I am a long, long way from where I know I need to be regarding joy. But for what it’s worth, at a bit more than the halfway point of the year, here are some habits that have helped me the most.
10 Habits:
1. Keeping a gratitude journal. I write. “Lord, thank You for…” and then list 3 things that I am grateful for each day.
2. Singing and making melody in my heart to the Lord. I have a few songs that I seek to sing regularly that lift up my heart to God.
3. Seeking to connect with the Spirit of Christ who alone produces the fruit of joy. “Don’t grieve or quench… Do be filled by and stay in step with…”
4. Playing the “Glad Game.” I try to find something to be grateful for, especially in challenging and difficult circumstances.
5. Reading at least a few pages each day in books – some secular and some evangelical – that teach me about joy and happiness.
6. Taking walks with Maryanne to connect and talk about our day.
7. Writing encouraging notes to family and friends.
8. Looking to surprise people by expressing generosity in unexpected ways.
9. Finding a new hobby. Currently, I am enjoying collecting and selling fountain pens, especially vintage Parkers.
10. Seeking to be more organized with my schedule and environment.
7 Books
The books so far in 2015 that have encouraged me most are:
1. Pure Pleasure, by Gary Thomas
2. The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin
3. Happiness: The Art of Living with Peace, Confidence, and Joy, by Douglas A. Smith
4. Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter
5. The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
6. The Happy Christian, by David Murray
7. Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, by Kay Warren
1. Keeping a gratitude journal. I write. “Lord, thank You for…” and then list 3 things that I am grateful for each day.
2. Singing and making melody in my heart to the Lord. I have a few songs that I seek to sing regularly that lift up my heart to God.
3. Seeking to connect with the Spirit of Christ who alone produces the fruit of joy. “Don’t grieve or quench… Do be filled by and stay in step with…”
4. Playing the “Glad Game.” I try to find something to be grateful for, especially in challenging and difficult circumstances.
5. Reading at least a few pages each day in books – some secular and some evangelical – that teach me about joy and happiness.
6. Taking walks with Maryanne to connect and talk about our day.
7. Writing encouraging notes to family and friends.
8. Looking to surprise people by expressing generosity in unexpected ways.
9. Finding a new hobby. Currently, I am enjoying collecting and selling fountain pens, especially vintage Parkers.
10. Seeking to be more organized with my schedule and environment.
7 Books
The books so far in 2015 that have encouraged me most are:
1. Pure Pleasure, by Gary Thomas
2. The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin
3. Happiness: The Art of Living with Peace, Confidence, and Joy, by Douglas A. Smith
4. Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter
5. The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
6. The Happy Christian, by David Murray
7. Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, by Kay Warren
Question: What habits and resources have helped you find more joy?
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