When in Doubt. Joy it Out?
When in Doubt. Joy it Out.
By Deirdre Hughes
Not too long ago I posted a meme on Insta “When in doubt. Joy it out”. I was so chuffed with this little ditty. But it was missing something. It lacked context. I asked myself “So WTF does that even mean? What is JOY anyway?” And just how does one “Joy it Out”?
Surprisingly, as I contemplated this, I began to feel it. I began to feel Joy. And then it struck me. For a teeny 3 letter word, it seems to possess hundreds, if not thousands of loaded meanings, collectively and subjectively. But there exists one common thread. It’s all about feeling really, really good.
A propensity for Joy is often the underlying energy that drives us. I believe it’s inherently part of the human hardware. To feel Joy through thought alone, or any emotion for that matter, stems from another built-in mechanism. And that's our ability to choose. Circumstances live in neutrality. They're almost fair game - you get to choose your perception. And once acceptance of this truth clicks in, the skill lies in remembering this truth when the external world seems a bit cray-cray. It's like having a secret superpower. In using the Superman analogy, when required, "self-awareness" becomes your very own phone booth in which to change.
As I pondered Joy further, it didn’t take long to visit memories of summary Christmas celebrations whilst gorging watermelon and mangos. Or listening to Beethoven’s famous “Ode to Joy” in the car, driving along with the volume fully cranked. Feelings of generosity and appreciation began to fill me up. Seeing beautiful things and surroundings, enjoying optimum health, nature, bright colours (especially yellow), shared belly laughs, the act of watching endless re-runs of The Good Life (my favourite tv show), swimming in the sea, listening to baroque music, drinking an exceptional cup of coffee, listening and dancing to flamenco and cuddling our kitten. Of course, last but by no means the least: quality food that is super tasty, packed with nutrients, enjoyed with the people I love.
Seriously, once you get on a roll, the list is endless! It seems there are oodles of ways to enjoy life. The best of which are, for the most part, free of charge. The only thing it costs is your attention.
But what happens when the curveball of expansion and growth decides to pay an unexpected visit in the form of pain and suffering? In my experience, I’ve had intervals where I felt like I’d been flung around life like a bumper in a pinball machine - my giggly curiosity flattened in an instant. But when I look back at those bumper rides, the expansion divinely complimented the contrast in the form of wisdom, and, if I’m honest, a sometimes slightly bruised ego. However, it was only then I was allowed to dust myself off and blossom my way into life’s next chapter.
So. With this in mind, if you're finding yourself in the midst of your own pinball machine ride, I invite you to have a crack at these 5 tips. Or rather, 5 Morning Joy Habits. Designed to get your day going Joyfully. They can be introduced slowly into your morning routine. Perhaps just try one per week. Remember, a feeling of Joy can stem from thought alone.
I've typed them below, with my own spin on them. Otherwise, there is a PDF version below.
I hope you’ll like them!
x0x
As soon as I wake up and my feet touch the floor, I speak the words “Thank you. Thank you for giving me a new day. It feels great to be here again”.
I’m thanking Mother Creation, the Universe or God - whichever you prefer to call It. I find saying these words out loud gives me a boost and directs my energy towards feeling good and reflecting on what is already great about my life. Saying it out loud also gives it conviction. Not to mention a bit of a smile.
Continuing on with appreciation mode, I choose a part of my body and have a chat to it directly - telling it how fabulous it is. Singling out a part of my body daily and thanking it for the role it plays is a fun way to engage in self-care and self-kindness. You will quickly appreciate just how extraordinary your body is and how much it loves you.
For example. This morning I chose my feet. I thanked them for carrying me everywhere I go, for keeping me upright when dancing, walking, running - both flat surfaces and stairs, helping me get back up if I trip, keeping me upright after one too many (way back in the day, of course!). I also apologised to my feet for all those days I had to make them wear high heels. With encouragement and love I tell them to “keep up the good work”. I promised my feet I would give them a good soak and pedicure later in the evening as a gesture of thanks.
You'll probably think I'm bonkers. But I'm even considering a name for each. Left foot: Margot. Right foot: Jerry. Named after two characters I love from my favourite tv show, The Good Life (early 70s vintage, BBC).
When I’m in the shower I attempt to focus closely on the sensation of the water on my skin. If you try this I guarantee you’ll begin to feel tingly. Especially if you’re washing your hair. This is a great way to feel present, or to be in “the now” moment. If you’re feeling brave and want to know what it really feels like to be alive, finish off by cranking up the cold tap and turning off the hot! Stand directly under it and count to 30. This will get you firing on all four cylinders - that’s for sure. There is evidence to suggest a quick blast of temperature-change to the body is beneficial for the immune system. One thing is certain, it will jolt you out of any remaining sleepiness.
Yup. It’s an oldie but a goldy. But oh so goodly. For decades I never gave a toss about making my bed. Perhaps it was my overdue sense of rebellion, after having attended boarding school as a teenager for 6 regimented years. After all, what was the point? I was only going to mess it all up again some 10 hours later. And, with added renegade flair, I only ever used to change my sheets every month or so (icky-woo). Thankfully, by the blessing of maturity, (and appreciation of basic hygiene) I understand the importance of starting the day with this teeny task. Making the bed can take less than 60 seconds. I like to take about 3 mins as I’m a bit of a pillow-placement nerd. It’s my first accomplishment of the day. Sometimes I’ll even talk to my bed after I’m done. “See you around 9, my love. I can’t wait to dream with you”.
For Desi and I, our bedroom is regarded as a sacred space. Given we sleep for approximately a third of our lives I believe the bedroom and bed deserve all the respect you can muster. This serves as an investment in your well being and the quality of your energy during the day. Another investment is using quality, breathable linen. As well as a brilliant pillow. These two alone can be a game-changer. Also, if you have space, try to free it up by minimising clutter and furnishings.
Recently we introduced an essential oils diffuser, diffusing essential lavender oil. The added calm factor is next level!
The following quote is a truth bomb from the fabulous Abraham-Hicks:
“It is our promise to you: if you write things down you appreciate in others, in life and in yourself, you will have such a dramatic change in 30 days, and if continued for 6 months, the change will be so powerful, so strong, that others who know you will not recognise the old you.”
I firmly believe the act of writing on paper sharpens your focus from blurry fog to razor’s edge, making the intent real. It can also help set the stage for the day’s overall mood and flow.
I love writing down favourite words where their meanings or sounds trigger good feelings or make me laugh. For example, words like:
Love.
Pollywaffle.
Oodles.
Butter.
Humpybong (the name of an actual place near where I live)
La Familia, (especially if exclaimed in a Spanish accent - totally adds to the fun).
The beauty of this exercise is that it’s quick! And can up your vibration. Keep writing a list of your favourite things (or sing it like Maria!) until you start to feel good.
And there you have it. I hope these tips give you a boost. And I’d love to know how it goes so please feel free to leave a comment.
Remember, introducing teeny new habits can go a long way for grabbing some Joy back in your day.
Dee x0x
PDF Below:
Leave a comment