I want to be happy. I am happy and want to stay that way. I want to be happier. Do any of these sentences resonate with you? Have you had any of these thoughts? If so there are a few things that you can focus on that will help get you where you want to be. I call them the Pillars of Joy.
I have been Chasing Joy for over six years now. In that time I have gone from being down right depressed to pretty content and happy. There will always be things that I am working on but I am a long way from where I started. Over the years I have focused on positive things and tried new things. In doing so I have identified six things to focus on that can help you feel more joyful and happy. Six Pillars of Joy! I call them Pillars because they act as the support system for the Joyful life you want to create for yourself. These pillars strengthen you to bear the load that comes with this thing called life.
So what are these six Pillars of Joy? I am listing them below in alphabetical order:
- Faith
- Giving Back
- Goals
- Gratitude
- Relationships
- Self Care
Work on these areas of your life and I guarantee you will feel more optimistic, more valued, more focused, more connected, more cared for and therefore more joyful. For ideas on things you can do to work on the Pillars of Joy take the Joy quiz. The quiz will give you specific ideas based on your lifestyle and the way you answer the questions.
These are so important. It is true – put God first and everything else will work out. God and my family are my anchors in life and they keep me going and help me be happy.
Great info. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
Hi, just wanted to mention, I liked this post.
It was practical. Keep on posting!
Very nice post. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work!
I need to work on self care next. I’ve been working on my Faith and it’s time to add self-care to the list. I’ve always heard the old saying if you don’t take care of yourself you can’t take care of other. So true!
I think all of these items are crucial to living a joyful life. I believe self care w=should be closer to the top!
I need more self care for sure. I rarely put myself first, in fact I’m usually last when it comes to being taken cared of.
good post… I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Giving back reminds me of an emotional circle for life. especially since we all effect each other.
This reminder is right on time for me. My faith needs a tune up badly. Last week I was beyond tested.
I try to incorporate all these traits in my life. It is very important to my well being and ultimately joy
That is certainly a great list for six pillars of joy, I really love reading your blog because we have a very similar mindset and it makes me smile!
I love this list. Gratitude and self care are high on my list. We can to easily get caught up in what we don’t have and forget all the stuff we are blessed with.
These are definitely some important things to have to create joy. This is a really great post! Thanks for sharing.
I really need to work on my self care more! I have no excuses why I shouldn’t take care of myself better and as I get older I def have to listen to when my body is screaming “Help!”
I can agree with all of these pillars for sources of joy! It’s great to reflect on these areas of our lives
I need to work on taking care of myself. It can be hard with kids to find the time to recharge. It is so important to unwind so you can be your best.
Self-care and goals are in the forefront with me. I also get fulfillment by sharing kindness and volunteering. Maintainin peace in my home and personal space are also two things that keep me balanced.
Giving back is definitely a big joy filler for me. I try to keep these principles in mind daily and work on them when I feel myself in a funk. Staying humble and faithful makes a huge difference.
These pillars are outstanding.
I plan on showing these to my husband – we both enjoy bettering ourselves.
This looks like a sure plan to do so.
Self care is probably my biggest challenge. There aren’t enough hours in the day to take care of everyone and me!
The one to work on right now is also the most challenging, and that is self care. I tend to take care of others and forget myself. The easiest challenge is faith. I have it by the bucketful. Songs like “Give Me Oil in My Lamp” and “Pass it On” are hummed or sung on a daily basis because I know He cares for me!
I really enjoy your posts; you do a good thing by passing joy to others.
I’m okay with self care, mainly because my husband always reminds me to “put my oxygen mask on first so I can assist others,” but faith is the hardest. I’m not religious, so I’m not sure this would be a pillar for me. Maybe replace it with meditation?
I need to work on goals first I think. I definitely haven’t been setting enough goals for myself.
These are great things to keep in mind at all times. Whenever I’m feeling down I need to make an effort to work on these pillars of joy.
I need more self care, I am not self focused but in some circumstances I should be, and take better care of my mind and body.
This is so spot on. Glad to see “giving back” at the top of your list.
Self care is definitely what I should start on first. I am terrible about taking care of myself.
Gratitude is a big one for me. Constantly, l am reminded of how lucky l am in terms of where l am in life, where l came from..where l could have come from. It is so easy to whine about everything, but the truth is, it could always be worse. I take time to appreciate all l have, all the time. Good post.