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I celebrate the small joys in life.

Life is a series of moments and each moment holds a joy of its own.

It might be a moment just bursting with great joy, such as when I hold my newborn baby for the first time, but most moments carry the small joys that provide me with a fulfilling life – day after day.

As Forrest Gump’s mother said: “Life is like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you’re going to get.”

And just as every chocolate in that box is delicious in its own unique way, so, too, are the moments of my life.

The joys of the day start as soon as I wake up.

I see my partner by my side and feel their love.

I think about how lucky I am to be able to cherish the love of this good person.

I look out the window and see the beauty of the dawn, hear the birds harmonizing in glorious melody and, yes, even appreciate the sound of the cats meowing for their breakfast.

I laugh as the puppy comes bounding onto the bed, happy for the new day, too.

I relish the warmth of the hot water in my morning shower.

I love the smile of my baby as he wakes and enjoys his breakfast.

I take pleasure in the sweet aroma of the coffee.

Moments like these continue throughout my day.

It is these moments that make me realize how blessed I am.

And so I celebrate these small joys of life that bring so much happiness.

Today, I choose to be fully conscious of the individual moments of my day and receive with joy the blessings that each moment brings.

How do you start your day with joy?

How can you attract more of these joys into your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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I make time to giggle.

Life is too short to miss out on the fun, so every day I am sure to enjoy some humor.

Laughter is one of nature’s best stress relievers and so I take advantage of its benefits whenever I can.

I allow myself to be easily amused and take pleasure in the simple things of life.

When I see a puppy wagging its tail, it reminds me of how totally exuberant puppies are, and l take time to laugh and enjoy its further antics.

A funny movie quote can liven up even the dullest of conversations!

It also steers the discussion toward things I love.

“Remember when…” can bring back funny memories over and over again.

Whenever I am with my family or an old friend, we enjoy the same funny stories for years.

They are part of a common heritage of fun that we share and cherish.

Every time someone new joins the group, I laugh again as they get to hear the stories for the first time.

I also make time to watch funny movies and play funny games with my friends and family.

Nothing beats the good feelings from an evening of laughter!

When tension is great, sometimes I even say or do something silly.

It brings an immediate release of the tension so we can all then focus more clearly on the matter at hand.

Today, I choose to see the humor in my everyday situations and make time to do something just for the fun of it!

When was the last time you did something funny and outrageous?

How can you add more humor into your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Bring More Joy into Your Life

Do you feel like all you do is prepare for future joyful times?

Perhaps you hear sayings like “live each day as if it were your last” but you have trouble truly taking it to heart.

Experiencing joyful times can take some extra effort on your part.

The truth is, it’s a choice.

We live in busier and busier times and must remember to schedule time to slow down and enjoy life in the present.

Everyone has a unique definition of what joy means for them.

Even on your busiest of days, you should strive to pause and remember what is important in your life, then live your life according to your own priorities.

The Joy Of Everyday Things

We have the ability to find joy right here in the lives we lead now.

While it’s fun to go out experiencing new and exciting things, it’s always best to start where we are.

There are things to appreciate and opportunities for joy in everyday situations.

Consider these things on your quest for joy and fulfillment:

1. Spend quality time with family.

While it’s always a good idea to have meal times together, you can find much joy in just spending some quality time with your loved ones at home.

Some people might enjoy family game night, while others might prefer to talk and share what’s happening in their life.

2. Relax with an activity you enjoy.

Do you skip out on yourself in a quest to do one more chore before bed?

Choose your own relaxing activity and make it a priority.

Play a computer game, read a book, or take a bath.

3. Grab some fresh air.

Nothing brings you into the moment like some fresh air and nature.

In nature, you can escape your inner world for a few moments and realize that you’re a small part of something large and great.

Allow feelings of well-being and joy to wash over you and cleanse your soul.

4. Make an effort to be stress-free.

The biggest threats to a joyful life are the stresses and anxiety that arise in day-to-day life.

Don’t allow these feelings to build up or they can take away from your opportunities for joy.

Deal with stressful situations as they come up so that they don’t turn into long-term stressful scenarios.

Trying New Activities

Once you’ve mastered the art of finding joy around you in your everyday life, it’s time to see how you can add to it by trying new activities.

You don’t need to make major changes, but trying new things and escaping your comfort zone from time to time can refresh and rejuvenate you.

Here are some tips for trying new activities:

1. Start with your hometown.

Look at the different opportunities for fun around where you live.

Chances are there are places that you’ve always been meaning to try out but haven’t yet.

2. If you’re an adventurous person, seek a new activity every now and then that excites you.

You could try rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, or even traveling to new and exciting destinations.

3. If you have a family, look for new family-friendly opportunities.

You can even set a date to do activities together with your neighbors or other close families.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to opening yourself up to new opportunities.

Stay creative and brainstorm a large list.

Then start enjoying them all, even if it’s only one at a time.

What brings you joy?

How can you have more of this in your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Transforming Grief Into Joy

Grief is one the hardest things to overcome.

The truth is, after a period of loss or grief, a part of us changes and we’re never completely the same.

But what we can do is learn how to handle it for the better so we can learn and grow.

Living in perpetual grief is no way to live our lives and surely this is no way our loved one would want us to live.

The question is this: is it possible to transform your grief into joy so your grief doesn’t overtake you?

Yes! Here are a few strategies you can use to help turn your grief into joy:

1. Remember that your loved one is in your heart.

Although they may be physically gone, they’re still close by.

You’re still able to speak to them, feel close to them, and have them in your life. 

Any time you feel the need to feel closer to your loved one, go into a quiet room and close your eyes, then say a prayer or speak to them within your heart.

This simple strategy can be done at anytime and you can recall all the joys and happiness from you past to cheer you up.

2. Don’t stop talking about them.

If you love and miss this person so much, chances are there are others out there who feel exactly the same way.

Don’t stop talking about your loved one just because they have physically passed away. 

Talk about the memories, the good times, the bad times, the funny times, and the sad times.

Just don’t stop talking and sharing with others about this person.

If something reminds you of this person, tell others.

Celebrate the amazing life they had and always keep their memories alive.

3. Create their legacy.

When someone we love passes on, we don’t want people to forget the impact this person made when they were here.

A simple idea is to do something in memory of this person that will live on forever.

For example, you can plant a tree, donate to their favorite charity, or create a scholarship in their name.

4. Know that they would want you to be happy.

The person you cared for so deeply would want you to be happy and deep down inside you know this too. 

They would want you to go out and live your life to the fullest.

Doing this doesn’t mean you’re forgetting them, because they’ll always be with you in your heart.

It’s time to leave an impact on someone else just like your loved one impacted you.

The loss of a loved one is never easy.

We all take time to grieve our loss, but there’s a time that we must move on.

We need to forge on, but we can still carry our loved one in our heart and memories. 

We must go out and make them proud of us, and they’ll continue to be right by our side as we move forward again.

How can you be happy after a loss in your life?

What activities do you do to move yourself forward and live on with your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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The Joy of Laughter

“Laughter is the best medicine” is a phrase that dates back to biblical times as an old Proverb and it’s still widely used today all over the world.

That’s because it’s true! 

Let’s take a look at what happens inside your body, mind and spirit when you laugh.

Laughter’s Effect on Your Body

Endorphins are released throughout your body, stimulating muscles, nerves, organs and tissues when you laugh.

Studies show these endorphins give relief to chronic pain, help to relieve stress and promote functioning of the immune system.

Laughter literally helps heal your body.

Laughter and Your Mind

Happy thoughts lead to a more positive outlook on life.

When you’re hanging out with friends and having good conversation that produces smiles and laughter, your mind’s producing happy thoughts.

On the other hand, if you’re always around people who never smile and always find something to complain about, you’ll lean toward a more negative outlook on life.

Strengthening Your Inner Being

Laughing causes your inner being to be emotionally and physically strengthened.

When you laugh or even smile, your inner being is stimulated in an affirmative way, producing a more positive outlook on life.

This helps your body produce more self-healing endorphins, which actually helps your body remain healthy and running optimally!

Boosting Your Spirits

Laughter causes a lift in your spirits, helping you feel uplifted.

Laughter not only helps you personally, it’s also very contagious and infectious, which helps those around you feel less stress and anxious.

Don’t you just love it when you hear a baby or toddler laugh?

What happens to you? You can’t help but laugh too!

Laughter begins to develop in humans as early as 3 months of age and a baby’s laughter is one of the most contagious of all human sounds.

Laughter and Your Relationships

When two people share a funny story or a silly situation arises between two people, there’s a unique bonding that is created.

Something special is formed between the two that only they can relate with. It’s an inside joke that is special to those who’ve shared in the moment.

When two people spend a lot of time together in laughter, a stronger, more ever-lasting relationship develops. 

In a marriage, studies show couples that laugh together stay together much longer, if not for life.

Think about a truly happy couple you know.

Sure, every family has their issues and marriage takes work, but chances are they spend a lot of time laughing together.

This doesn’t happen by accident either. It can be created and fostered!

When you choose to embrace laughter, you’ll be able to get through many more rough spots in life and come out a happier and healthier person.

Life can be tough, so why not choose to make it more joyous? You can if you choose to.

Always try to find joy in every situation and laugh as often as possible each and every day.

Also, by spending more time around positive people, who love life and love to laugh, you’ll be amazed at how you begin to feel on the inside and out!

How do you keep laughter a part of your daily life?

What do you do to spread joy with those you encounter daily?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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I give myself permission to be happy.

I let myself be happy by allowing myself to be me.

I am free from the internal pressure to be like someone else.

My joy depends solely on what is in my heart.

I reflect daily to find my inner fire and pursue it.

My life is fulfilling because I follow my own passions and dreams.

My face always wears a smile. My smile is my most beautiful accessory.

Even when I don’t feel happy, I smile. I know that if I lead with my actions, my heart will follow.  

I am happy because I have a thankful heart.

My Creator has given me everything I need to be content.

My happiness comes from relationships and experiences, not from material possessions.

I do not measure my success with material possessions; nor will I become a slave to the unending cycle of buying ‘stuff’ in an attempt to quench an insatiable thirst.

I know happiness cannot be bought. Happiness is free.

It is available to me, and I choose to seize it.

I allow myself to see the good in every situation.

I focus on positive things. Happiness is having the right perspective.

Like a camera lens, I choose to zoom in on the good.

When goodness is magnified, I experience happiness.

I give myself permission to be happy right now.

Instead of searching for a place of happiness, I find that happiness is a state of being.

How can you avoid being critical of yourself?

What is one thing you can do today that will bring you joy?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Beauty surrounds me, just waiting to be enjoyed.

Life is beautiful and I can experience its beauty all day long when I allow myself to see it.

That’s the trick – letting myself see the magnificence of life, instead of clouding my vision with worries and distractions.

When I find myself putting my daily activities on autopilot, I make it a point to push my distractions away and enjoy the beauty of the now.

I find that each moment carries its own particular beauty that is only present for a few fleeting minutes, then it disappears forever, only to be replaced by the beauty of the next moment.

If I let my worries distract me, I live in my thoughts, instead of my reality.

If I pay attention to the preciousness of the moment, I bring that positivity into my own life and it’s there with me forever.

My life’s journey is a parade of joyful moments.

I am grateful for these joys and I look forward with anticipation to the ones yet to come.

I can strengthen my ability to discover this beauty with a positive and optimistic mindset.

Negative feelings tend to make it harder to see the splendor that surrounds me, while optimism makes it easy.

Today, I intend to maintain a positive attitude and discover the beauty of each moment.

What beauty did you experience today?

What did you miss while you were preoccupied with worries and distractions?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!