires cultivation. Bringing more joy into our life is a practice. A practice that is never completed. At all times, joy is available to us. And as we fill our joy tanks, we are more available to spread joy to others. It is our duty to build up our joy tank to overflowing. We must give ourselves permission to actively seek out joy, fully experience joy, and to share joy.
Prioritize your joy, my friends. Buy those tulips. Belt out that song at karaoke. Take a walk in the sunshine at lunchtime. Have a dance break in your kitchen. Take a few minutes to savor your morning coffee.
Your staying in your joy will overflow in the best possible way to the people around you.
“Joy is the engine of the universe.”
— Rob Bell
What a wonderful post. Wishing you so much joy. 🤩
Ahhhh...how did I miss this?! Much joy!