During this busy time of year, are you doing the things that everyone expects you to do, or are you doing what brings you joy? How does that make you feel? Selfish if you do what makes you feel joyful? Maybe afraid you’ll let someone down if you do the holidays differently this year?
I was asked this question recently and it gave me the opportunity to start writing down what really gives me joy. Some of the things on my list are laughing with my grandkids, weekly family dinners at my home, time spent with my daughter, long walks, coffee on my patio enjoying nature, visiting friends, talks with my siblings, wine tasting with friends, and several more items.
The idea is to get real with yourself on what brings you joy. And the flipside is to list what no longer brings you joy. What are the things you do because you think you “have to” but no longer enjoy? I was surprised at an item that came up for me and one I’m still trying to figure out how to let go.
My mentor, Tara Marino creator of Elegant Femme, wisely pointed out that “our ego often tells us to continue pushing, pursuing and driving as a way to achieve success.” In fact, I realized in the past, I viewed my self-worth through the lens of my achievements! Time to let go of that view!
When you look at your list of what brings you joy, you may see that these items actually support your values. Your values are your north star, your guiding light. My values include Family, God, Friends, Joy, Beauty, and Freedom (in no particular order). What I realized was that every item on my “What brings me joy?” list supported or was in alignment with my values.
As I was processing my Joy List I decided this is how I’m going to make my 2022 goals. What can I do more of on my Joy List in 2022 in order to live my life fully, elegantly, joyfully, easily. I am digging deep into my inner truth so I live my life from a soul-led perspective, instead of an ego perspective.
One of the items on my Joy List is my intentional spending plan. (Many of you know I don’t like the word budget, way too restrictive!) As I spend, I literally ask myself, does this give me joy? When I pay my mortgage, does my home give me joy? (Very much so!) When I pay the gas bill, does my gas fireplace give me joy? (I love my gas fireplace!) As I buy gifts for the holidays, is this giving me joy to buy this particular gift for this person? When I buy groceries, is this food nourishing my body? I also use a unique way to allocate my money to various categories. (Ask me how!)
I encourage you to get clear on your values and write out your own “What brings you joy?” list. I’d love to hear how this will influence your goals for 2022.
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