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By Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, Ph.D., MBA, RYT, CHHC

JOY. What makes your spirit smile? Are you experiencing at least one instance of pure joy every day? Do you regularly share acts of kindness?

The quest for immediate gratification, which is so prevalent in our society, can inhibit the feeling of true joy. We often go for the quick “feel-good” fix – fast food, the latest gadget, a shot of botox. This brings on a shallow view of life and a reliance on external items to simulate a temporary high. Sometimes it takes knowing great sorrow to realize the true joy that is already present. As Kahlil Gibran said: “…joy and sorrow are inseparable… together they come and when one sits alone with you… remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.” He also said: “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?”

I remember when I was in the hospital battling Crohn’s. It was a cold and lonely place. At one point, the doctors were contemplating putting in a feeding tube since my body kept rejecting food. There were already IVs in both arms to pump in medicine and lipids (imagine having fat poured directly into you). In trying to remain optimistic, I wrote down a list of what I called “Little Treasures.” I kept it in my journal, and referred to it when I needed a smile or a taste of hope. When you’re stripped down to your core, the little things begin to matter in a really big way. Staring at those dreary walls, unable to eat or sleep, I reviewed what I held dear:

• My mother’s voice.
• The thought of my father.
• A Scrabble game with Daniel (my nephew).
• A chat with an old friend.
• A walk in the park.
• The taste of fresh fruit.
• The warmth of a hug.
• Sunlight on my skin.
• The smell of ocean air.
• The smell of the rain.
• A kiss on the forehead.
• A long, hot bath.
• The wag of a dog’s tail.
• A full, deep belly laugh.
• A family dinner.
• A picnic for two.
• Holding hands.
• A movie date.

Now, years later, after just receiving another clean bill of health, I look at the simplicity of these items. There were no things, only experiences. The list was really about connecting with the Universe and feeling the Divine – in nature, in people, in sense perception. Holding this list close has helped me remain present with life and celebrate the moments. 

Action Steps:

• Evaluate your current state. Ask yourself, “How often do I experience joy? What or who makes me smile? What or who spoils my joy? How can I create an atmosphere of joy in my home?” Be willing to see where you are so you can map out where you’re going. Remember that you are in control of your own joy.
• Make a playlist. Write down ways to have fun and nourish your soul. Look to the arts for inspiration. Experience nature. Create a joke book. Go to an actual playground. Commit to playing for at least 20 minutes a day - by yourself or with others. Make play dates.
• Actively seek joy. Create a positive ritual to set the tone for the day. Take note from ancient cultures and offer a prayer, sing a song, or do a dance to greet the new morning. Throughout the day, ask yourself, “ How can I find joy in this moment?” You may be in the midst of chaos, around family or people you may not want to be around, but still ask the question. In the asking, you’ll find an answer – an answer so simple that it in itself may make you smile.
• Capture your joy in a journal. Every time you experience joy – from a special event or an everyday moment – write it down. Your own recording of “Little Treasures” will be the gift that just keeps on giving because you will take pleasure in rereading the entries.
• Share your bliss. Help those in need. If someone looks down, offer a smile. If someone else receives an honor, rejoice with her. Embody the qualities of joy and allow it to stream from you.
  

Affirmation:

Today, I seek joy.

I celebrate the moments of life. I understand that joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering; it is the presence of the sacred. I open my eyes to see the grace and goodness around me. I take time to pause and play. I cultivate joy every day, in little ways. I smile, laugh, and revel in life itself.

Today, I seek joy.

Listen to the Affirmation:

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is President of Power Living Enterprises, Inc. and Founder of PWR Brokers Incorporated. A former vice president at MTV Networks, she has a Ph.D. in World Religions, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and certifications in Holistic Health, Yoga and Fitness. Contact her at info@power-living.com, or 212-901-6913.

Power Living® Column Vol. 67.07, originally published December 2007. Terri Kennedy has written over 70 "The Power of..." columns that are available for syndication. Call 212-901-6913 for more information. 

Read other The Power of... columns. If you need help finding joy, check out all programs or our one-on-one coaching. For more information, email coaching@power-living.com or call us at 212.901.6913. You can also read Dr. Kennedy's quotes from various "The Power of..." columns, writings and talks.