3 Minutes to Joy

Believe it or not, you have Joy.  Right now.  It's already there inside you.  All you have to do is let it come out and play.  It’s that simple.  Now please don’t get me wrong.  I don’t mean to make it sound too easy.  Because anything new can be challenging, and change is sometimes a bit frightening.  But Joy really is THAT simple.  Have you ever witnessed the sheer Joy of a two year old instinctively dancing when music comes on?  We are born with the capacity for Joy.  You can invite it in: start by opening your eyes and your ears and maybe let down your guard, just a little.  And with a little time, Joy will crawl into that open space.

I recently took part in a seminar.  Less than ten minutes into the program, we were instructed to turn to someone next to us and “Share something that makes you joyful.”  Would you believe with over 100 attendees in the room, not one person came up blank with nothing to share.  Each and every person had something… something that gave us that inner spark.  I overheard snippets: “a good book,” “walking my dog,” “seeing the sunrise,” “laughing with an old friend,” “a really good run.”  These Joys are indeed simple.  Not complicated.  Very much within reach.  Try it for yourself... What gives YOU Joy? 

Would you like to feel more Joy in your life?  Are you willing to invest 3 minutes a day?   Several years ago, I began keeping a “Joy Journal.”  I started to write down each day at least one thing that gave me joy or made me smile that day.  And for such a small act, it had a pretty big impact – With greater mindfulness and awareness of the Joys around me, I actually started to feel more Joyful.  I started 3 Minutes to Joy with the goal of bringing this technique to others.  This blog will share ideas, practical tips and a few success stories from my experiences and those of others who have ventured down the path to greater Joy.