What are the 5 simple steps to choosing joy?

Choosing Joy! Did you know that joy is a choice? That it does not come naturally. That when you choose to live a life of joy you CHOOSE to rise above your circumstances AND regardless of your circumstances…you live a life of joy. Now, I have many posts about joy. Make sure you check them all out (listed below).

One other thing I thought I would mention…happiness and joy are not the same thing. Happiness depends on what is happening around you. Joy is what is in you. This is a big difference when you desire to be on the joyful path of life and NOT on the one of irritation, anger and misery. There is a big difference when you choose to NOT look at what is happening around you and choose to live a life of what is inside of you. Choosing a life of joy.

So, what are the 5 simple steps to choosing joy you ask? Before I answer that you might want to read ‘What is Joyful Living‘ first. It will be hard to put the steps in place if you really aren't sure what it is. I can almost guarantee that the answer will surprise you.

5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy:

Now, choosing joy is not an easy task. There are many obstacles in life that will try to pull you down. Many things that just seem to get in the way…all the time, right?

1). Figure out what steals your joy.
How often do things irritate you? Do you get overwhelmed? How often are you disappointed? Write them down. Write down what sets you off, frustrates you or irritates you. Figure out what the triggers are….because once you know the triggers you will be able recognize them when they happen again.

2). Move into the direction of joy.
Look at the list of things that steal your joy and figure out how you can make a change. Calendar too full…cancel some engagements. Clutter getting to you…do a ‘5 Minute Clean‘ multiple times a day. Friends not calling you back…ask them why. Goals not being met…perhaps they are the wrong goals, if so, eliminate them.

3). Start with gratitude.
When you begin your days with thankfulness and gratitude your mind shifts form ‘I want' to ‘I have'. Living a life of ‘haves' is a much more satisfying way to live. Don't you agree? If you are finding yourself stuck in a negative thought process make a conscious effort to recall all the good things. Even if they are small and mundane. Good is good, right? Adjust your thoughts to ones of gratitude…and right behind gratitude will come joy. Remind yourself of how far you have come…which moves into the direction of ‘I have.'

4). Adjust how you think.
You can definitely choose to live in your circumstances. You can let your circumstances dictate to you how you think, feel and act. Don't let your circumstances dictate to you how you think, act or feel. Choose to rise above those circumstances…so that you can live your joyful life.

5). Give yourself grace.
No one is perfect…including you. Slip ups will happen. Irritation will rear its ugly head. Don't ignore the irritation. Figure out the why's (#1 above) and make a change. Tomorrow (or later in the same day) is a new opportunity to choose joy.

I sure hope that helped. Go on and grab the FREE Quickstart Guide. Plenty of tools to get you started.

Here is a great little Bible Study that might help you out too.

I am praying that you are able to live a full life while choosing joy…everyday.

Need a few more posts about Joyful Living? Check out:

• What is Joyful Living?
• Finding joy in ALL things
• What is the Difference Between Happiness and Joy
• What Does God Say About Joy?

GO ON AND PIN FOR LATER: 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy