To keep up to date with my Thursday thoughts, and access to more content, follow me on Patreon
For my first Thursday thought post I wanted to focus on something positive to take us forward into the new year, and something that I don’t think we necessarily give enough thought to – the things that bring us Joy.
So this week as snow is hitting parts Scotland, Edinburgh (where I live) is freezing cold, and everyone is trying to get back into a routine after the holidays and with ongoing weather disruptions, I am inviting you to reflect with me on what brings you joy – both the big and small moments that make your heart leap, gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside, or just brings a fleeting smile to your face.
It is so easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life, and become used to the things we see every day. Stopping for a moment to recognise something that gives you that little feeling of happiness can be difficult, but in terms of mental wellbeing regularly taking the time to notice or consciously recognise those positive feelings can be really beneficial.
Positive psychology research shows feelings of joy can result in increased mental resilience, creative thought processes, and playfulness. By experiencing this positive emotion we are opening ourselves up to a different way of looking at the world around us. In turn that opens us to different experiences and opportunities that may have passed us by otherwise.
My own daily sources of joy can be quite varied. They often have a social or nature-based component. Going for walks alone, or with friends or family and taking the time to notice and appreciate a flower, tree, plant, or a piece of architecture. Edinburgh is such a walkable city, with so many different views. I often find myself noticing something out on a mundane errand that I have never stopped to appreciate before, or I have, but it just hits me once more. And sometimes, I’ll go that way on purpose, just to be able to enjoy it again.
Enjoying conversations with children as they share their views on the world (mostly children of family and friends, but occasionally overheard conversations on buses or in shops) I think my favourite ages for viewing the world through the eyes of a child are around 3-7 – it just comes out unfiltered, or sometimes with a cheeky wee glint when they are looking for a reaction. At a family dinner the other day, one of the children was showing us magic tricks – making a balled up napkin ‘appear’ in his closed fist – but not having shown us his empty hand first!
Snuggling up on the couch with a hot chocolate, and a good book, with my cat on my lap. The first bite of a favourite meal, or experiencing a new dish that hits just right. Successfully making a delicious meal that I haven’t attempted before…
Thinking about this, it reminds me of the song from The Sound of Music ‘These are a few of my favourite things’, with the caveat, that it’s not just thinking about your favourite things when you are stressed or upset that can be helpful, but actually noticing and recognising that moment of joy then appreciating the positive feelings it brings, and taking it forward into the rest of your day.
So, I invite you to consider what brings you joy each day, and to notice those little moments over the next week. If this isn’t something you already do, you might want to record them in some way – take a picture, write a note to yourself, make a point of sharing it with someone else, or at the end of the day reflecting back on any moments of joy you have experienced. I would love to hear about your experiences, and whether you find this making a difference to your mood or mindset in the longer term, and if you are a paid supporter, I would love to see you share these in the Thursday Thoughts Community chat!
More about emotions in positive psychology here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3122271/
P.S. If you are currently reflecting and setting intentions for the year ahead, you might be interested in my upcoming workshops, join as a group coachee for 5% off, or as an individual coachee for 10% off – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/vibrantly-revive-88126596993
Vibrantly Revive 