The most important gift you can give yourself is the joy list. This list consists of everything and anything that brings you any amount of joy. The smell of fresh flowers, a child’s smile or finding money on the ground. My list only had four things on it when I started it – now it has three full pages.

Begin with the most precious, the people in your life and then move on to nature and the arts. Take this list out and re-read it whenever you need to remind yourself of all the things you have that bring joy into your life. Appreciate.

When you find yourself all tense and overworked, take a five minute break. Joy Break. Pick something off your list to enjoy for just five minutes. Don’t be so busy that you can no longer enjoy being! If you are so busy trying to be a success that you only have a short Joy List remember that success is measured by the degree that you are enjoying peace. Sit down right now and write down ten things that make you joyful.

The Joy List can change your life. On this list goes everything that brings Joy into your life. From sunshine to a stranger’s smile – put anything that makes you smile, feel warm and fuzzy, and just plain happy on this list.

Examples of what can go on your list:

Lazy Sunday mornings
The smell of fresh coffee
Getting a manicure
Spring rain
Rebates
Sunshine
Paid holidays
Free samples
Walks in the summer
The smell of sauce simmering
Going to a play
Seeing a funny movie
Spring flowers

Begin your list and remember to add to it whenever you think of something that brings you joy. You now have a list that you can refer to at a moment’s notice to remind yourself of all that you have to appreciate.

The wonderful thing about the Joy List is that you can fall back on it when the going gets tough. For example, your kids are having a slumber party and the constant giggling is going to drive you crazy (because it always does). Plan ahead and rent four classic comedy movies and what do you know…you can make it through the night without stress!

(suggestions from a delightful book called “Serious Laughter” by Yvonne Conte)

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