List

List defined as “a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other”, “a series of names or other items written or printed together in a meaningful grouping or sequence as to constitute a record”.

It was my Birthday on 25 September 2020.  Next year I am 50 years.

On my Birthday I like to reflect and set goals. I like to imagine and ask the magic question - If I could be, do or have anything what would that be... 

And I have been reflecting too about Joy. I love my project of Joyful yet I was thinking yesterday whether I was missing something. I was pondering the question - is it possible to experience Joy yet not be overall happy? Or is discovering what brings in Joy and bringing more of that into our lives the key to a more happier life? 

I think of people who have experienced extreme tragedies. A friend of mine lost her beautiful daughter who was 6 years old. I would expect that happiness at her core would be almost an impossibility, her longing, her deep grief, her irreplaceable loss. Yet I would expect that Joy is within her reach, moments of Joy from her other children, when she can perhaps lose herself in the moment. 

Perhaps knowing what brings Joy and being able to initiate Joy is the most important, as happiness and sadness and all of the range of emotions is normal. And we need to make it okay to experience the emotions while also not dwelling or getting stuck in the darkness. Perhaps Joy is a tool - accessible, easily achievable, ready and waiting for us.

Yesterday I was thinking of Joy like lollies or treats - fleeting moments, sparks that light you up.

Yet my goal is Joyful, rather than just Joy, or moments of Joy. 

In order to be thorough I am setting myself a List to focus on alongside my Joyful goal to ensure that as I am moving towards Joyful I can also guarantee Happy and Healthy Living for myself and my family. 

For me a List is about being organised and focused.  It is a to do List.  A reminder for me.  I love acronyms that help me remember my List.    This List is about me being proactive in my quest for Joyful.

W heel of Life Review 

H appiness Research and Action

Y ou and Me - My strengths, who am I, my uniqueness and seeing and acknowledging uniqueness in others

 

W ork and Purpose, Writing and Business

H ealth - ME REFS (What is good for my Mental Health and Esteem plus Relax and Rest and Sleep, Exercise, Food and Self-Care)

E veryday Routines

N eat and Tidy and Organised

 

Now - Be Here Now - The Present Of Presence

 

I love a List. Creating a clear List brings Joy. Ticking items off the List brings Joy. Completing the List brings Joy.

I know when I write a List for work I feel more organised and it takes away feelings of anxiety and creates Joy for me. 

By making a daily List I am confident this will increase my Joy. 

The List I have created on my Birthday is an ambitious List that clearly highlights areas to focus on, as I focus on Joyful. It will involve review and reflection and research and new routines too. 

Writing this List to focus on as I move towards the big 5 0 has brought me Joy.

I know in writing a List it has to be kept handy and so I will print out this List and make sure I can see it so that I can make a point to ensure I focus on this List - to completing the List.  Completing the List or staying true to the List will bring me Joy. 

This week I must also compile a List of what I have written about so far - what brings me Joy - so that I can be proactive in bringing Joy into my life, our lives.