"Everyone knows somebody that needs to read this book (Perseverance) !" –Kathie Lee Gifford, Live on NBC’s Today Show
"Perseverance offers… profound insight for all of us seeking to lead a meaningful life." –Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of A Whole New Mind
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50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day
It’s pretty gloomy in New England this time of year. It feels like darkness has completely overpowered natural sunshine. While I could dwell on the negative aspects of winter, I am shifting my mindset this season. Everyday, I have committed to doing at least one thing that brings me joy. In order for this to actually work, I created a little list to reference when it’s time for my daily dose of joy. It’s simple, fun, and has a tremendous influence on my general wellbeing.
This little list of 50 items includes some of my personal “joy” favorites. EnJOY!
1. Smile.
2. Write a thank-you note to yourself (on your best stationery, of course).
3. Venture outside for a five-minute walk.
4. Indulge in a delicious piece of chocolate (or hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows!).
5. Find a piece of jewelry you haven’t worn in awhile – feels just like vintage shopping!
6. Pick fresh flowers or send yourself a little bouquet of favorite flowers.
7. Laugh – Visit a funny blog, watch a movie, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh.
8. Find serenity at a favorite local spot (ex. a park, a lake, a coffee shop, a little nook in your house or office).
9. Take one action towards a goal or dream.
10. Hit the pause button and spend five-minutes alone – allow your mind to become quiet.
11. Bake a favorite treat with a family member or friend — or bake alone and surprise someone special with yummy treats.
12. Discover an uplifting and fun song – something new.
13. Slow down and enjoy a long brunch.
14. Try a new fitness class.
15. Indulge in watching tv or reading a magazine – guilt free!
16. Declare a vacation day – write it BIG on your calendar so you get to anticipate this upcoming personal time (a vacation day can fall on the weekend).
17. Do a good deed — help someone else find joy.
18. Treat yourself to a favorite cup of coffee or tea – enjoy the flavors and activate your senses.
19. Be goofy! Dance around your room to your favorite music.
20. Explore the inspirational and joyful blog, Kind Over Matter.
21. Draw for fun.
22. Get rid of two items in your physical environment that make you feel negative.
23. Bite into a piece of fresh fruit.
24. Wear a color that makes you feel confident and joyful!
25. Write down three things that you are grateful for.
26. Call a supportive friend – or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
27. Watch the sunset from a beautiful location.
29. Start a book that you’ve been meaning to read.
30. Begin a fun DIY project.
31. Frame a photo of a favorite memory.
32. Take five deep breaths and stretch.
33. Browse books at your local book store (may I suggest one book in particular, Perseverance).
34. Interview yourself (sounds foolish, but can be oh so fun!).
35. Try a new recipe.
36. Learn something new (ex. a new hobby or craft).
37. Redesign (use what you already own to redesign your space) an area of your office or home.
38. Write a thoughtful comment on a personal blog you read (comments mean the world to me – hint hint!).
39. Create a list of 10 things you love about your significant other – surprise him/her with the list.
40. Look on the bright side.
41. Take a short, relaxing nap. Wake up rejuvenated.
42. Ask for support from those you trust with a problem – solving a problem definitely adds joy to the day.
43. Disconnect for lunch – close your door, turn off the computer and blackberry, and simply enjoy a peaceful lunch break.
44. Search for a hidden treasure on Ebay or Etsy.
45. Write a hope note and leave it for someone to find.
46. Connect with your fellow tweeters. Send a tweet with a joyful message.
47. Donate one item (or your time) to a local charity.
48. Create a collage (or browse the outstanding galleries) on Polyvore.
49. Create a list of 10 things that make you happy – your own personal “joy” list.
50. Make a commitment to do at least one thing per day that adds joy to your life.
Related "ripples" you might enjoy:
This entry was posted on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 12:06 pm and is filed under Balance & Simplicity, Top Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
22 Responses to “50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day”
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51. Read a delightful list from a joyful woman with Perseverance! :)
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
You are so sweet and made my day! Thank you! 51 is my new favorite :).
Hi Carolyn, I clicked over from your twitter page and saw this great post as I’m finishing a guest post called 50 simple things to do to chase the blues away. Awesome list! We have a few overlaps but #4, #17 and #19 are my favorites. So glad we met tonight.
Twitter: run4kelly
says:
Carolyn,
I love the link to the hope revolution. That is such a great idea.
I am currently reading Perseverance. I was blessed to be a part of a cancer journey through the volunteer work I do for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kelly fought through four relapses and battled on for almost 12 years.
I love reading your blog. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great post. I love New England. Read, “Things You Can Do in a Minute,” at my post http://www.mitchcarnell.com.
So many wonderful ideas!!!
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
Thank you so much, Donna!!
What a wonderful list, and an uplifting, inspiring post! Just reading it makes you feel better. Thanks for the suggestions!
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
I’m so happy you enjoy the list :)!!
[...] I need a quick inspirational fix, this is my go to blog! If you’re creating your own “50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day” List, I suggest a [...]
Gracias por estas 50 ideas que a veces se nos olvidan y otras no conocemos. Yo lo pongo mucho en práctica lo que dices y me funciona. Las voy a poner más en práctica. Con tu permiso las incluiré en mi blog.
Un saludo
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
I wish I could translate your comment – but I’m so bad with languages. Thank you for your comment and for posting the article with a link to A Beautiful Ripple Effect on your blog!
Carolyn!!! I’m catching up on all my favorite blogs & just saw this post, it’s made me smile SO big! Thank you so much for the KOM love!
xoxo
I loved your post. I published one that seems so similar to this one. I hope you don’t mind if I share it with you.
http://jangelos.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/25-ways-to-be-a-better-person/
[...] Need more inspiration? 50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day [...]
Twitter: arjunphlox
says:
This is such a beautiful post, thank you for sharing the thoughts! :)
Arjun Phlox´s last blog ..» Google Facts & Figures (massive infographic)
I loved this site. So sweet and kind. I am looking forward to reading through your archives and getting to know you better. In the mean time, I have added you to my blog roll.
Julie
Julie @ jbulie’s blog´s last blog ..Are you caught in a bad romance?
LOVED this post. They are so simple but I can really see these adding a lot to my day. I bookmarked this page and will be checking back daily for inspiration!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]´s last blog ..So You Want to be a Group Fitness Instructor? [Part 3]
[...] ways to add joy to your day Wednesday January 13 50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Day posted in: fabulous [...]
[...] post by “A beautiful ripple effect”. It’s pretty gloomy in New England this time of year. It feels like darkness has completely [...]
Twitter: write2explore
says:
WoW! Thanks for this list. It is not only uplifting, but inspiring as well. :-)
Pray. Seek God and Pray.