As we head into the season of gratefulness, we see it everywhere – even Starbucks and McDonald’s have jumped on the bandwagon of selling us the promise of joy. Take a “sip sip” and experience joy. Eat this food and guess what? Joy. 

Really? I mean, temporary happiness maybe (ok, definitely), but joy? Since when did that get watered down to a temporary and fleeting sensation tied to our bellies or even worse, our purchases?

Joy is a discipline, plain and simple. It’s foundational and is grown over a lifetime through our unique experiences, struggles, adventures, lessons, service, and most of all the ever-famous attitude of gratitude. Psychology Today says, “The bio-psycho-social-spiritual benefits of gratitude are myriad. Cultivating conscious contact with gratitude is a skill, and we can profit immensely by learning and practicing it.”

If you’re wondering why joy, gratitude, or even happiness itself feel scarce in your life but aren’t sure how to identify the reasons, let me offer you these two thoughts:

1. There are no such things as joy bombs. I promise, nothing is dropping out of the sky into anyone’s life out of nowhere. You, and only you, need to dig deep within to draw out whatever vulnerabilities need to be addressed in your life. Then, you need to take a courageous baby step forward into exploration of what makes your heart glad – then go do that. And then more of it. Repeat.
2. You need to ”embrace uncertainty,” as Bob Goff puts it. “Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” In other words, stop allowing fear, worry, guilt, and the “shoulds” to weigh you down. Instead, allow the unknown to excite you and cultivate a sense of wonder and hope in your circumstances instead of playing victim to them. 

I could go on and on about the benefits of gratitude, how life’s obstacles are actually the best way of pruning you, and how putting yourself in someone else’s shoes always points your towards lasting positivity (empathy!) but today, I’d rather be a little silly. 

So, as we approach the time of year when we collectively stop to give thanks and lots of presents, I offer you this list to continue (or begin!) bending your mind towards the good, positive, simple, and ultimately, the foundation of joy. Applicable to young or old, male or female, and anyone in between. 

I dare you to try these things out, document them, and share the results – you never know who’s watching and being inspired by YOU!

1. Ride a shopping cart. You know what I mean. Pick up both feet and let her fly. You’re out buying last minute Halloween candy deals and preparing for holiday meals anyways. Go for it! It will remind you of your care-free youth and inspire you to incorporate just a little more whimsy into your daily routine.
2. Have a red light dance party. There are some incredible dance actions that require nothing but upper body movement. Pull up to a stop light, blast the music, smile, and let loose. People will giggle and feel like they’re catching you on accident but little do they know it was a private show just for them! Heehee…You’ll feel energized AND put a smile on someone else’s face. 
3. Hand a stranger $5. Or more if you can afford it. The thrill of giving will undoubtedly challenge you to curate generosity as a way of life. There are financial needs all around us to which we are sometimes blind. When we give financially, it reminds us that money is simply an exchange of energy. This helps you decide what foothold money is or is not allowed in your life and where you could begin to more freely donate it to help those who are in need of a little more energy.
4. Speak in a made up language of funny sounds all day. This is especially hilarious if you have kids, but even more so if you’re at work. I know, I know, you can’t walk into the boardroom talking jibberish…or can you?! Silliness can disarm anger and allow us time to breath and refocus – all of which we need constantly in this day in age!
5. Pick up trash in your neighborhood without being asked. Better yet, do it with your kids. You’ll get a dose of vitamin D (which is so important!), feel a renewed sense of pride in your immediate environment, and you’ll benefit from a satisfying sensation of the best kind of giving – of yourself.
6. Take a class in something as opposite of “you” as possible. Underwater basket weaving, floral design, chemical engineering, ukulele lessons…I know, this seems scary and not super joy-inspiring but I promise, when you challenge your intellect to grow outside of the confines of what it’s been told over the course of your life, you will be deeply moved. And you just never know what skills, talents, and strengths are lying dormant inside yourself, just waiting to be asked to dance.
7. Start a prayer journal. Not super quirky by definition BUT if you haven’t tried it before it may feel foreign.That’s ok because it’s just for you (and God!). What better way to identify, specify, and ultimately reach goals in life? And, it keeps a fun timeline of accomplishments when looking back at those that have come to fruition in the way you imagined. Caution – this may lead to an insane and wonderful increase in all good things in life, so you’ve been warned. 😉

For more tips, I found this article about childlike joy super fun and encouraging, too.

May you curate, adventure through, struggle with yet learn from, and share your unique joy starting today. Happy experimenting!