{"id":124968,"date":"2023-10-16T06:31:28","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T12:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=124968"},"modified":"2023-10-16T06:31:30","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T12:31:30","slug":"simplifying-for-joy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/simplifying-for-joy\/","title":{"rendered":"How Simplifying Brings the Little Joys to Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Note: This article on simplifying for joy is by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I visited a friend in San Francisco. During my stay, we celebrated her birthday and indulged in experiences that filled us with joy. We walked through Golden Gate Park, immersed ourselves in Kehinde Wiley’s moving exhibit An Archaeology of Silence<\/em><\/a>, and savored simple pleasures<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My weekend adventures left me wondering about joy. What is joy exactly? And would a definition \u2013 or two \u2013 help me pair words with this emotion? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bren\u00e9 Brown\u2019s book \u2013 Atlas of the Heart<\/em><\/a> \u2013 <\/em>answers these questions based on stories and research. Brown said, \u201cJoy is sudden, unexpected, short-lasting, and high-intensity. It’s characterized by a connection with others, or with God, nature, or the universe. Joy expands our thinking and attention, and it fills us with a sense of freedom and abandon.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I read Brown\u2019s definition, I thought to myself: Yes, that\u2019s the feeling of joy!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I turned to Ross Gay<\/a> \u2013 one of my favorite authors \u2013 for guidance. Gay defines delight as \u201can offshoot of joy.\u201d He said the word delight \u201csuggests both of light and without light.\u201d Gay said, \u201cJoy is what emerges from our tending to one another through the difficulty, making it possible to survive the difficulty \u2026 Joy emerges from that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love these definitions because they remind me that joy can coexist with emotions like grief, sadness, and despair. Based on my experiences with joy and grief, this makes sense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering how to bring more joy into your life, try one of the ideas below. They have helped me focus on joy; especially when I\u2019m dealing with negative thoughts<\/a>. Also, the list below isn\u2019t all encompassing; it\u2019s meant to be a starting point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Ways Simplifying For Joy Can Help You Savor The Sweetness <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Keep a joy journal <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My morning routine is the best part of my day. I love sitting at the dining room table with my journals, a cup of coffee, and my cat. Typically, I write about moments of joy and delight. This writing exercise only takes 5-10 minutes, and it gives me a happiness boost for the rest of the day.\u00a0Consider starting a joy journal. Write about experiences, relationships, and simple pleasures that make you feel joyful. Over time, you\u2019ll notice themes and patterns in your writings. Try to incorporate these joyful activities into your daily routine.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. <\/strong>Simplifying for joy means trying new things<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I love trying new things, especially hobbies<\/a>. For example, I took an introduction to drawing class last year, and learned how to bake simple French cakes at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve also been talking to strangers<\/a> more often because it brightens my day. Last weekend, I took the Amtrak train home and chatted with a friendly woman \u2013 called Ann. It was her first time taking Amtrak and she loved the experience. She said, \u201cI was able to read half a novel; something I never have time to do. And, I was able to look at the beautiful views.\u201d It was delightful bonding with Ann over the joy of train travel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Reflect on your strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Applying my strengths to my jobs \u2013 like writing, research, and communication \u2013 has made work so much more enjoyable. This is true of my hobbies, too. Learning new skills and building on my strengths is fun. Plus, I\u2019ve learned that work doesn\u2019t have to be joyless.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Turn off your phone, and spend some time alone <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I\u2019ve been turning off my phone<\/a>, leaving it at home, and spending time alone on short bike rides and walks. Being device free has given me time to reflect on what brings me joy, and I\u2019m more in tune with my feelings. I\u2019m getting more and more comfortable turning off my phone. This feels so good! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. What type of media are you consuming?  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When I feel joyless, one question that I ask myself is \u2013 What type of media are you consuming?<\/em> If I\u2019m feeling sad or anxious, doom-scrolling won\u2019t bring me joy. Instead, I turn to forms of media that inspire me like novels, music, and art. Most of the time, these types of media guide me back to joy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Talk to loved ones <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talking to loved ones makes me feel grateful and joyful. For example, I have recurring weekly calls with a few good friends. In the past, I\u2019ve asked my friends for support; especially when I couldn\u2019t figure out what made me feel joyful. Close friends tend to offer insightful perspectives on my interests, passions, and what lights me up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Make a list of simple pleasures <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Simplifying my life helped me rediscover the joy of simple pleasures like noticing my surroundings. For example, I spotted a gorgeous mural in San Francisco last weekend. The mural bore a delightful quote that made me smile: \u201cJoy is the fuel for our collective strength.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get out your journal, or a piece of paper, and make a list of simple pleasures that infuse your life with joy. If you\u2019re stuck, steal some ideas from my simple pleasures list<\/a>. Then post the list in a visible place (like your refrigerator or on a mirror). Seeing the list daily will remind you to incorporate simple pleasures into your routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus Tip: Pay attention to \u201cupward spirals\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Atlas of the Heart<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Bren\u00e9 Brown said, \u201cResearchers describe the relationship between joy and gratitude as an \u2018intriguing upward spiral.\u2019 I also love this term \u2013 such a great antidote to the downward spirals that we always hear about and, unfortunately, sometimes experience.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay attention to the joyful \u201cupward spirals\u201d that you experience. They can come from simple pleasures, hobbies, and relationships. <\/em>And, continue to wonder about what makes you feel alive, grateful, and joyful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Ross Gay said<\/a>, \u201cSo I’m writing about joy. The thing is, I’m not exactly sure what joy is. I’m constantly trying to wonder about it. In fact, I’d tell you, that’s <\/em>one little definition of freedom I enjoy: wondering about joy with other people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for more joyful resources, explore the list below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n