Stop Chasing Joy

Joy is one of those things that seems somewhat elusive; difficult to find and even harder to hold onto. Despite what you may think, or have experienced thus far, joy doesn’t have to be something we are constantly chasing after. Lucky for us, by taking action in this area of life, we can actually transform both our physical, mental and spiritual health on a deep level. 

In essence, joy is a profound experience of INWARD peace and happiness that is brought on when something in your life aligns greatly with your CORE VALUES. It is not, on the other hand, to be confused with pleasure or fleeting excitement. In other words, it is not something that should or has to come and go, as many of us have come to believe. 

While pleasure is based on the external world, feelings of joy are founded on internal conditions. Pleasure tends to rely on other people and their actions. It is conditional. Joy, though, is dependent on YOU and can be felt for as long as you CHOOSE or for no reason at all. By simply heightening your self-awareness, being present in the moment, and showing up day in and day out, you can alter your life’s course and make changes that last.

One of the easiest ways to bring more joy into your life is through gratitude. As we know, gratitude is increased when we bring attention to and notice the ordinary things as extraordinary. Looking at life through the lens of appreciation will allow you to feel more in-tune with yourself and connected to your unique purpose, ultimately, leaving you with feelings of joy.

Joy is NOT a reaction that arises from an event or something that happens to you. Joy is TANGIBLE. Once you stop looking for it outside of yourself and understand that it comes from the inside out, you can begin to transform your health.

Research shows that feelings of joy have a significant impact for both the body and the brain. Not only does it relax the body, trigger the release of endorphins, and alleviate stress, but it also has been linked to reduced risk and severity of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, hypertension, colds, and upper respiratory infections. Even better than the physical benefits of joy is the idea of joy as a CONSCIOUS decision, something we have control over, and a tool we can use during challenging times, DESPITE circumstances that may exist. 

Do not underestimate the contagious ability of joy, as it can quickly cause a ripple effect that leads to more and more joy down the road. Joy is powerful and it is our RESPONSIBILITY to take it into our own hands, for the betterment of our life and the lives of those that surround us. 

Know that your efforts will ebb and flow, and that you are not expected to have feelings of joy 100% of the time, as this is unrealistic. Go easy on yourself, release any expectations or perfectionist tendencies you may have, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. It is all about making small adjustments that stick. The key to joy is to be present, make conscious decisions that ALIGN with you, and go INWARD to find it.

Xx,

Leah Kutsch

P.S. Keeping IIN Touch