The little things that bring us joy

I recently discovered a new podcast and listening to it brings me joy.

I find myself often relating to the conversations they have or smiling/laughing.

It’s so useful to fill your life with little things that bring you joy that you have easy access to.

Something extravagant like a week in the Maldives isn’t accessible to you on a regular basis.

You have to think small-scale.

A useful exercise is either throughout or at the end of the day write down all the things you did that brought you joy, then make a vow to do those things more.

It could be meditation, morning gratitude, getting a coffee in the kitchen with your work pal, listening to a particular song or podcast, reading a book, putting on a face mask, saying good morning to strangers on your way to the bus stop or train station or even going for a walk.

As humans we have a tendency to over complicate things but often it’s as simple as, whatever makes you feel good, do more of it.

Self-depreciating

But make it humorous.

How many times have you gone into a situation and rejected yourself or put yourself down before others had the chance?

And of course you don’t just say it out right, you make a joke because everyone likes to laugh. If it’s at your expense, maybe they’ll keep you around.

It’s interesting to identify the why behind your actions or the actions of others. It gives you a greater understanding and the opportunity to practice compassion.

So, maybe you could stop making those self deprecating jokes and try a vulnerable conversation with a friend (or someone else you’re comfortable talking to) instead.

I want the world…

We all have our Veruca Salt moments every once in a while.

Can you think of a time when you got annoyed/angry when you didn’t get what you want?

Maybe you had an idea of what you wanted in your mind but found that the other people in your life didn’t comply with that vision.

Granted you might not have shouted and your wants may not have been expensive things for others to pay for but the idea behind it is the same.

The basis of Veruca Salt is someone who is selfish, inconsiderate and greedy.

Yet she was also someone that knows what they want, was determined and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

We all have moments when we put our wants, needs and desires above all else. In truth it’s not always a bad thing as long as you don’t put yourself in danger or treat others poorly in the process.

Not every moment defines you

Just because you fail doesn’t make you a failure, if someone doesn’t accept your help doesn’t make you useless and so it goes on.

I think sometimes we try so hard to define things and to define who we are that we miss the bigger picture. It’s not about being a winner or a loser.

Alan watts wrote something that really stuck with me that pretty much said in terms of duality that you only know one thing because of the other, that they’re different sides of the same coin.

We put so much weight on the meaning behind things that we forget to just take them for what they are.

An easy way to be misunderstood

Hiding who you are is an easy way to find yourself misunderstood.

If you focus on only being a small fragment of your true self then that is what people will take you as.

That small fragment could be serious and hardworking but deep down you have a silly side.

Maybe you’re embarrassed about the silly side or worried about judged so you hold back.

You don’t join in with certain conversations even when you have something to contribute, as though you’re not allowed to speak.

Yet you walk around feeling misunderstood totally unaware that you’re in a web of your own making.

Reflecting on the part you play in your own life circumstances is a useful exercise.

Maybe we should meet our idols

Because cracking the illusion of the super human might be just what you need.

So, I don’t have anyone I’d consider an idol but I have a bunch of music favourites as well as Seth Godin, Simon Sinek, Gary Vee etc. They’re all people that move or inspire me.

They’re people I think are amazing but not superior just different. I’m not under any impression that they’re perfect or that I would like them if I knew them personally or even that they would like me.

When I think about meeting Seth Godin based on what I know it would be a pretty ordinary experience. He’s just another bald man in a suit with odd socks and a purple glasses.

Putting people on pedestals isn’t useful or beneficial for you.

That’s why we should meet them, to break the illusion. To remember that we aren’t less than and remember that we’re capable of great stuff too.

Don’t look back

…in anger (this has nothing to do with Oasis but I do love that song!).

You can spend your whole life working on improving aspects of your life. Imagine you’ve always struggled with your career and finding something that you like that pays enough that you can live a life you’re happy with you.

Imagine you’ve spent years feeling unsatisfied moving from job to job.

Then all of sudden you find something that is everything you’ve always wanted and you’re finally happy doing what you do to earn a living.

But you’re also left with somewhat of a gaping hole in your heart where that struggle used to be.

Even though things have changed for the better, it feels as though something is missing because you’re lighter now.

What’s missing is the stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, worry and the struggle. Yet somehow you might find yourself longing for what once was.

Overcoming is a pretty big deal, acknowledge what you’ve accomplished and don’t look back on what once was.