5 Ways I’m Bringing More Joy Into My life

“Figure out what fuels your joy, then do lots of that.” – Roy Croft.

It’s a rainy Saturday morning and as I sit on my lounge with my favourite candle burning, Paris cafe music playing and coffee in hand, I can’t help but to reflect upon the past 12 months. Covid has been disrupting and disorienting in many ways, however I am a believer that positive lessons can be learned throughout times of adversity.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2020 was gaining new perspective of what is really important and to gain a sense of deep gratitude for what I have. I have learned that joy is often found in the small, seemingly insignificant moments. Enjoying my morning coffee. Making the space around me feel beautiful. The feeling of fresh bed sheets. Creating a whole vibe at home with good music. Fresh flowers. Feeling the sun shine on my face. Reading a good book. Deep, soul-connecting conversations.

There are a few simple ways I’ve been able to bring more joy into my life.

1. OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

I am a big believer of surrounding myself with things that I love. After spending more time at home this year than ever before, I took the opportunity to refresh a few things at home which I was not feeling completely happy with. I sold some previous furniture and homewares which no longer sparked joy and invested in pieces that I absolutely loved and were more functional. I set up a home office and brought in a new desk, chair, artwork and accessories to create a space which feels inspiring to me.

In addition to refreshing furniture and homewares, I tackled my wardrobe to remove any items which no longer spark joy (ala Marie Kondo). I sorted these items into a selling pile and a donation pile, and have been slowly ridding my life from these items which no longer serve their purpose. Clearing out the old allows me to create space for the new. I have been investing in less, but better quality, timeless pieces.

2. REFINING MY MORNING ROUTINE

My morning routine is an essential part of my day. Through following a series of predictable steps each morning, it helps set the tone for the day. My mind is clearer, I’m in a better mood, have more energy and am ready to tackle any challenging situation which I may encounter.

My morning routine is centred around three key pillars:

• Physical Health: Working out or going for a walk in nature.
• Mental Clarity & Spirituality: Meditation, breathing, mindfulness, journalling, gratitude.
• Investing in Self: Reading, listening to podcasts, working on my business, honing in on new or existing skills.

The simple practice of developing a morning routine allows me to start my day with a sense of accomplishment, inner peace, mental clarity and joy. I recently recorded a solo podcast episode on how to create an elite morning routine which you can listen to here.

3. MONTHLY BEAUTY / SELF-CARE DAYS

I used to dread going to beauty appointments. It always felt like a big inconvenience and that it would take time away from my weekend and doing the things I really wanted to be doing.

I recently had a mindset shift on approaching such appointments, and recognised that my future self always would always thank me when I take pride in my personal appearance. I recently reframed this narrative and instilled a monthly beauty / self-care day. Once per month on a Saturday, I block out an entire day to attend beauty appointments such as a facial, nails, eyebrows etc. On a less frequently basis these beauty days include massages, hair and laser appointments. By scheduling these all in the same day it is not only a more efficient way of using my time, however also becomes more of an enjoyable, self-care day that I actually look forward to.

4. FRESH FLOWERS & CANDLES AT HOME

There is something about fresh flowers and candles in the home which brings a sense of joy. I recently started purchasing fresh flowers on a weekly basis whilst on my morning walk, and it just elevates the home and looks beautiful. I have lots of candles and love lighting these in the evenings. Candles bring me a real sense of calm, create a beautiful atmosphere at home and smell divine.

Whist fresh flowers can be expensive to maintain, there are alternate options such as picking fresh greenery which have a similar effect.

5. SETTING BOUNDARIES

Setting boundaries and saying no is something which I have been paying closer attention to, and have been keeping front of mind in 2021. I recognised the importance of saying no to the people and things which do not provide me a sense of a joy, and are not in line with who I am or where I want to go. One mantra which has really helped me to achieve more discipline in what I say no to, is:

“Every time you say yes to say something, you are saying no to something else.”

Being more intentional with how and who I spend my time with has ensured I am bring more joy into my life.

BRINGING MORE JOY INTO DAILY LIFE

What are some practices you’ve put in place to bring more joy into your life? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, please leave your comments below!