Fun Resources
Stress and change management solutions!
Article by
Full Vision Creations LLC
[Note: You are invited to take what works for you and adapt it for your situation. This article could change your life!]
These can be applied to either or both work and life!
Would you like to find joy no matter what and make that a frequent choice and way of being?
Here are six strategies for finding joy that can possibly help in every situation:
1) Develop a practice of always counting your blessings. For no matter what situation you may be in now, there's almost always something you could be grateful for.
Perhaps it could be as simple as being thankful for one's breath, being alive or having someone who loves you.
What you appreciate, appreciates...
2) When you’re not feeling joy..
Pause..and notice-where have you been looking for joy?
Looking outside and especially only to material things for joy is likely to leave you wanting.
Looking within on the other hand can be deeply fulfilling. Daily practices such as meditation, prayer, journal writing etc can help you in your journey of finding joy.
Accepting and loving one self fully flaws included is also a significant key to finding peace and joy in one's life.
3) Cultivate a habit and practice of consciously choosing to ask empowering questions of yourself and others. The questions we ask ourselves can support and inspire thoughts that better serve our highest intentions!
So, just in case you are asking “why me” and feeling like a victim, here’s an alternate you would want to ask yourself instead: “What’s the opportunity here?” and that can open you up to possibilities!
As is said: when one asks wise questions, one is more likely to get wise answers.
Example, when one asks something like" Why did I make this mistake?"
one isn't very likely to get answers that help you move forward or have breakthroughs.
Replacing this with a question like, "What can I learn from this?"
Or "What one thing can I do to turn this around?" is more likely to move you forward!
"Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is" Bhagavad Gita
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another," William James (American Philosopher and Psychologist, 1842-1910)
4) Make it a habit to invest positively in yourself on a daily basis even for a few minutes (start with what is possible and then build on it).
Do something that nurtures you, even if it is starting with taking 10 to 20 minutes a day for perhaps a walk, meditating, dancing, reading, gardening, swimming or any other activity that nurtures you and in which you feel vibrantly alive!. I’m saying this from my own experience and based on what I’ve read and learnt from people who are living joyful and successful lives. Those who take good care of themselves are much more likely to be more joyful than those who don't.
Also, they are likely to be more available to give freely to others without resentment, guilt or burnout.
5) Do something everyday to contribute to others and with no expectations!
Even on the busiest of days, one could contribute with at least one (if not more) simple acts of love or kindness such as a welcoming smile, a card acknowledging the other person, or, perhaps saying a prayer for someone going through a challenging time based on your beliefs.
Why wait till you retire or another time? Why not begin now?
You are more likely to be vibrantly alive, fulfilled and joyful no matter what when you are living from purpose than if you are not. So do take the time to find and connect with your purpose.
And if you've found or know your purpose and feel stuck or want help and support moving forward more powerfully in living your purpose, I can help you!
Links to other articles & research
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Selye
http://www.bravewell.org/integrative_medicine/philosophical_foundation/mind_and_body_connection/
http://meditation-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/health_benefits_of_meditation
http://blog.cleveland.com/health/2009/03/medical_community_explores_med.html
Mindfulness with Dr Jon Kabat Zinn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc
Inspiring and fun links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEfjVnYkqM
John Cleese talks with Dr Madan Kataria,
* At a Belgium station (Do Re Me)
