This week I want to break from more serious topics because we could all use some joy.  Seriously.

In last week’s blog on time management, I reminded you to plan leisure time as we can forget to do that, especially in periods when we’re up to big things.  I’ve been paying attention to who’s feeling more vs. less stressed lately, who seems low vs. high energy, who’s anxious or depressed vs. fairly balanced.  And who’s still productive even during a global health crisis, that is way too ongoing.  I’m noticing what they are doing, specifically, that rather than having an experience of “I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” has them knowing they can go the distance. 

A common theme is that they are having fun.

Fun seems to often take a back-seat, doesn’t it?  Once we’re done with our never-ending list of responsibilities, then we’ll have some fun.  Why don’t we put fun higher on our list?

Where’s fun on your list?

What’s one of the most common things you hear about that people enjoy in their free time?  How about being outside in warm weather?  If you’re living where it’s winter, with limits on travel to warmer climates, I know that’s not feasible right now.  Your joy level can’t afford for you to wait until spring.  If you associate being outside with the have-to’s, shoveling, scraping ice off the car in the morning, the re-scheduling of plans when there’s a storm, I get it.  Fun may not be foremost in your mind in those moments.  Here’s the first question I want you to ask yourself to help you master the art of building joy into your life. 

Are you being flexible?

Have you lost touch with the fun part of winter?  Can you give yourself a snow day?  I also call snow days “No” days, as they’re a chance to set aside the day’s plan, saying “No” to some work and household tasks.  And to say “Yes” to some play and fun.  To put the adulting aside and let yourself be a kid again.  It’s not only okay to do this.  It’s wise, and it is responsible (and FUN!). 

I have some more questions for you.

Are you planning fun every day?  If you don’t have a few hours or even a full hour, how about 30 minutes?  Is your well-being worth that?

When you do have free time, are you passive in how you use it?  So, time passes without you feeling filled up?   Or are you being intentional, meaning you’re really thinking about how to spend your time? Because time is a gift.

In your car, what are you listening to?  If you’re with your kids, are you having fun with them?

Are you putting on music when you’re cooking or doing the laundry?  When you’re exercising?

Are you making time to play games with your friends or your kids or cranking up the music?  Are you singing along, LOUDLY, having a blast?  (Sorry, neighbors!)

Are you dancing?  Alone or with your partner?  Teaching one of your kids to dance?

Are you playing your instrument or taking an on-line class in something you’ve always wanted to learn?

Are you laughing?  Thank you, Netflix, for sooo much stand-up comedy this year.

Are you playing with your pets?

Are you picking up the phone to call friends, or Zoom or FaceTime-ing with someone you know will brighten your day, who makes you laugh?

What are you thinking about?  Happy memories, daydreaming in anticipation of future memories yet to be created?  Or are you worrying, focusing on the negative.  I get it.  There’s a lot you could feel negative about.  However, thinking about it won’t help you or anyone else.  Whereas you caring for your mood by bringing joy into every day will help… everyone.

One of the biggest lessons this past year has reminded me of is that Life is Now.  So too, joy must be now. A key piece of my clients achieving the success they do is that we work together to discover and apply what works for them.  That definitely applies here.  I encourage you to take a few minutes right now to brainstorm your joy makers.  The ones you know work, and some new ones.  Because more is better when it comes to happiness, right?  Maybe look around at other people for some ideas to inspire you.   How awesome is it that your “homework” is to spend some time figuring out what makes you happy?

And one little sidenote.  Yes, your homework is to spend time finding what makes you happy, but chances are, what makes you happy will radiate to others in your life.  That’s right, taking time to find your joy will bring joy to others.  Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it!