Having joy, being content and how to experience it more

Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

Different things bring joy to different people and sadly some people never experience joy, because they prefer to be unhappy and moan about everything.

I believe that if even the smallest things in life, like a new book, a visit with a friend, a glass of wine, a child's smile or a cat purring can bring you joy, you are truly blessed.

It is not always necessary to chase the big things, to be the best and the fastest and the richest, we must be content in our own skins and in different situations.

What is the meaning of being content? Just to be in a state of peaceful happiness.  

This is something that is not always possible.  We stress, we work, we chase, we raise kids.  All of these things can break peaceful happiness, but even though you do not feel content with your life every second of the day, which is normal, we must find a few minutes every day to experience it.

Maybe you are in a bad place in your life at the moment, finding fault with everything, feeling unhappy, chasing dreams that do not turn into reality, being upset about things not going your way.  These are all reasons that will take away the feeling of being content.

Nobody is always in a content or joyful state of mind but we can do certain things to experience it more often 

1. Take a moment to be grateful - for something small or big (the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, you are alive, you do not have to go to the shop)
2. Try and see the positive side of something (my house is a mess because of my kids but atleast I have a house and kids)
3. Find the things you like about yourself ( I am lovable, I am healthy etc)
4. See the good that other people do (do not be quick to judge or just see what irritates you about somebody)
5. Imagine happiness (imagine yourself being happy every single day)

No matter how often you do this, it is important that we do it atleast once a day, because we all deserve joy.

And when all else fails, get yourself a pet and experience unselfish love.....what is more joyful than that??

*all photos taken by my daughter