“So often we think that joy makes us grateful, when in reality it’s gratitude that brings joy.” – Brené Brown
THE INSPIRATION : How did I start Joy Journaling?
When we want a better life for ourselves we often look at what is missing.
- I want more money.
- I want a bigger house, a better car.
- I want a better job.
- I want more stuff to fill a void I think I have.
We focus on the holes.
However, what is missing doesn’t always paint the full picture for us for what we need to be happy. It doesn’t always tell us what our heart desires.
In fact, if you believe that obtaining anything you don’t already have will make you happy or solve your problems – you’re looking at it wrong.
Happiness is an inside job. Happiness is not about external circumstances or material objects. That’s not to say those things can’t make you miserable or create joy – of course they can!
It is to say they can not shift the internal turmoil you may be in.
Hearing my sons laugh together in their bedroom at night is probably one of the greatest joys in my life.
And one of my greatest desires in life is a lake house for my family. A custom built, thoughtfully designed property right on the water. Big wall of windows pouring sunlight into our living room. Space for everyone to sprawl out and enjoy their hobbies and personal space instead of being piled on top of one another in a home we are rapidly outgrowing.
Now, imagine if I didn’t let the sound of my sons’ laughter touch my heart because we do not live where I want to live. Imagine if I could only enjoy that in our dream house?
Doesn’t make sense.
In fact, the way I imagine it, they won’t even share a room anymore, let alone a bed. It actually might be something that is sacrificed in the pursuit of more.
Shit.
So, what is a girl with big dreams to do? How am I to appreciate all of the things I DO have in the now?
Gratitude.
Right?
Be grateful for what I have?
What the F does that mean? Just be grateful. That’s a what. That’s not a how. And I am a “how” person. I like systems. And directions. And guidelines. My autistic brain feels safe there.
My solution? Joy Journaling.
THE DEFINITION : What is Joy Journaling?
Joy Journaling is keeping a running record of all of the things that are going right in your life.
It is a gratitude practice, of sorts, but it is more inventory taking. You don’t have to feel gratitude in the moment to write down what made you smile, or laugh, or feel more at ease.
Or what about the thing that totally made you lose track of time? That should probably go in a Joy Journal. Anytime you enter the mega desirable state of flow, I would write that down.
THE EXECTION : How to Joy Journal?
While I would recommend doing this by hand, any format that you stick to is the right format.
This could be done in a journal, loose leaf, on your phone as a note, as a social media experiment, via video – ANY way that suits you.
THE FREQUENCY : When to Joy Journal?
ANY TIME JOY STRIKES!
Ideally, you would take note at the end of every day of things that brightened your mood, made you smiled, gave you energy.
It is especially important to note times you entered “flow”, that magical state of doing with ease, of being in the zone – what you were doing, and for how long.
However, if you find it is best to write it down as you go, BY ALL MEANS – make this work for you!
WHY JOY JOURNALING?
Gratitude begets joy.
We can so often get focused on the negative or the lack in our life. We can readily name the things that make us miserable in a day – but how easily can you list the things that warmed your heart? And more so than that HOW OFTEN to you list the things that bring you joy?
When you notice all of the good things already present in your life, you’re bound to find and attract and attune to more good! Joy journaling helps direct us towards more of what we like, what will make us happy. It brings more goodness into our reality. And it becomes contagious!
This is not just an exercise in gratitude.
This is an exercise in noticing. In awareness. In attuning yourself to the sweetness of life all around you. You will end up with a grateful heart – but all you have to do is notice. If you believe in manifestation, and your vibe, this is sure to raise it. This is sure to make you a magnet for more good to come to you. More noticing of what is right.
Awareness is the first step on any path.
Notice where you are, what you have.
And for God’s sake, look for the good.
🧡 aw
P.S. Here’s a great article with Marie Kondo and Brené Brown – it’s where I got the quote from!
