This morning, I re-listened to a coaching call from a couple months ago. Melanie Ann Layer held a live coaching call in her "We Are Alpha Femme" group, and it's one that resonates so much with me. The overall questions was how to hold joy when everything/everyone around you feels very heavy - and I absolutely love Melanie's recommendations.
First, she suggests paying attention to the small things...or, making the small things seem very important in your day-to-day life. In her example, she used to treat herself to one stem from a flower shop (and carry it around with her all day) and sit down at a coffee shop to truly savor the latte she splurged on - and that may have been the most enjoyable moments in her life at the time. This concept is very similar to the hashtag I started in September (#simplejoys365) where my theory is that there is usually at least one thing every day that makes you smile. If you're able to capture a picture of that moment, by the end of the year your photo album will be full of little moments in time that brought you joy. It also helps to make you more aware of your what goes on around you, as well as taking the time to appreciate the simpler things.
The next part of the conversation asked the participant what would make her happy right now if there were no other considerations (time, money, etc). The immediate response was to live in a castle for a week and do nothing but wander the grounds to enjoy nature, read books, light candles... Since running away to a castle may not be possible, for many reason, she actually broke it down into simple steps to bring the "big dream" into current reality - minus the castle. Without reiterating her step-by-step breakdown, it boiled down to actually taking the time to appreciate nature nearby (ride your bike, go for a hike, sit by the river) every day; allowing yourself the time to indulge in your current literary desires without begrudging yourself the time to do it (yes, there's probably chores to do but they will still be there later) - you can always give yourself a window of time for reading if a whole day isn't an option; take time to light candles around your house (just because!) - maybe even splurge on a favorite scent or higher quality candle if it brings you joy.
What I took away from this discussion is that you can always allow yourself the freedom to enjoy things that make you happy. Even if it isn't in your current financial situation to allow for a full week of leisure, there is always moments that can be captured (or created). When they are there and you see them for the gift they are, take a moment to feel gratitude. Then you will build a life being grateful for the simple(r) things - and when you achieve the financial situation you desire then you will be able to enjoy it all the more.
The first time I listened to this coaching call, my "happy right now" scenario was to find a cute Airbnb in the mountains somewhere - someplace where I didn't have any chores/responsibilities. I could lounge around and take leisurely naps. I would have time dedicated to taking pictures and refining my techniques. I could stay up all night and watch Lady Aurora dance across the sky and not worry about having to get up early in the morning to go to work. The expense of staying in an Airbnb for a week isn't a possibility for me right now. But, on my days off I can plan photography excursions...or I could set up flat-lay photo shoots in my home. If I make an effort to do chores after work, then I don't have to focus on them on my days off. And when I'm not working, I generally prefer to be out in nature. And if I desire to take a mid-day nap, I don't chastise myself for that luxury.
How can you find (or create) more joy in your daily life? What would your "happy right now" scenario look like? How can you break it down into something that could be incorporated into your existing reality? I would love to hear! And if you want help walking through the steps, let me know - sometimes it's easier when you have an unbiased ear.
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