Joy does not simply just happen; it comes when you choose it. It begins when you develop a heart full of gratitude and a mindset of appreciation. Every day we are blessed to wake up and have a fresh start and we have to choose to protect our peace by not letting anyone or anything steal our joy.

Choosing joy creates happiness, positivity, and an overall sense of peace and will help you navigate through life in a more enjoyably.

You might ask, “What does choosing joy even mean? How do I choose joy?” Below you will find three simple ways to incorporate joy in your everyday life.

GRATEFULNESS

Joy begins with gratitude. Every morning is a new day and every day is a new opportunity. When we shift our mindset to view everything with a grateful heart, we learn to become thankful for every situation – no matter how good or bad. Saying the words “I am grateful” out loud will refresh your spirit and increase the joy in your life. 

ADJUST YOUR MINDSET

Joy does not come by happenstance. You have to make the conscious decision to choose joy in every situation. This may cause you to change your mindset and even alter your perspective. Sometimes our mind automatically goes to a negative place, but when we find ourselves entering this space, we have to redirect our focus and shift to the positive side of things.

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with little minute things that don’t even really matter that much. You may spend hours, days, or even weeks upset about something that has zero to little significance, and that can be mentally exhausting. Once we learn not to sweat the small things, we have so much more energy to put towards positive and uplifting things that will overall increase our mental health. 

Ultimately, joy begins with a choice. You have to wake up every morning and determine “Today, I choose joy” and keep choosing it the next day and the next day. Incorporating this habit into your everyday life will give you so much peace in return!