A More Joyful Life

By: Suzanne Gattis, creative content writer

Author and speaker Srikumar Rao said, “There's no destination. The journey is all that there is, and it can be very, very joyful.” Ask around and most people will say that they want to live a joyful life. Ask how, and people may answer less freely. We all want to live a life of joy and purpose, yet many of us don’t know how to achieve such a life. Here are four tips that have helped me to live a more joyful existence.

Find Balance

Over time we begin to complicate simple things. With adulthood, the picture of our lives gets a little murky as we try to take on too much. We get overloaded with trying to accomplish too many tasks in the day and thus forfeit enough sleep, a healthy diet, or so many other enjoyable things in life. Learning to find a balance in your life and keeping some of the stress out can make a huge impact on your joy level. Stress can cause enormous problems for our health, our self-esteem, and our sanity. Learning to properly deal with stress can help bring balance and joy back into your life.

Be Polite (But Don’t Try to Please Everyone)

There is a difference between being polite and being a people pleaser. If you are constantly trying to win the approval of others, your life can be consumed with making other people happy. It is an unattainable goal. Setting your own boundaries is important so you are not compromising yourself in the process. Simply being nice and courteous to everyone, however, can improve your relationships and your own mood. When you give respect, you often get respect in return.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Only you can do you! Trying to be “as good as” someone else or having an unrealistic expectation of yourself can drain the joy right out of your life. Constantly comparing yourself to others has never done anybody good. By accepting yourself, not only with all your faults but also your good qualities, you will find a peace that you have not known before.

Accept Change

Let’s face it, the one thing we can rely on in this world is change. Learning to accept it and “go with the flow” helps make each day an opportunity, not a problem. Learning to be adaptable to the ups and downs of life clears your mind and your soul.

We are all searching to live a joyful life. It’s not always easy, but there are changes in your life that you can make to increase your overall happiness.